Ramadan in Dubai

     As the sun sets, the prayer-caller beckons, “There is no god but God….Come to prayer, Come to Success…”  Many of the residents of Dubai are at home ready to break the fast for the day and to prepare for the fourth of their five daily prayers.  Others have gone to Ramadan tents at their neighborhood mosque, where meals are provided for single laborers and the needy who are fasting.

     After the meal and prayer, many will head to souqs and malls, while others will head to the mosque for the extra, special nightly prayers that are unique to Ramadan.  They will stand and prostrate continually for an hour, sometimes two, listening to recitation of the Holy Quran and glorifying God. Some spend time reading the Quran, as they try to observe the custom of reading the entire scripture (604 pages in Arabic) during this holy month. 

     Meanwhile, those heading to the souqs and shopping centers will stock up on food, especially dates and a berry -flavored beverage called Vimto, a Ramadan favorite.  All types of clothing and gifts are on sale for eager holiday shoppers to purchase in preparation for Eid, when they will celebrate the completion of the month-long fast.  The city truly comes to life on the nights of the holy month of Ramadan, when it is aglow with special holiday lights and festive décor. Most malls, shops and restaurants stay open into the wee hours of the morning, sometimes closing only after people have enjoyed their early-morning meal, called suhoor, which is taken just before dawn.  For most, during this special month, the work day starts a little later than normal and ends a bit earlier, and this year the commencement of the school year has been delayed until Ramadan and the Eid holidays are over.