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Spend Ramadan in the UAE
Ramadan Kareem! For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for purifying the soul and practicing self-sacrifice. For one month from Wednesday 10 July, the Muslim population will abstain from food, drink and other physical needs during daylight hours. During Ramadan, and especially as Ramadan this year falls during the summer months, many UAE expats will travel home or take their vacations. However, for those of us who are staying in the UAE, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the spirit of the Holy Month, take advantage of shorter working hours and enjoy weekend getaways at special summer rates.
Relax on the Beach
Rixos The Palm- Source: Provided by Hotel The summer months can really take it out of you and what better way to spend your weekend than to relax by the pool or in the shade of a comfortable cabana by the beach. One of the best beaches out there is at Rixos the Palm on Palm Island, Dubai. As you can see from the photograph, the beach is pretty fantastic and if you’re not fasting for Ramadan you’re sure to enjoy the plentiful beach activities on offer. Or for those of us who are a little lazier and want to stay out of the heat, make a beeline for the Rixos Royal Spa where you can enjoy 20% off as part of their fabulous Ramadan offer. Whatever you do, make sure to head to the A La Turca restaurant at sunset to tuck into a fantastic Iftar spread and complimentary shisha afterwards. This is definitely a Ramadan treat that you won’t want to miss.
Sample traditional Arabic cuisine at Iftar
One of the most difficult choices you’ll have to make in the next month is where you are going to head to enjoy a traditional Arabic Iftar. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during Ramadan. It’s often a very community-based, social experience, with many people gathering to break their fast together. It’s a great way to enjoy traditional Arabic hospitality and tuck into some local favourites at the same time.
The choice of where to go for Iftar can be quite intimidating with nearly all hotels and restaurants putting on Iftar feasts. But if you really want to make the most of your Iftar, why not book a stay in the Habtoor Grand in Dubai and be comfortable in the knowledge you won’t have far to get home after over-indulging. Stay overnight and enjoy Iftar in Al Dhiyafa restaurant. There is even the option to extend your celebrations to Allisar Ramadan Tent where you can enjoy a more relaxing Arabican ambience and Sohour from 8.30pm onwards.
Hit the Shops!
Ramadan is a great time to enjoy the shopping malls of the UAE without the crowds. During the day many locals and Muslim residents are fasting so they will sleep longer or try to stay in their homes rather than venture out into the heat. For this reason, you may find you have the malls to yourself. Some shops will open a little later, but many stick to normal opening hours and if you are a lover of shopping at night, most of the shops will be open late (but will inevitably be much busier at this time!) If you’re looking for a luxury shopping trip then why not enjoy a stay in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, which has to be one of the best shopping hotels in the city. Not only does it have its own luxury-brand shopping center – The Boulevard, but it is also only five minutes away from Dubai’s most famous shopping destination – the Dubai Mall.
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(Jill Lambert is Editor in Chief of TravelerVIP, the first luxury travel booking website in the Middle East)
