Ramadan 2024 Dubai: Special offers
Is it possible to buy property in Dubai during Ramadan?
Ramadan in Dubai, the month of fasting, is the holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It comes right after Sha’ban and before Shawwal. Ramadan is known for fasting, prayers, family gatherings, and charity celebrations. In Dubai and other UAE cities, streets are decorated with Ramadan ornaments, crescent moons, and lanterns.
City features during Ramadan
Due to its blessed and auspicious nature, Ramadan offers a great opportunity for businesses and Dubai real estate developers to present special offers on property purchases. Many restaurants offer Iftar buffets and Suhoor meals. These services, along with famous Ramadan tents designed for dining and celebrations, are common across the Emirates.
Overview of Ramadan 2024 in the UAE
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. For the first time in decades, Ramadan will occur in spring in Dubai and the UAE, meaning cooler weather and easier fasting. Fasting hours will be shorter than in Ramadan 2023 and previous years, making the fast more comfortable.
Crescent moon and fasting start
Prayer times slightly change during Ramadan and vary across Emirates, with about a 10-minute difference between the first and last day. For example, on the first day of Ramadan 2024, fasting and morning prayer start at 4:46 AM, and Iftar and Maghrib prayer at 6:48 PM. On the last day, fasting starts at 4:31 AM and breaks at 6:58 PM. Timings differ in other Emirates.
Ramadan and Dubai real estate special sales
One key feature of Ramadan in Dubai is that many businesses, including real estate developers, offer special discounts and incentives to showcase their services. For example, Emaar, the developer behind Burj Khalifa, offers incredible discounts on most apartments and villas during Ramadan.
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. Astronomically, Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin in March, but the exact start is officially announced one day prior.
First day of Ramadan: March 10, 2024
Last day of Ramadan: April 9, 2024
About 75% of UAE residents are Muslim and observe fasting. Besides fasting, Ramadan includes:
- Fasting from dawn to sunset, one of Islam’s five pillars.
- Special prayers (Taraweeh) after Isha prayer, often held in mosques.
- Reflection and spiritual growth.
- Charity and social work; many institutions distribute aid to the needy.
- Family bonding with Iftar and Suhoor gatherings.
Ramadan brings religious and cultural changes to UAE residents and businesses, especially real estate developers, including altered working hours.
Working hours during Ramadan
Government and private sector working hours are reduced from 8 to 6 hours daily (usually 10 AM to 3 PM) except for essential services like healthcare. Many government offices close early.
Restaurants in the UAE
Most restaurants close during the day but reopen for Iftar. Dubai, being a tourist hub, keeps many eateries open in the afternoon and evening. The government also supports tourism during Ramadan with special offers and events.
Many foreign investors visiting Dubai for property purchase benefit from Ramadan festivities and offers. Restaurants hold buffets featuring popular Ramadan dishes, desserts, and drinks to satisfy fast-breakers.
Ramadan tents
Iftar tents are popular dining venues for Muslims and non-Muslims, offering lavish buffets during Iftar and Suhoor.
Examples of Ramadan venues:
- Ramadan Majlis at Ritz Carlton, Dubai: 7 PM–2 AM (Sun–Wed), 7 PM–3 AM (Thu–Sat)
- Abu Dhabi Marina Al Bateen: Iftar from sunset to 9:30 PM daily, Suhoor from 10:30 PM daily
- Tamba Restaurant, Abu Dhabi: 12 AM–4 AM daily
- Naham, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi: 12 PM–11 PM (Sun–Fri), 12:30 PM–4 PM (Sat)
Nightlife in Ramadan
UAE’s nightlife remains vibrant during Ramadan, with restaurants, cafes, malls, and shops open late into the night. Families and friends gather for Iftar and Suhoor, decorating homes and sharing meals. Mosques are busy with nightly Taraweeh prayers, drawing many worshippers.
Famous mosques for Ramadan prayers in the UAE:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
- Maryam Mother of Jesus Mosque, Abu Dhabi
- Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai
- Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, Dubai
Tips for expatriates during Ramadan in Dubai and UAE
If you are non-Muslim living or visiting during Ramadan, keep these in mind:
- Dress modestly in public out of respect.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours to respect fasting and avoid fines.
- Learn about Iftar and Suhoor timings.
- Greet Muslim friends and colleagues with Ramadan Mubarak.
- Be patient with reduced services and working hours.
- Visit Ramadan tents for Emirati hospitality and special foods.
- Accept invitations to Iftar and Suhoor gatherings.
- Enjoy Ramadan decorations and try traditional sweets.
Final note: Buying property in Dubai during Ramadan
Ramadan in Dubai is a festive and spiritually rich month. Businesses, especially real estate developers, offer special deals on property purchases. Buying property in Dubai during Ramadan can be more profitable due to discounts and flexible payment plans. Amlakuae real estate group can assist you in finding the best deals during Ramadan.
FAQ
How long does fasting last in Ramadan?
Fasting starts before dawn (pre-Fajr prayer) and ends at sunset (Maghrib prayer), lasting daily for 29–30 days.
What are common Ramadan greetings?
- Ramadan Kareem (generous Ramadan)
- Ramadan Mubarak (blessed Ramadan)
- Kul ‘am wa antum bi khair (may you be well every year)
Are malls open during Ramadan in Dubai?
Yes, malls open from 10 AM daily, with closing times varying between 1–3 AM depending on the week.
Is it possible to buy property in Dubai during Ramadan?
Yes, many developers and real estate consultants offer special Ramadan deals and benefits for buyers.
When is Iftar time?
Iftar is served right after sunset prayer (Maghrib) each evening, marking the end of the daily fast.
When is Eid Al-Fitr prayer in the UAE in 2024?
Eid prayer will be at 7 AM on April 9, 2024.
Is visiting Dubai during Ramadan okay?
Yes, Dubai remains open with less crowded tourist spots and many special Ramadan events, making it a good time to visit.
Ramadan 2024 will bring joyous moments and festive meals throughout March in Dubai.
