What are iftar and suhoor during Ramadan?

Whether it’s your first Ramadan in Dubai or your 20th, you’ll need to know all about iftar and suhoor during Ramadan.

Iftar is the meal to break the fast after sunset. Typically, people will enjoy dates, dried apricots and Ramadan juices, before heading to evening prayer.

After that, large meals are the norm, usually with family and friends. Suhoor is a meal taken just before sunrise, before the day of fasting starts.

Many hotels host smaller buffets, traditional activities and more to celebrate until the small hours of the morning.

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This year Ramadan is predicted to be from Saturday 2 April to Monday 2 May (although we’re waiting on the final word from officials).

During that time, the world’s Muslim population will be taking part in Ramadan – with fasting from sunrise to sunset being one of the five pillars of Islam.

Time Out Dubai has produced a useful beginner’s guide to give you all the details and help you understand this important time.

What are iftar and suhoor during Ramadan?

Iftar is the meal taken at sunset to break the fast. Traditionally a small meal of dates and dried fruits, there are also iftar celebrations across Dubai, with many hotels and restaurants offering their own take on the tradition.

Suhour is traditionally the meal taken in the early hours of the day, before sunrise and the start of the fasting hours.

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What is Ramadan?

It’s the month in the Islamic Calendar, when Muslims fast (also known as sawm) from sunrise to sunset for approximately 30 days. Doing so is one of the five pillars of Islam. The dates change annually as they’re determined by the sighting of a new moon. The start and end of Ramadan will be declared the day before it begins.

Can non-Muslims get involved?

Definitely. In the Gulf region, many iftar and suhoor events are set up all over the country as a way to bring the entire community together. Even if you haven’t been fasting, you are still welcome to join. Here are a few ways you can get involved…

Exchange Ramadan greetings, especially at the beginning of the month. The word ‘Kareem’ in the phrase ‘Ramadan Kareem’ is the equivalent to ‘generous’, so the expression means ‘Wish you a generous Ramadan’.
Get into the charitable spirit by donating to official Ramadan camps, care packages and other charity organisations.
Fast along with your Muslim colleagues for a day or two and break the fast together at the time of iftar.

Ramadan dates 2022

When is Ramadan? On or around Saturday April 2 to Monday May 2, 2022
When is Eid al-Fitr? On or around Monday May 2 to Thursday May 5, 2022
When is Eid al-Adha? On or around Saturday July 9 to Tuesday July 12, 2022

What is the etiquette with regard to eating and drinking if you’re not fasting?

During Ramadan fasting hours, drinking, eating and smoking in public is considered offensive. If an individual wants to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan it has to be done in designated spaces.

In 2022, many restaurants are expected to operate as normal following the guidance from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that “all F&B venues can serve food and drinks in line with the approved working hours without applying for a pre-authorisation or a permit”.

Food courts in malls will also remain open.

Are there any exceptions to fasting?

Generally, fasting is not recommended for people who suffer from medical conditions or women who are pregnant.

What are the rules regarding dress during Ramadan?

It is recommended that both men and women dress conservatively during the month of Ramadan, ensuring that shoulders and knees are well covered.

Are people permitted to listen to music during the month of Ramadan?

People, in general, must refrain from listening to music loudly during Ramadan, as it may offend those who are fasting. However, it is acceptable to listen to music on your smartphone with the aid of headphones.

With a large proportion of the population fasting, what should people consider when driving?

As sunset approaches, a lot of people will be driving to iftars or mosques to break their fast and say their prayers. During this time, it’s wise to be extra considerate on the roads – so try to avoid using the horn if someone cuts you up. Also, don’t play loud music in your car.

What is the significance of charity during Ramadan?

Charity is a very important part of Islam and is even more significant during Ramadan. . There are plenty of charitable initiatives, Ramadan camps, iftar camps, care packages and more, all of which can be contributed to.

What is Eid and why are there two?

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the main two annual Islamic celebrations. Eid al-Fitr translates as the ‘festival of breaking the fast’ and happens immediately after Ramadan, with festivity, day-time feasts and family gatherings.

Many families will also visit the poor and needy in their own communities to make sure they have enough food and water to celebrate themselves. Charity is known as zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, and is particularly significant during Ramadan and the Eid holidays.

Eid al-Adha is the second celebration in the year and translates as the ‘festival of sacrifice’. In 2022, Eid-al-Adha is expected to begin on July 9.

Both Eids are national public holidays that typically last three days (often longer for some sectors), so expect government departments, shops and businesses to be closed.

Ramadan hours

Although it often varies by industry, many businesses will have different opening and closing times, including shopping malls, grocery stores, cinemas and more. Double-check times before you head out to avoid disappointment.

Useful phrases

Impress your Muslim colleagues and friends or simply stop a stranger in the street and rattle off a few of these (reasonably) easy to use phrases during Ramadan:

Ramadan Mubarak: Blessed Ramadan
Iftar shahy: Have a good iftar
Mubarak aleik al shahr: May you get the blessings of the month
Kil aam wa inta fee kheir: May each year pass and you be well

Hag Al Leylah

In the UAE, the 14th day of Ramadan is known as Hag Al Leylah, a unique Khaleeji (the Gulf) children’s holiday. It’s known by different names throughout the region but customarily on this day children don traditional clothes (embroidered vests and caps for boys and embroidered veils and dresses for girls) and head out to collect sweets, nuts and coins in special cloth bags, while singing traditional songs.