Ramadan in the Gulf: More Than Just Fasting

Ramadan in the Gulf

This is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar, but it is often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with it. While many associate Ramadan solely with fasting and extra prayers, it is also a time of deep reflection, family togetherness, and community spirit.

For those visiting or living in the Gulf during Ramadan, understanding the customs and traditions of the holy month can help ensure a respectful and enriching experience.

Extra Prayers & Religious Practices During Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of increased worship, and Muslims engage in additional prayers and acts of devotion:

Tarawih Prayers – These are extra nightly prayers performed after the Isha (night) prayer, exclusive to Ramadan. They are often held in mosques, with long recitations from the Quran. Many Muslims aim to complete the entire Quran over the course of the month during Tarawih.

Suhur – This is the pre-dawn meal eaten before starting the fast. It is highly encouraged, as it helps sustain energy throughout the day. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) recommended suhur, calling it a “blessed meal.”

Acts of Charity – Ramadan emphasizes generosity and helping those in need. Muslims are encouraged to donate to charity (zakat and sadaqah), feed the less fortunate, and support their communities. It is common to see mosques and organizations hosting free iftars for workers and those in need.

Ramadan Lights: A City Transformed

As the sun sets during Ramadan, cities across the Gulf come alive with dazzling lights and decorations. Streets, mosques, and public spaces are adorned with beautiful lanterns, crescent moons, and intricate patterns, creating a festive atmosphere.

Malls, markets, and even highways are lit up with Ramadan-themed displays, making it a truly magical time to explore the region after dark.

The Ramadan Cannon: A Historic Tradition

In many Gulf cities, a Ramadan cannon is fired at iftar time to signal the end of the daily fast. This tradition dates back centuries and is still observed in major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Riyadh, and Doha.  

The cannon fire is often accompanied by the call to prayer (adhan), marking the moment when fasting Muslims can break their fast.  Many families and tourists gather near cannon-firing locations to experience this unique Ramadan tradition, but you should dress very modestly if you go.  I have been fortunate to attend the firing of the Ramadan cannon in Al Ain (Jahili Fort) and Madinat Zayed City (near the new big white mosque on the main road through the city)

Travel and Dining During Ramadan

Ramadan significantly impacts daily life across the Gulf, but each country observes it a little differently:

Saudi Arabia 

• Ultra-strict rules – All restaurants, including takeaways, remain closed until iftar (sunset).
• Eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping in public before sunset is strictly prohibited.
• Some hotels only offer Suhur, which depending on location, finishes beetween 5am and 5.45am.

Oman 

• More relaxed, with takeaway food available during the day.
• However, it is expected that you eat out of public view as a sign of respect.
• Alcohol is only available via room service, you cannot drink it in hotel restaurants during Ramadan.

UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi) 

• The UAE has become much more accommodating for tourists in recent years.
• Most restaurants and cafés now remain open during daylight hours.
• You SHOULD NOT eat or drink in public (except children, who are exempt). However, you can eat inside a restaurant or café.

Regardless of where you are, if you’re in a public space, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping openly to be respectful of those who are fasting.

Smoking and Vaping During Ramadan

Smoking and vaping are not allowed in public during Ramadan. Since smoking is already banned in most indoor public spaces such as restaurants, malls, and offices in the UAE and Oman, this means you must do so behind closed doors, in private places like your home or hotel room.

If you’re a smoker, be mindful of where and when you smoke, as lighting up in public—even discreetly—will be seen as disrespectful.

How to Dress and Behave During Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of spiritual devotion, and dressing modestly is especially appreciated:

✔️ Dress very modestly in public—cover shoulders, and wear knee-length or longer skirts or trousers.
✔️ Join in the spirit of Ramadan—if invited to an iftar, go along, share food and water, and experience the hospitality of the month.
✔️ Be mindful of fasting Muslims—avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public before sunset.

✔️ Don’t play loud music in your car or from your phone in public. Ramadan is a time of peace and reflection, and loud music may be seen as disruptive or disrespectful.

Respectful Ramadan Greetings

If you want to greet Muslims during Ramadan, you can say:

• Ramadan Mubarak – “Blessed Ramadan”
• Ramadan Kareem – “Wishing you a generous Ramadan”

These greetings are the equivalent of our “Merry Christmas”, and are always well-received and show that you respect and appreciate the significance of the month.

Changes to Business Hours & Traffic

Ramadan shifts the daily rhythm of life in the Gulf. Here’s what you can expect:

✔️ Shorter work hours – Employees, whether fasting or not, typically finish two hours earlier in the UAE and other Gulf countries.

✔️ Rush hour comes earlier – With offices closing early, expect heavier traffic around 2-3 PM.

✔️ Quiet roads at sunset – Most people are indoors with their families breaking their fast, making this a peaceful time to be out and about.

✔️ Busy roads late at night – After iftar, malls, markets, and restaurants come alive, and traffic surges between 9 PM and 1 AM as families and friends gather.

Mid-Ramadan Celebration

A special cultural tradition observed in some Gulf countries is Gergaoun, Gerge’an, Garangaoua or Hag el Leila

🌙 Celebrated on the 14th or 15th night of Ramadan, these traditions involve children dressing in beautiful traditional clothing, singing special songs, and going door-to-door collecting sweets and nuts.

This tradition serves as a fun reward for children who have been fasting and encourages them to complete the rest of Ramadan.

Experiencing Ramadan as a Visitor

If you’re in the Gulf during Ramadan, embrace the experience! It’s a beautiful time to witness the region’s rich traditions and take part in unique cultural moments.

💡 Invited to an iftar at a local’s home? Say yes! – It is a sign of great hospitality and a wonderful way to connect with locals.

💡 Try fasting for as much of the day as you can—at least from food. This will help put you in the shoes of your host, give you a deeper understanding of fasting, and your host will appreciate the gesture.

💡 Respect the culture – If visiting a Muslim home during the day, and you are not Muslim, you may be offered food. This is part of the Islamic duty of hospitality, and it is polite to accept, even if they themselves are fasting – they will likely leave the room while you consume it.

💡 Enjoy the festive nights – Ramadan nights in the Gulf are magical, with beautifully lit streets, bustling souks, and special cultural events.

Iftar Dining: A Special Ramadan Experience for Visitors

If you don’t know any locals, one of the best ways for visitors to experience the spirit of Ramadan is by enjoying a special iftar meal at a hotel or restaurant.

✔️ All Gulf countries have restaurants offering special iftar dining experiences. These set menus feature traditional Ramadan delicacies, including dates, lentil soup, grilled meats, and regional sweets like qatayef and kunafa.

✔️ Iftar buffets in hotels and local restaurants provide a fantastic chance to sample local foods and immerse yourself in the culture, often rubbing shoulders with locals who are observing Ramadan.

✔️ Some iftars are hosted in tents decorated in traditional Arabic style, offering a unique setting with entertainment, live music (after Isha prayer), and henna painting.

✔️ Reservations are recommended, as popular iftar spots fill up quickly!

If you want a deeper cultural experience, seek out community iftars in mosques, which often provide free meals to anyone who wants to join.

Final Thoughts

Ramadan in the Gulf is a time of peace, family, and generosity. Whether you’re visiting or living in the region, being aware of the customs and changes to daily life will help you make the most of this special month.

Have you experienced Ramadan in the Middle East? Share your thoughts in the comments below!