Ramadamn i’m thirsty.

I have just got back from my holidays in Dubai. I have been to Dubai a few times before however this this it was different as I went in the holy month of Ramadan. On this weeks blog I want to give you a but of an insight of what it is like going to Dubai during a month when it is forbidden to eat and drink anything in daylight hours.

When I booked my holiday I wasn’t aware it was Ramadan. If I was aware at the time I probably wouldn’t have booked it. Now having been I have completely changed my mind.

Once I did find out about Ramadan I started doing some research of how restricted it would be for tourists. My understanding was that for muslims you cant eat or drink anything in daylight hours for the whole month. The dates of Ramadan will change every year. I went on different forums and they were telling me different things. My brother has recently moved to Dubai and he didn’t have the answers as he hadn’t experienced a Ramadan before. I then called he hotel I was staying in to see if these rules applied to tourists. They told me that at this hotel they have a total of 15 restaurants and only one will be closed. I started to feel a bit better that if anything I could always spend the whole time in the hotel.

When I arrived in to Dubai it was 7 in the morning and already 37 degrees. Luckily the airport had air con. Not knowing weather or not to have a drink I held off. I think I was already feeling thirsty but think this was phycological. My brother picked me up at the airport and took us to the hotel. We spoke to reception and again they advised the all food and drink will be served all day without worrying about Ramadan.

Outside of the hotel: Most of the hotels and restaurants we visited served food and drinks. There were a few beach bars where you would have to sit inside to eat but this wasn’t a problem as it was too hot to sit out in the blazing sun anyway. We went to the emirates mall and the whole food section is behind a screen. You are still allowed in there and eat and drink however you are out of view.

In Summary it really didn’t feel much different going during Ramadan. I think the rules have changed over the last few years to accommodate tourists as this is such a massive thing in Dubai. Also you will find that the prices are a lot cheaper going during the holy month so well worth a look out if you are looking to go.

I would like to hear your experiences on this. Has anyones holiday been affected by Ramadan or do you agree with me?