CELEBRATING RAMADAN AROUND THE WORLD

With Ramadan starting on March 22nd, many exciting traditions and events are being celebrated both in the UAE and around the world. Here in the UAE, you can look forward to a range of night markets and iftars both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to commemorate the occasion. Such night markets are filled with bright and colourful jewellery, handcrafts, fashion apparel, and household items that celebrate that celebrate the unique Arab creativity and culture. This includes the Expo City’s Hai Ramadan Market and Ramadan Night Market at the Dubai World Trade Centre which are expected to attract over 25,000 visitors this year. Additionally, iftars are being held around the country, some of the most highly anticipated of which include Aqua at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Arabesque Restaurant and Café. Moreover, the government is implementing various projects in Dubai, including the daily “Imagine Ramadan Project” in Dubai Festival City Mall. Here, light installations will adorn the city’s sidewalks, nature, and buildings to welcome the coming holiday.

Around the world, with a wide variety of cultures, practices, and celebrations making up the Muslim community, celebrations range from country to country, culminating in a wide array of beautiful traditions to commemorate the holy month.

In Egypt, celebrations are highlighted by famous lanterns which illuminate the city streets at night. Each of these is carefully designed to merge Egyptian folk and Islamic traditional designs and has been passed from generation to generation to evoke the togetherness associated with Ramadan. Meanwhile, in Qatar, each day between 45:30 pm, families come together for a car parade. Although the origins of the parade is most often cited as a means for fasters to distract themselves towards the end of the day, it is now a special means for the community to come together and spot some cool cars along the way! Reflecting the individual traditions of the Muslim world, Ramadan is the perfect time to get in touch with one another and give back through communal celebrations, so, make sure to check out some of the amazing celebrations in the UAE this year!