Fasting, Suhoor, Iftar... does Ramadan mean these things? Check out our Ramadan guide to find out what it's all about!

Based on the moon's cycle, the Islamic lunar calendar marks Ramadan as the 9th month. In 2025, Ramadan will fall between the evening of Friday 28 February – Sunday 30 March 2025. In this month, Muslims will fast from dawn to sunset every day. Fasting is one of the fundamental principles of Islam. To fast means that Muslims do not eat, drink (including water) or even smoke from dawn to sunset. They are also required to avoid impure thoughts and bad habits during this holy month, allowing them instead to focus on prayer and connecting with Allah, and practicing spiritual discipline through increased charity, worship, and generosity. By doing so, they can express gratitude.

It is interesting to explore Dubai during Ramadan. Due to fasting, the streets and shopping malls are quieter. There are often good discounts you can't find anywhere else, with lots of activities to enjoy.

It is important to behave respectfully during Ramadan. This includes refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours to respect those who are fasting, though you may eat and drink as usual in your hotel. Remember to dress a little more conservatively during the holy month. You do not need to wear a scarf, but it’s best to cover up from shoulder to knee. Ramadan is fundamentally a time of reflection, so it is best not to use abusive language or gestures in public areas during this holy month.

A 'suhoor' meal is traditionally taken in the early morning before sunrise and the start of fasting. 'Iftar' is a meal taken at sunset to mark the end of the daily fast. Water and dates are often consumed first to break the fast. Family and friends often get together to break their fast as a community at iftars, which are lavish buffets with many delicious dishes. Even if you haven’t been fasting, visitors are welcome at lavish iftar buffets and evening celebrations.

For Ramadan 2025, Tour Dubai offers you a chance to experience the culture of Dubai at a unique time. We host traditional desert Iftars at our luxury desert camps throughout Ramadan. This authentic experience features all the popular traditional dishes. Join us for five star buffet-style feasts and taste some flavorsome dishes like Arabic hot mezzeh and lamb tajine.