This is not intended to be a definitive guide to the holy month, but is a simple overview and more importantly, a ‘what not to do’ for those who are not fully aware or are new to the UAE.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the month in which the Quran was revealed. The annual observation of the fast during the month is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a serious matter for Muslims as a test of faith. It is also a month to take things a little easier and to spend time with family.

This year Ramadan is expected to start on or around  Sunday 5th May and at time of writing the date was yet to be confirmed. The UAE usually follows the announcement of Saudi Arabia but also has its own moon-sighting committee. The dates move forward by some 10 to 12 days each year as the Hijari calendar is slightly shorter than the Gregorian one that is in common use.

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