Holidays in Dubai During Ramadan 2023

Ramadan is a wonderful time to explore the UAE’s culture and traditions. This is the period when Dubai hosts festivals and exhibitions, giving everyone the chance to experience the atmosphere of the celebratorary period. Moreover, there are special offers for tourists, including discounts and sales, and capsule collections by fashion brands, which means you will be able to purchase gifts at favorable prices. This is also the best time for tourists to try national dishes in a festive atmosphere. This article highlights the best places in Dubai during Ramadan for shopping and cultural and gastronomic activities.
Things to Do During Ramadan in Dubai

The Ramadan period is the ideal time to spend your vacation in Dubai in order to discover the culture of the Emirates. Take a walk along the beautifully
decorated streets, go to a traditional iftar and suhoor to taste the delicious local food, and visit some of the cultural centers. Meanwhile, many shopping malls offer great discounts on clothing, electronics, furniture and other items.

Important: Ramadan in Dubai will last from March 23 to April 21, and it is expected that April 21–24 will be announced as days off.

Sales in Dubai

During Ramadan, you can expect large discounts reaching 85%. Many large-scale stores and brands introduce sales, including Amazon AE, Noon, Carrefour and lots of others. The following items are available at great deals: clothing, footwear, accessories, consumer electronics, appliances and groceries.

As for clothing and footwear, Namshi UAE and Level Shoes offer maximum discounts of up to 60% and Sivvi — up to 70%. World-famous brands also create special capsule collections available only during Ramadan. Throughout the holy month you can buy exclusive women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics.

Note: Use promo codes by zoutons.ae to get a larger discount on your purchase.

The Amazon online store offers its customers to choose appliances with a 50% discount. There are similar promotions in the Carrefour retail chain, for example, there is up to 65% off on fridges, TVs, air conditioners, as well as 40% to 60% discounts on groceries, personal care products, and much more.

Places to Visit

Quranic Park, Ripe Market, Dubai World Cup, Etihad Museum and Etihad Museum are among the top 5 popular entertainment and cultural attractions in Dubai worth visiting during Ramadan.

Dubai World Cup

This horse race will close the equestrian season in the emirate, giving tourists and residents the opportunity to watch the best thoroughbred horses in the world. In addition to the exciting competition, you can enjoy the excellent hospitality and exclusive meals. Ticket prices range from AED 20 (USD 5.5) to AED 5,750 (USD 1,565).

Quranic Park

This is a perfect place to learn about Islam and its holy book; the Quran. The 64-hectare park features splendid natural spaces and attractions. There is a Cave of Miracles with interactive displays demonstrating the 7 wonders of the holy book, as well as a Glasshouse with 29 plants and trees including corn, olive trees, basil, barley, pomegranates and others. Visitors can also admire the lake and the 12 gardens, all of which have a profound religious meaning.

Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00, daily.

Global Village

The renowned entertainment park will remain open throughout the entire Ramadan period (until April 29). This year 27 pavilions are available for visitors to enjoy. Guests will find a variety of recreational activities, including the Carnival which features 175 thrilling rides, restaurants serving different cuisines from all over the world, entertainment shows with animators, singers, dancers and stunt performers.

Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 16:00 to 12:00, Thursday to Saturday from 16:00 to 01:00.

Etihad Museum

A historical museum located in Jumeirah. The modern building was constructed in the exact place where the UAE constitution was signed in 1971. The museum provides an introduction to the history of the country through photographs, films and interactive exhibitions. The Etihad Museum also includes a library, an educational centre, a temporary exhibition space and a restaurant.

Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00, daily.

Ripe Market

This famous market, located in Academy Park, will be transformed into a real festive pavilion every weekend after sunset during the spring. The market will feature an open-air cinema and bouncy castles, as well as live music. Visitors will have the opportunity to try iftars, buy gifts made by local craftsmen, while children will enjoy entertainment programmes and henna paintings.

Places to Try Local Specialties

According to specific rules that apply during Ramadan, it is prohibited to eat and drink from sunrise to sunset. This regulation concerns all public areas in the emirate. However, tourists in Dubai can join traditional eating occasions: morning suhoor and evening Iftar, that are available across almost all restaurants in Dubai.

Note: Some cafes and restaurants in Dubai are closed until sunset. Please refer to the official websites of the F&B facilities to find out their official opening hours.

Dubai Opera

During the entire period of Ramadan, one of the emirate’s major attractions will host iftars with a buffet offering a selection of local arabic and international dishes, including meat, desserts, juices, and more. Live classical music and arabesque melodies can also be enjoyed throughout the evening.

Seating arrangements begin at 18:00. Guests can reserve a table for 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 people, as well as a majlis for 12 people. Ticket prices range from AED 570 (USD 155) to AED 3,600 (USD 980).

Asateer in Atlantis, The Palm

Asateer restaurant offers dishes from various muslim countries, including moroccan, lebanese, persian and emirati cuisines. Both suhoors, featuring musical performances, and iftars are served here. Visitors are offered an extensive assortment of dishes, including grilled meat, seafood, shawarmas, hot and cold appetizers, soups and desserts.

Iftar cost ranges from AED 240 (USD 65) to AED 260 (USD 71) per person.

Hatta in Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers

Hatta restaurant invites you to join their iftar, where the chef serves delicious specialties including lamb, harrah and chicken topkapi, as well as a variety of mezes. The buffet will offer a pyramid of dates, sushi, oriental and european sweets and non-alcoholic beverages.

The price per person is AED 179 (USD 49), for children aged from 6 to 12 — AED 85 (USD 23), and for children under 6, the event is free of charge.