Dubai to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan

As Dubai gears up to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, residents and tourists will be able to enjoy a wide range of cultural, community and family-oriented events, set to highlight the emirate’s local heritage.

The Dubai Calendar highlights the line-up of events and activities focusing on the Islamic values of compassion, giving and sharing. Running from May 5 through to the close of Ramadan, there will be charitable initiatives, host of promotions and exciting in-mall activations, underlining Dubai’s reputation as a leading family tourism destination.

“The city’s private and public sector entities have joined hands once again to offer an exciting calendar of events throughout the holy month that revolves around the pillars of community, family, gastronomy and sports,” says Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). “With 2019 being observed as the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, we look forward to offering a variety of different experiences across the emirate for people of all cultures and backgrounds to enjoy together, all available to discover through Dubai Calendar. The programme of events and activities will offer an insight into the true essence of Emirati hospitality, giving visitors the opportunity to feel part of Dubai’s diverse multicultural family. With our world-class retail offering, and partners preparing to deliver rewarding shopping experiences through various offers and promotions, there is something for everyone to enjoy this Ramadan in Dubai. We encourage shoppers to make the most of the extended mall timings to shop for clothes, accessories and gifts for Eid.”

With 2019 being declared the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (IACAD) will launch the ‘Ramadan Dubai’ initiative to help spread the message of tolerance and bring communities together under the theme of ‘compassion and coexistence.’  The ‘Ramadan Dubai’ activities will include the opportunity to visit Ramadan tents and be a part of the Iftar dialogue, an educational programme on Islam, while Ramadan Nights and Squares will be held across malls featuring several activities including art and writing of Quranic text, calligraphy, painting workshops and exhibitions.

‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historic District of Bur Dubai, will enable an interactive opportunity for learning more about Ramadan, as well as the UAE’s history and culture. The centre invites visitors to take part in the full schedule of activities, including a range of Arabic classes, heritage tours and guided mosque visits.

Further, there will be several in-mall activations in The Dubai Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Seef, La Mer and The Beach, among others. A number of markets will take place throughout the holy month, including Arte Market at Times Square Centre and Mercato Mall; WoW Eid Bazaar at Holiday Inn, Bur Dubai; and Ramadan Trunk Show at Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road. In addition, several sports activities will also take place during Ramadan.