Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar that is each month, begins of sighting of the new moon because the lunar calendar is 11 days shorter than the solar calendar that is why Islamic holidays change each year. 

At many mosques, during Ramadan about one-thirtieth of the Quran is recited each night in prayers known as Tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month, the complete scripture will be recited.

Muslims practice Sawm or fasting wherein they eat or drink nothing including water while the sun is up as well as make a special effort to avoid sins. They start sawm at about age twelve.

Muslim young kids, pregnant women, sick people are exempted from fasting. 

Fasting procedure:
Those who fast during Ramadan eat a pre-dawn meal (Suhur) followed by dawn prayer (Fajr). The fast is broken after sunset with an evening meal (Iftar) after the evening call to prayer for evening prayer (Maghrib). 

Things to do during Ramadan for Expats:

 If you’re visiting Dubai or if you have just moved to Dubai during holy month of Ramadan then you might be wondering that how you would spend your quality time with your loved ones but you might be surprised to know that there are many interesting and fun things to do. So, read on, we have all covered up for you!

1. Enjoy Shopping;

During Ramadan, you can have a great time shopping with your loved ones as the shopping mall hours in Dubai are longer than usual. The malls typically operate until 1:00 am on weekdays and 2:00 am on weekends.
Also, during Ramadan, there are special sales so you can have a great time shopping your favorite accessories, footwear, perfume or anything that you desire at good prices. 
 
2. Try Iftar meals during Ramadan;

Ramadan observers break their fast at sunset and the meal after sunset is called iftar. Many well-known restaurants and hotels host iftar feasts. If you’re in Dubai during Ramadan, you must try out iftar meals. The auspicious holy month has begun so if any of your friends invite you to an iftar party, don’t miss out because Ramadan is not just the holy month when Muslims fast but also it’s the time when friends and families come together.

3. Be ready to be part of Charity this Ramadan;

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is not only a festival wherein people fast for the Holy Spirit Allah, but it is also the time for charity and lending to those people who are less fortunate than us. You can easily find sharing fridges in many communities in Dubai where you can donate food. During Ramadan, there are many donation campaigns in Dubai that take in the donation of clothes, books and other household items. Residents can also volunteer in many Ramadan events going on all over Dubai.

4. Watch the Firing Cannon in Dubai;

One of the most amazing things to do in Dubai during Ramadan is watching the Ramadan firing cannon at sunset. This old tradition that signifies the time to break the fast is truly a spectacular sight to watch. You mustn’t miss this tradition if you’re visiting Dubai during Ramadan. The firing of Ramadan cannon takes place in Mina Al Salam, City Walk and Burj Khalifa. 

5. Visit the mosques in Dubai;

There are several beautiful mosques that are open for non-Muslims. This is the best time for non-Muslims to learn about customs and traditions. Have a look at the stunning Islamic architecture in mosques like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai and Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah.

Sighting of the moon:
The sighting of the moon holds great importance during Ramadan. The working hours of companies all over Dubai are shortened by two hours. The end of Ramadan, Eid-Al-Fitr is celebrated with the three-day holiday. 
So, we hope you have a memorable and great experience this Ramadan!