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29 March 2024

Dubai beckons visitors: Plenty to do in Ramadan

Published
By Bonita Carr

Dubai really is the one city that never sleeps. Yet, funnily enough the misconception remains that during Ramadan the city shuts down and there is nothing to do. While the holy month is one of reflection and fasting; for those who are not fasting there are still plenty of options.

Apart from the fact that one is required to abstain from the consumption of food, water and cigarettes in public, there are still plenty of options to keep your visitors (and yourself) well occupied, yes, even in the summer.

Visit the old Quarter for iftaar and late night shopping As a guest in the city you may want to take a trip and explore 'Old Dubai'.

Take the Metro Green Line to Ghubaiba metro station and wander down towards Dubai Heritage and Diving Village to discover the rich history of pearl diving in the region. The Dubai Heritage and Diving Centre is open from 9am – 5pm on weekdays throughout Ramadan.

Close by is the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, which is also open during Ramadan. This is the historic seat of the Al Maktoum family and the house contains artifacts and images of old Dubai.

Dubai Museum, open from 9am–4:30pm during Ramadan, is housed in Al Fahidi Fort. Its oldest tower was built in 1787 and is believed to be the oldest structure which still stands in modern Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers an insight into the practice of fasting – here you can experience a traditional Iftaar – at Dh135 per head. This experience is a key to understanding the culture of Emiratis during this holy month. Iftaar starts with the Athan (Call to prayer) breaking of the fast with Dates and Coffee watching your hosts pray briefly and then having dinner. The visit culminates with a visit to the Diwan Masjid (Mosque) and ends with dessert and  tea back at the SMCC.

Bookings are essential call 04- 3536666 to reserve your seat.

Head across the Creek in an abra [water taxi]  towards the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and shop to your heart’s content. Visitors will find themselves transported into the heart of Dubai’s vibrant culture of trade with bargains to be had over tea until late into the night.

Pamper yourself with great savings on treatments

Dubai has a number of spas which offer you and your guests the opportunity to experience a 5-star lifestyle. During Ramadan it’s the perfect time to relax and take advantages of special offers which abound.

Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah offers a special Ramadan treat comprising a 60 minute massage or facial of your choice, one 30 minute Human Regenerator session, lunch at the spa with full day access to the spa facilities and beach access for the day and a sunset yoga session. Call them on 04-366 6818
to book your spot for this exclusive experience. At Dh650 per person it’s an  absolute bargain.

Madinat Jumeirah

For more budget-conscious travellers Tips and Toes offer a whopping 30 per  cent off all services at all branches between 9am and 3pm during Ramadan.

Tips and Toes have 14 branches open throughout the UAE.
 

Shopping and Burj Khalifa At The Top

Dubai Mall is a must do – wander around and browse to your heart's content during Ramadan. There are plenty of bargains to be had at shopsl. The Level Shoe District is transformed with a contemporary Arabesque design concept by Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah and you and your visitors can enjoy a majlis complete with an Oud player.

Of course any visitor to Dubai must see the view from The Burj Khalifa’s observation platform. During Ramadan the 'At The Top' experience is open from 10am to 1am with the last tour scheduled for 11:45pm. Booking in advance guarantees savings, so call 800BURJ to reserve your spot.

Of course should you venture there after 7.30pm the observation deck allows you to have the view of the Dubai Fountains from the top. Fountain shows run from 7.30pm to 11pm during Ramadan. Why not treat yourself and your guests to dinner after the At The Top experience at one of the restaurants on the lower level of Dubai Mall and catch all the excitement of these fantastic musical fountains.

Fitness Fanatic?

Dubai World Trade Centre is transformed into a sports lover’s dream during the summer where there is everything from Indoor Football to Cycling, Basketball and adventure sports on offer.

On the 19th of July the Ramadan Skate and BMX Competition took place, Dh35 gets you in on the action for this event. Fitness classes are charged per session, and varies per activity and runs until August 21st. Check the website for details: www.dubaisportsworld.ae

Explore the wonderful underwater world

Al Boom is offering 20 per cent discount on diving courses during Ramadan.

If you have always wanted to become a certified scuba diver this is your chance. Al Boom is also throwing in a free Aqualung mask and snorkel when you sign up to do the Open Water and Advanced Open water courses.  If time is a constraint you can always opt for a Discover Scuba Diver experience

where after a short session in the pool with an instructor you can head off and explore shark tank at Altantis in an afternoon. Discover Scuba courses start at Dh750 per person. Call Al Boom at Altantis on 04-342 2993 to book.

No visit to Dubai would be complete without experiencing one or both water parks found within the city.

If you have been for a dive at Al Boom, right next door is Aquaventure, voted the best water park in the Middle East and Europe. Experience thrills going into their Ziggurat and taking The Leap of Faith slide which allows you to experience an incredible 9 storey drop and propels you through an acrylic tube through shark lagoon. Visitors booking online get a Dh25 discount. Residents have a special discounted price of Dh120 per adult (savings of Dh130) on proof of UAE residency.

If being in the sun is not for you why not head off to Dubai’s other water park? Wild Wadi is open in the evenings for their special Ramadan nights until 10pm – perfect for after Iftaar. The park is offering a special entry price of Dh150 per adult and Dh120 per child below 1.1m during Ramadan nights on Fridays and Saturdays. Ladies Night now is on Thursday nights from 8pm to 1am - for fun frolicking well into the early hours.

Of course Ramadan in the city is not complete without experiencing a lavish Iftaar at one of the many hotels around the city. With sunset happening at just after 7pm, it’s the perfect way to experience traditional Arabian hospitality while enjoying a sumptuous feast for dinner.

Whatever tickles your guest’s fancy – Dubai is sure to enchant and delight even the most world weary traveller.

[images via Shutterstock]