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RAMADAN 2017
A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE
The Holy Month of Ramadan is set to start on Saturday, 27th May, and is expected to end on Saturday, 24th June; though dates may vary depending on moon sighting. The ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is characterized by fasting and prayer. As a general rule, it is important for everyone to observe proper decorum. As faith envelops the city and as the spirit of giving fills the air, travelling to the Great Arabia during this season makes for an immersive cultural experience. In exploring the Islamic world during the Holy Month, it pays to take note of some guidelines and adjustments.
DO’S & DON’TS • Be mindful of what you wear, and dress modestly. For both men and women, shoulders, chest and knees must be covered. • Swimwear can be worn only at the beach or in the pool area. • Eating, drinking and smoking are strictly forbidden in public places from sunrise until sunset, except for some designated areas in your hotel, around the pool and at the private beaches of some properties. • Public displays of affection must be avoided at all costs. • It’s a good time to experience authentic traditions. Make it a point to participate in Ramadan programmes and events, such as an iftar, a gathering wherein Muslims break their fast with a sip of water and some dates, just like how the Prophet Muhammad did.
Click here to read about ‘What To Expect’, along with Ramadan operating hours for certain attractions.
A gastronomic feast typically ensues; thus it is also a perfect opportunity to have a good taste of the local cuisine.
Your gateway to the best of
Arabia
Desert Adventures Tourism A Destination Management Company
Al Barsha Boutique building, Al Barsha 1 PO Box 25488, Dubai, UAE
Tel.: +971 4 450 4450 Fax: +971 4 450 4451
email:
[email protected] website: www.desertadventures.com
RAMADAN 2017
A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE
WHAT TO EXPECT • Some restaurants and cafes will be closed, especially during the day. These establishments open after sunset until dinner, as Muslims break their fast for the day. While many may maintain operations all day long, they may have shorter or different opening hours or may be available only for take-away or delivery. It is best to call and confirm beforehand. • Some parts of our tours or programmes may change, depending on the Ramadan operations that will be implemented by certain places and attractions: • Armani dinner is served not inside the hotel but at the Ramadan Iftar tent within its premises. • At The Top - Armani Deli lunch & dinner packages are NOT available during Ramadan. • Mosque visits may also be adjusted. For the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., from Saturday to Thursday. The last admission will be accepted at 1:30 pm. It is closed on Fridays. • All hotels will have options for lunch, drinks, and food during daytime for non-Muslims. • Live music and entertainment are not allowed throughout the entire month; hence, cultural entertainment during our popular tours (such as Desert Safari and Dhow Cruise) will not be available. • Supermarkets will be open, so people may still buy food and drinks that they may eat in private.
Certain bars, such as Burj Al Arab’s Gold on 27, will not be operating their evening drinks service all throughout the month. See this advisory for more details. • Various attractions and tourist spots implement changes in operating hours*: • IMG Worlds of Adventure Opening hours during the month of Ramadan : Sun -Wed: 1pm to 10pm Thu - Sat: 1pm to 11pm • Ferrari World Sun-Wed: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Thu, Fri: 11:00 am – midnight Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Thu, Fri, Sat: Entrance will be free after 6:00 pm, but this doesn’t come with access to rides. • Yas Waterworld | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Ladies Night will be suspended during the Holy Month. The last Ladies’ Night for the month will be held on 25th May 2017. It will be back from 6th July 2017 onwards. • Aquaventure Waterpark | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm • Wild Wadi Water Park No changes at the moment for operating hours (10:00 am – 18;00 pm); however, its regular Ladies Night will be suspended. • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo No changes in operations have been advised so far. 10:00 am - 11:00 pm (Sun – Wed) 10:00 am - midnight (Thu – Sat)
• Shopping malls will be open as usual. As everything tends to happen much later in the day, many stay open till late at night.
• At The Top, Burj Khalifa 9:30 am - 01:00 am (last entry at 11:45 pm) Prime hours: 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm (inclusive) *At iftar, guests will be offered refreshments at the deck.
• Usual alcohol restrictions will apply during this period; but implementation may vary from one place to another.
• At The Top, Burj Khalifa SKY Non-prime hours: 11:00 am- 5:00 pm Prime hours: 6:00 pm - 01:00 am (last entry at 11:45pm)
Some hotels will be serving alcoholic drinks day and night; while others will do so only after sundown.
• At The Top + The Cafe package 7:00 pm- 11:45 pm (inclusive)
*Partners will be advised of other Ramadan operation changes that may crop up after the release of this list. Should you have any concerns, contact us anytime.
Your gateway to the best of
Arabia
Desert Adventures Tourism A Destination Management Company
Al Barsha Boutique building, Al Barsha 1 PO Box 25488, Dubai, UAE
Tel.: +971 4 450 4450 Fax: +971 4 450 4451
email:
[email protected] website: www.desertadventures.com
