Coffee shops in major shopping centres in Abu Dhabi looked completely deserted on Wednesday, the first day of Ramadan, as the public and eateries have been warned against violating sanctity of the fasting month.
Chairs were placed on top of the tables at most cafeterias in the capital’s three largest shopping centres - Alwahda, Abu Dhabi and Marina malls.
The cafes remained open but were unmanned and looked totally calm except for some passing shoppers visiting the malls, which also looked much quieter.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi and the other emirates have asked eateries and cafes to remain shut through the day during Ramadan while residents have been warned against eating or drinking in public.
Restaurants and coffee shops attract a large number of people who go shopping in malls despite their relatively high prices.
“We have been asked to stay closed in the day and reopen in the evening. This is a customary practice in Ramadan,” said a Filipino worker at a coffee shop in Alwahda Mall. “After Iftar, we usually get very busy until late night.”