From 1st March to 31st March 2025, the UAE will be celebrating Ramadan with immense joy and pleasure.
So, if you are looking to enjoy the festivities in the UAE, you should immediately book a trip with the leading
travel agency, Next Holidays, and start packing!
The holy month of
Ramadan in the UAE is about celebrations, shopping, community events, and traditional feasts.
Speaking of traditional feasts, did you know about free iftar in the UAE? If not, you’re in for a treat.
In this blog, we will explain everything from Ramadan celebrations to free meals. Suit yourself!
Celebrating Ramadan in UAE for 2025
Night markets, shopping malls, festive deals, delicious iftars and suhoors, and much more. That is what Ramadan in the UAE is!
Whether you are traveling to celebrate Ramadan in the UAE and are unaware of the traditions here or you are just planning to visit UAE in March and want to know everything about the festival as a visitor, there is so much to find out when we talk about celebrating Ramadan.
What is Done During Ramadan in UAE?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and perform prayers in a mosque. They abstain from food, drink, and any physical pleasures during this period.
After sunrise, the fast is broken by consuming something small like fruits, dates, or water, and prayers are performed. This is followed by a proper meal called iftar.
Before the break of dawn, fasting Muslims have a meal called Suhoor, which provides them with the necessary nutrition during the day.
How Can You Celebrate Ramadan in the UAE?
UAE during the month of Ramadan is extremely happening. There are so many things you can do while you’re here.
- Visiting Night Market: The Ramadan Night Market features local handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious food. Enjoy the festive vibe while you buy gifts for your loved ones.
- Go to Jumeirah Mosque: Whether you are a Muslim or non-Muslim, you can visit this mosque. Sitting in a peaceful atmosphere will be an unforgettable experience.
- Visit Malls: During Ramadan, malls are open late at night. You can go shopping and even engage in activities like watching the aquarium or playing games.
- Indulge in a Meal: During this period, restaurants offer iftar buffets and specially curated menus for suhoor. Savor authentic delicacies while enjoying live music and live cooking stations.
Key Points about Ramadan in the UAE
Are you visiting the UAE during Ramadan? There are some things you should know about and points that you must keep in mind.
Clothing
Wherever you stay in the UAE, it is extremely crucial that you wear modest clothes. It is best to keep your knees and shoulders covered.
Affection
Avoid PDA or Public Displays of Affection. This includes hugging and holding hands in public as well.
Reduced Working Hours
The working hours are reduced in both public and private businesses during Ramadan. This helps Muslims to perform rituals as prayers to God.
Free Iftar in UAE during Ramadan
Since iftar is the meal eaten after fasting the whole day, several places offer free iftar to Muslims in the UAE. The communal iftar meals are considered to be of great significance, which is why numerous mosques and special Ramadan tents offer free iftar.
Traditional Ramadan Foods
Popular Ramadan dishes include luqaimat, samosas, lentil soup, ouzi, and dates. Fast is broken by eating dates (iftar), followed by a meal.
Eating in Public
In order to show respect for fasting Muslims, it is not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke during fasting hours (sunrise to sunset) in public. Restaurants and cafes will operate as usual. During iftar and suhoor, you can eat in public.
Spiritual Activities
During Ramadan, the spiritual activities also increase. Muslims spend more time performing Taraweeh prayers and reading the Qur’an. This heightens particularly in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Where to Find Free Iftar Meals in UAE?
During Ramadan, free iftar meals are offered in the UAE for fasting Muslims. This does not only help support the community but also promotes the Islamic principles of compassion and generosity.
So, where to get free iftar in UAE? Well, there are several places where you can find free meals:
- Labor camps
- Public areas
- Community centers
- Ramadan tents (also known as Mawad al-Rahman)
- Mosques
Where to Find Free Iftar Meals in Dubai
Are you thinking, “Where can I get free iftar in Dubai?”
You can find iftar free food Dubai in numerous places. Remember to check their website beforehand.
Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque
Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque offers free iftar in Dubai. The meals include traditional Ramadan dishes, which makes them perfect for breaking the fast.
Every day, the mosque serves more than 2,000 meals.
Iftar begins at Maghrib (Sunset) | 119 6D St - Al Safa - Al Safa 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Charitable Organizations
Several organizations conduct Dubai free iftar drives. Dubai Cares is an international humanitarian organization that organizes these drives every year.
Beit Al Khair Society is also known to partner with labor camps, mosques, and community centers to offer iftar boxes and meal kits.
The Emirates Red Crescent is among the leading nonprofit organizations in the UAE that distribute free iftar food in Dubai. It serves thousands of people every day.
Ramadan Tents
Ramadan tents are decorated with lanterns and Arabic motifs and have a welcoming ambiance. They even have separate areas for children and for adults to make accommodation easy.
In Business Bay, hotel -sponsored tents can be seen close to skyscrapers and commercial centers.
In Bur and Deira, community park tents are located in popular historic areas and public parks. Generally, cultural performances and live recitations happen here.
For people on the move, Downtown Dubai Park tents are perfect. They are situated near business areas and famous malls.
Where to Get Free Iftar in Abu Dhabi
Like Dubai, there are several places where you can get free iftar food in Abu Dhabi. In fact, numerous organizations conduct drives and events that involve free iftar meals.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre
In collaboration with more than 20 local and government entities, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is prepared to serve over 2.15 million worshippers, visitors, and fasting guests.
More than 80,000 free iftar in Abu Dhabi will be served on a daily basis, which includes over 30,000 meals being served in the mosque.
Iftar begins around 6:30 PM | Al Rawdah - W54 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Yas Island
If you book the Stay and Play package, you get free iftar for as many days as you and your family stay.
The offer is applicable for stays in all participating hotels on Yas Island as well as Yas Neighbor hotels.
The Ramadan 2025 offer is applicable from 1st March to 27th March. The last date to book the package is 25th March.
FAQs
Is open Iftar free?
This year, open iftars are free. As the term suggests, open iftar is open to all, regardless of their background and faith. Nonetheless, people are encouraged to generously donate.
Which place is good for Iftar?
There are several mosques, restaurants, hotels, and resorts that are hosting iftar meals in UAE. Based on the region you are in, you can look for the best places for Iftar near you.
What time is free parking in Abu Dhabi in Ramadan?
The parking fee remains the same in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan. From 8 AM to 12 AM, you can pay and park your vehicle. Nonetheless, it may be free on public holidays and Fridays. Check for signboards before you pay.
How to get free food in the UAE?
You can contact a registered charity or community center to get free food. During Ramadan, free iftar is available in mosques and Ramadan tents. Even food drives are also conducted.
Is it illegal to eat in public during Ramadan in the UAE?
It is not illegal to eat in public during Ramadan in the UAE. However, it is considered impolite to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the holy month. In order to show respect to fasting Muslims, it is considered best to eat in restaurants and other private spaces.
Does Emirates provide free meals?
In Economy class, Emirates offers complimentary meals that include soft drinks, fruit juices, and desserts. In Business and First Class, passengers get various meal options that they can choose from.
How to get free food in Ramadan?
You can get free food in Ramadan in the UAE at mosques and Ramadan tents. They offer free iftars after sunset.
Do Mosques in Dubai Offer Free Iftar Meals?
Yes, a majority of mosques offer free iftar meals in Dubai during Ramadan. Jumeirah Mosque and Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque are popular places offering free meals to several people.