Ramadan to be unique this year

In 2024, the holy month of Ramadan will fall in winter for the first time in the last 24 years. As you know, in the United Arab Emirates, winter begins on 21 December and ends on 20 March (spring begins on 21 March).

This year, Ramadan is likely to start as early as 11 March, thus less than two months away. According to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charities Department (IACAD), Ramadan will be cool and schools will be closed for holidays on the day of its onset.

At the same time, the religious fast will be shorter than in 2023. On the first day of the holy month, Muslims will abstain from food and drink for 13 hours and 16 minutes. By the end of the month, the duration of the fast will reach nearly 14 hours. In 2023, the duration of fasting ranged from 13 hours 33 minutes to 14 hours 16 minutes.

The last day of fasting is most likely to be Tuesday, 9 April. Ramadan will thus last 29 days, followed by six days of festivities related to the religious festival of Eid al-Fitr, which will last until 14 April.

In the United Arab Emirates, non-Muslim residents and tourists are not obliged to fast, but are prohibited from drinking, smoking and eating in public places during fasting hours. It is also forbidden to chew gum, behave aggressively and swear, dance and play music in public (headphones are allowed).

Modest clothing should be worn and it is not recommended to refuse gifts or invitations to iftar. Moreover, in 2024, many iftars will be held outdoors, and guests will be able to eat with a view of the sunset or take suhur under the stars.

Source: Time Out Dubai

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