A Complete Guide To Celebrating Ramadan In The UAE
Whether this is your first Ramadan in Dubai or your fifteenth, Rona (Corona) is changing the way we do things and Ramadan in the UAE is no exception. But celebrate we shall! Here’s a special Home Club ME edition of your Guide to Ramadan in Dubai 2021
Ramadan in Dubai & The Traditions in the UAE
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar where Muslims the world over are expected to fast between sunrise and sunset. That means that Muslims will abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours for 30 days. Ramadan starts at the sighting of the ‘new moon’ and ends with Eid al Fitr. The month is on the move from year to year as it follows the lunar calendar and this year is expected to start around April 13th (not long to go).
There is so much more to Ramadan than fasting. Those who observe are encouraged to perform a (kind of) spiritual audit and focus their time on understanding their purpose in the light of community and God, a part of which includes fulfilling their Islamic duty of charity; in the UK alone, British Muslims donate an average of £100m within the month of Ramadan. However, this doesn’t start and end with monetary donations. Whilst Corona has made the act of giving more complex it is still widely encouraged with opportunities for doing so, around. Check with your communities, local mosques and give a little this month, whether it be in time, food, things or otherwise.
The holy month is celebrated in colourful and communal ways the world over, with customs that everyone can participate in, Muslim or otherwise. Dubai’s Ramadan was once famous for its lavish iftar tents & suhoor majlis, adorned in glowing Ramadan lanterns with seemingly never-ending feasts, live music and family entertainment. But with the looming pandemic, we thought we’d highlight a few of our favourite ways to celebrate and participate in the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE without compromising your safety or your sanity.
How to Enjoy Ramadan in the UAE at Home & With Your Loved Ones
Households across the UAE will be adorning their walls, bookcases and windows with Ramadan decorations for the holy month and Eid to come. Crescent moons, twinkling stars and glowing Ramadan lanterns are amongst some of the Ramadan traditions of the UAE to be enjoyed by all who visit. Why not make this your year to deck the halls, dress your tables and line your doorways with festive magic for Ramadan in Dubai 2021. We’ve lined up some great pieces from local brands that add a touch of Dubai to your dwellings.
Ramadan Decor
Moon Centre Piece
This geometric half moon centrepiece has been laser cut in wood and painted gold and makes a gentle & elegant Iftar or Eid table.
Price: AED 50
Available to buy from: www.posties.design. Check them out: @posties.design
Crescent Moon Gold Leaf Artwork
We’re over the moon with this Ramadan inspired keepsake. A beautiful hand-carved and painted ornamental patterned artwork that’s set on artisan paper in a solid wood frame. Keep it out all year round or display it every Ramadan with joy.
Price: AED 395
Available to buy from: https://dwellstores.ae/. Check out more: @dwellme.
Tall Antique Style Lantern
If you’ve already got a boho-chic vibe going on in your home, this tall antique-style Ramadan lantern will fit right in, adding its own Alibaba feels to your festivity.
Price: AED 399
Available to buy from: Dwell Stores.
Ritz Deco Tea Set with Tray
Nothing says suhoor more than some post-feast tea, do it in style with this stunning Ritz Deco Tea Set with tray.
Price: AED 1049
Available to buy from: Dwell Stores.
Food Serving Tray
Add a pop of colour to your table with this vibrant serving tray by Smiles for Miles. Perfect for offering guests their customary dates to break their fast and great for post iftar nibbles.
Price: AED 139
Available to buy from: www.saffronsouk.com. Check out more: @saffronsouk.
Ramadan for Kids
After Iftar Tales
When the food coma hits and bath and bedtime ensues, this book will wind your little ones down from the day’s doings. Packed full, this anthology of ten beautifully illustrated stories from around the world, address the lows of lockdown – the highs of Ramadan and lots in between, educating your little ones and allowing them to truly connect to the spirit of Ramadan.
Price: AED 120
Available to buy from: Bismillah Buddies. Check out more: @bismillahbuddies.
Children’s Cardboard Mosque
Create your own Ramadan cosplay area or prayer corner for your little ones with this Children’s Cardboard Mosque. Throw some fairy lights over it and they’ll be occupied for hours with their very own Dubai architectural beauty. It will make a great place for reading their After Iftar Stories too.
Price: AED 495
Available to buy from: www.saffronsouk.com. Check out more: @saffronsouk.
The Ramadan Colouring Sheet
This is a great Ramadan activity for kids that breaks up colouring tasks for each day of the holy month; On Day 1 they must find all 30 Stars, on Day 2 the 29 Dates and so on. This poster also teaches kids about the moon phases along with Arabic translated key words.
Price: AED 135
Available to buy from: Overbooked ATM. Check out more: @overbookedatm.
Ramadan Gift Ideas
Drury Crescent Necklace
It’s a beautiful time for beautiful gifts and your bestie would look great in this Drury Crescent Necklace by Sand and Soul. It would look great paired with a soiree kaftan for the perfect dreamy suhoor look.
Price: AED 200
Available to buy from: www.saffronsouk.com. Check out more: @saffronsouk.
Crochet Moon Décor Pillow
Even the babes can get in on the Ramadan festivities with their very own stroller accessory that’s totally Ramadan ready. Get your kids excited about the season each year when they see it come out of the cupboard and into their beds with this gorgeous but neutral Crochet Moon Décor Pillow.
Price: AED 65
Available to buy from: www.saffronsouk.com. Check out more: @saffronsouk.
Build Your Own Gift Box
Personalise your gifting and curate your own gift boxes with tons of options from Tania’s Teahouse: Ramadan-themed sugar cookies, Biha Designs cultural print, TTH mug, vintage bone china tea set, artisanal stuffed or dipped date sticks, teas, white mountain honey, floral resin bookmark, products by Black Orchid, magic tea steeper, mini tea infuser, prayer beads, and more!
Price: AED 65
Available to buy from: Tania’s Teahouse. Check out more: @taniasteahouse.
Stainless Steel Gold Kettle Tea Diffuser
Don’t go empty-handed and gift this cute little Hand of Fatima at your next at-home-iftar invite instead. A unique but thoughtful gift for your spirituali-tea bestie, this Stainless Steel Gold Kettle Tea Diffuser is a steal at only 45Dhs and great for those of us on a budget with a full social calendar.
Price: AED 45
Available to buy from: www.saffronsouk.com. Check out more: @saffronsouk.
Medjool Box from Palestine
Nourish your nearest & dearest in the holy month with a traditional fast-breaker from The Holy Land; Medjool dates from Palestine. These convenient mini gift boxes come in different sizes and you can even reap the rewards of same-day delivery, for last-minute invites.
Price: AED 65.75
Available to buy from: www.kibsons.com. Check out more: @kibsons.
The Body Shop Ramadan Edit
This is a ‘just because’ gift… just because it’s the season of giving. Surprise someone special this Ramadan and Eid with the alluring, oriental Black Musk Night Bloom Luxury Collection. Inspired by flowers that bloom at night, it has Ramadan vibes all over it with sweet and spicy notes of ylang-ylang and musk.
Price: AED 299
Available to buy from: https://www.thebodyshop.ae. Check out more: @thebodyshopuae.
Iftar in Dubai at Home
Encapsulate Coffee & Tea Capsules
If you’re all about partaking in the traditions of the UAE this Ramadan, then you should know that no suhoor would be the same without a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee. These Emirati Gahwa Coffee Capsules are compatible with Nespresso® machines and are the genius idea of a young Emirati woman and her Italian aunt – if that isn’t an indication of coffee genius then nothing is.
Price: AED 299
Available to buy from: Encapsulate Coffee & Tea Capsules. Check out more: @encapsulate_me.
Treat Yourself & Nourish from Tania’s Teahouse
A little encouragement to take things slowly during this month of reflection, Tania’s Teahouse has a whole host of delicious and stunningly beautiful treats. Featuring traditions of the UAE with a feminine twist, we’re loving the Artisanal Stuffed/Dipped Dates on Sticks as a special way to break your fast this month, along with the 30 Days of Tea Advent Calendar.
Price: Dipped Dates – 3 for 15AED, 6 for 25AED
Ramadan Advent Calender – AED 185
Available to buy from: Tania’s Teahouse. Check out more: @taniasteahouse.
Leg Ghoozi To-Go
Take all the thinking out of your at-home iftar with Café Society’s Lamb Leg Ghoozi to-Go! The Lamb Leg Ghoozi includes a Lamb Ghoozi Leg, Labnah, Duggus salad and the beloved Arabic dessert Umm Ali.
Price: AED 350 for 3kg | AED 530 for 5kg | AED 650 for 8kg
Available to buy from: Café Society. Check out more: @cafesocietydxb
A Gourmet Iftar Experience at Home
For families wishing to celebrate the spirit of the season within the comfort of their own homes, Swissotel Al Ghurair provides a gourmet Iftar experience that is ideally suited for the size of your bubble. Look forward to a mouth-watering feast of the season’s favourites being delivered right to your doorstep. The menu includes a hot & cold mezze, a choice between a Biryani Chicken Feast or a Lamb Ouzi Feast as well as traditional desserts like Um Ali and more.
Price: Biryani Chicken Feast – AED 299 for four people | AED 549 for eight people
Lamb Ouzi Feast – AED 329 for four people | AED 599 for eight people
Call 04 293 3000, WhatsApp +971 58 832 3190 or email [email protected].
MAIZ TACOS: Mex-cellent Tacos at Home
Switch it up with a Mexican inspired Iftar DIY box from Maiz Tacos. The homegrown taqueria is offering a choice of your favourite tacos, quesadillas and of course their famous churros. Choose from their menu or let them create a menu for you.
Price: From AED40 per person
For inquiries Email: [email protected] or call + 971 4 514 4712
Breaking Bread Around the World
Try something new this Ramadan in the UAE and explore the world through food. Breaking Bread Around the World is a cookbook you need on your shelf this holy month. It provides easy meal plans for 30 different countries and a bonus chapter with extra recipes for breakfast, side dishes and a few extra desserts. The book is also Vegan friendly, as there are a generous number of Vegan recipes included – amazing!
Price: AED176.95
Available to buy from: Noon.com
Check out more: Breaking Bread Facebook Group
BONUS: Take note of some of the awesome Home Club ME listed vendors who are offering special discounts this Ramadan! Liquid Of Life, Creative Wrap and Lampshades Dubai. Don’t forget to mention ‘Home Club ME’ when inquiring.
We hope this run-down will have you feeling Ramadan ready and raring to go. Whether you’re fasting or feasting, there are so many ways to enjoy and celebrate Ramadan in Dubai this year. Remember to tag @Homeclubme if we inspired any joy with our Complete Guide to Celebrating Ramadan in the UAE. We can’t wait to see your Ramadan decorations and your kids enjoying some of the Ramadan activities during the Holy Month, a time for reflection, gratitude and giving. Ramadan Kareem!
