Islam in Everyday Life

The UAE is an Islamic country, but significantly more liberal than neighboring Saudi Arabia or Iran. Nevertheless, you should know and respect the religious rules:

Ramadan

The holy fasting month (dates vary according to the lunar calendar, expected around February 18 – March 19, 2026) fundamentally changes public life:

• Eating, drinking, and smoking in public is prohibited from sunrise to sunset — even for non-Muslims! Penalty: Warning up to 2,000 AED.
• Restaurants are closed during the day or hang curtains over the windows (for non-fasters).
• Loud music is inappropriate. Clubs and bars close or have reduced hours.
• Positive: The Iftar buffets (breaking the fast at sunset) are a culinary experience — many hotels offer opulent Iftar dinners (150–300 AED/37–75 EUR). The atmosphere after sunset, when everyone eats together and the city comes to life, is special.

Friday Prayer

Friday is the holy day in Islam. The prayer time at midday (around 12:00–13:30) is the most important moment of the week. The metro in Dubai starts on Fridays only at 10:00. Avoid noise near mosques during prayer times.

Dress Code

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the dress code is relatively relaxed — at beaches and pools bikinis and swim trunks are normal. In malls, restaurants, and public buildings shoulders and knees should be covered (practical: have a light scarf or loose pants with you). In Sharjah and the northern emirates, more conservative clothing is expected. In mosques strict rules apply: long pants/skirt, covered arms, women with headscarf.