| Events
& Entertainments
The
main Islamic holidays are Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, which
marks the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, which marks the
pilgrimage to Mecca, and the Prophet's Birthday
.
The UAE Desert Challenge:
The road rally is a dusty, rollicking affair that takes
place in November. The race starts and finishes in Dubai,
but revs through Abu Dhabi territory as well.
More in the spirit of most visitors is a shopping festival
in early March.
Festivals:
Dubai hosts two major tourist-oriented events during the
year. The fiercely promoted Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
runs from late March to late April, when shopping centers
bust themselves to bring in the spenders. Entertainment
for the kids, fireworks and free raffle tickets with every
purchase are just part of the fun. The lower-key Dubai
Summer Surprises is designed, along with cheap hotel rates,
to attract tourists during the summer slump. Surprises
include displays of traditional culture, cooking demonstrations,
art shows and more raffle tickets.
Religious holidays:
Religious holidays are tied to the lunar Islamic Hijra
calendar, so dates vary from year to year on the western
Gregorian version, which runs on solar time. Eid al-Fitr
(the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Pilgrimage), Lailat
al-Mi'raj (the Ascension of the Prophet), the Prophet's
Birthday and the Islamic New Year are the main celebrations.
Secular holidays include New Year's Day (1 January) and
National Day (2 December). Keep in mind that Thursday
and Friday make up the Dubai weekend.
Ramadan:
The month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk,
and it is in poor form to eat, drink or smoke in public.
If a Muslim friend offers you tea or coffee during the
daytime in Ramadan, Ms Manners would suggest that you
politely refuse. Alcohol is not served publicly at any
time during Ramadan, but those with a liquor license can
purchase it for consumption at home. At sundown, the feast
begins.
Daily Life During Ramadhan:
Muslims generally eat two meals each day: the first (sahoor)
is usually eaten about an hour before dawn and must finish
before first light, the second (iftar) immediately follows
sunset, which in some places is announced by the firing
of a cannon. Once the sun goes down, Muslims usually break
their fast following the example of Prophet Mohammed (peace
be upon him) by eating a few dates, offering prayers,
and sitting down to dinner.
In many Muslim countries, labor laws stress that Muslims
may be required to work a maximum of six hours daily.
Offices, shops, and other places of employment adjust
to the reduced working hours. Restaurants close and food
may not be consumed openly during the day by non-Muslims
or Muslims who are not fasting.
Night turns into day with prayer and family life being
the focus of activities. In the UAE, shopping centers
are open late into the night, the streets are crowded
with people, and television offers special late night
viewing for the entire family.
Allowances should be made for a marked slowing down of
daily life and it may take longer than normal to transact
business. More care should be taken in traffic as the
level of concentration might slump due to fasting and
lack of sleep. When making appointments, allow for more
flexibility than would normally be required.
Eid Al Fitr:
Ed Al Fitr is the three-day celebration following Ramadhan.
It is a festive and happy time during which Muslims do
not fast; in fact, it is a time for feasts. The first
day of Eid begins before dawn. After eating something
(probably dates), showering, and putting on good or new
clothes, Muslims gather in large outdoor areas for the
first prayer of the day. Returning home from prayer, Muslims
spend the day greeting friends and family. Homes are busy
with visitors arriving throughout the day. Sweets, fruits,
and snacks are offered to all and gifts are often given
to children. Eid is a time to be thankful and generous.
The UAE also observes:
New Year's Day, Lailat al-Mi'raj (Ascension of the Prophet)
and National Day in (2 December). In Abu Dhabi, August
6th is a holiday marking the accession of Sheikh Zayed. |