Ramadan in Dubai: A Visitor’s Guide to Iftar, Dining & Local Customs

Picture the sun dipping toward the horizon over Dubai Jumeirah during Ramadan, painting the sky in soft pink and orange hues as the aroma of cardamom and slow-cooked stews drifts from kitchens across the city. Around this time, families gather quietly along the waterfront to break their fast, first with dates and milk. This is the moment when Ramadan in Dubai reveals its beauty, transforming a modern, cosmopolitan city into a place of tradition and connection.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims around the world as a time of reflection, generosity, and spiritual grounding. In Dubai, these values echo gently across the city. Mornings become calmer, afternoons build up with anticipation, and gracious locals host gatherings filled with flavour and hospitality.

For travellers staying at ibis hotels in Dubai, Ramadan not only invites you to witness a beloved spiritual tradition, but to also be a part of it. The atmosphere is serene yet festive, inviting yet respectful. Every lantern-lit tent, every evening gathering filled with nostalgic Arabic songs, and every quiet early morning invites guests to slow down and savour the city in a more meaningful way.

To understand when Ramadan is in Dubai or anywhere else in the world, for that matter, it helps to look to the moon – a tradition that has guided the holy month for generations. Because Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, its start date shifts by about 10 to 12 days each year. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around mid-February and continue for 29 or 30 days.

This annual shift means that Ramadan in Dubai sometimes arrives with cooler breezes and at other times during warm spring or summer days. But no matter the weather, the city undergoes a beautiful transformation.

Daytime hours feel calm and contemplative, ideal for leisurely sightseeing, peaceful museum visits, or strolling through shaded souks. Just before sunset, the city enters a brief, quiet pause as residents prepare to break their fast during iftar. Then, with the Maghrib call to prayer, everything comes alive again, glowing with warmth, food, and celebration.

Travellers often describe Ramadan in Dubai as the moment when the city feels most authentic. Beyond its futuristic skyline and fast pace, this is the season that reveals Dubai’s core.

Restaurants remain accessible and welcoming throughout Dubai during Ramadan, especially for guests staying in ibis hotels, where affordability meets effortless dining and relaxation.

But at this time, indoor dining is thoughtfully arranged to provide comfort for guests while respecting those who are fasting in observance of the Holy Month. Many venues place subtle screens or create quiet, relaxed indoor spaces where travellers can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or coffee with ease. Malls also maintain a wide selection of cafés and many restaurants remain open throughout the day.

While travellers are not expected to fast, eating, drinking, or smoking in public areas during daylight hours is discouraged out of respect. Inside ibis hotels in Dubai, however, dining feels as effortless and welcoming as ever.

When sunset approaches, the mood shifts beautifully. Restaurants prepare for iftar, hotel chefs put the final touches on steaming dishes, and guests gather to experience one of the most beloved traditions of Ramadan in Dubai.

Throughout the Holy Month, travellers are welcomed warmly and encouraged to enjoy the city’s diverse cuisine, particularly during iftar at sunset. Ramadan is all about generosity and kindness – the only consideration is to eat privately during daylight hours.

Inside ibis and all Accor hotels in Dubai, dining continues seamlessly, so non-fasting travellers can enjoy a sense of ease and reassurance. Whether savouring a quiet breakfast, a midday bite, or a comforting afternoon coffee, the experience is designed to feel natural and respectful. After sunset, the entire dining scene becomes even more vibrant. Iftar buffets brim with traditional Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes, Ramadan juices, and warm breads.

No part of Ramadan in Dubai captures the spirit of the season more vividly than its two shared meals: iftar and suhoor.

Just before sunset, a stillness settles over the city. Streets go quiet, kitchens are busy, and locals and travellers alike pause for a collective moment of reflection. Then, as the sky slowly darkens and the call to prayer echoes throughout the city, dates are savoured, soups are ladled, and first sips of water are taken as platters of fragrant rice, grilled meats, and colourful salads fill the table.

ibis hotels across Dubai offer their own warmly curated iftar experiences, blending Emirati classics with international dishes. It’s not just a meal – it’s a celebration of togetherness, generosity, and the joy of sharing.

Later in the night, suhoor – which is the pre-dawn meal – invites a softer magic. Suhoor menus offer light, nourishing meals that stretch late into the night, sometimes inside beautiful, festive tents. The energy is calm, unhurried, and often enjoyed under lantern light. Whether guests attend a full meal or simply soak in the nighttime serenity, suhoor offers a glimpse into the gentle warmth of Ramadan in Dubai.

The culture of the United Arab Emirates – Dubai included – is deeply shaped by traditions and social customs rooted in Islam. Drinking alcohol, for example, is permitted only in licensed venues inside hotels all year round.

During Ramadan, these influences continue to gently infuse every corner of the city. You’ll see that hotel lobbies start to glow with delicate lanterns, crescent motifs appear in the windows, and the warm hush of the season creates an atmosphere that feels both festive and reverent.

Within this setting, certain customs become more noticeable. These lounges and restaurants are not hidden away; instead, they blend naturally into the elegantly decorated spaces that define evenings during Ramadan. At ibis hotels, licensed venues typically continue to serve alcohol after sunset, offering guests a relaxed environment that respects the spirit of the season while still reflecting Dubai’s signature hospitality. The atmosphere, however, becomes more calm and relaxed. Rather than lively nightlife, evenings during Ramadan in Dubai tend to favour soft conversation, intimate gatherings, and gentle background music.

Many guests find this shift soothing. It allows evenings to unfold at a slower, more easygoing pace, perfect after a day spent exploring art districts, coastal walkways, or historic neighbourhoods. During this time, mocktails become a highlight of the season – beautifully crafted drinks made with hibiscus flowers, rosewater, citrus, and fresh herbs, each made with flair.

Despite assumptions, Dubai doesn’t slow to a halt during Ramadan. The city simply adjusts and refines its pace. Attractions remain open, guided tours continue, desert safaris welcome visitors, and malls often extend their hours well into the night.

Daytime sightseeing actually feels more spacious and relaxed, offering rare moments of quiet at popular cultural and architectural sites. Public transport operates normally, with only a small rush before sunset as residents head home for iftar.

Evenings become the soul of the city in Ramadan. At night, the streets glow softly, waterfronts fill with families and strolling couples, and the city feels alive in a warm, inviting way.