You Know It’s Ramadan When… Dubai Residents Edition

If you’ve lived in Dubai for years, you already know that Ramadan isn’t just another festival – it’s a full-blown experience. It comes with its own set of traditions, quirks, and unspoken rules that only Dubai residents get.

Imagine this – you have no calendar and no sense of time. How would you know that Ramadan has arrived? Not sure about other countries, but in Dubai, the signs are unmistakable.

You know it’s Ramadan in Dubai when…

A New Skyscraper Has Landed In The City

Nope, not the Burj Azizi tower. No, I’m not even talking about the new skyline changing hotel, Corinthia. I’m talking about the much-loved Vimto Tower that takes center stage in almost all supermarkets. Enter any of our neighbourhood supermarkets to be greeted by this giant, wobbling tower (you dare not test its wobbleness) of Vimto bottles. Definitely, the Burj Khalifa of Ramadan beverages!

Also read: Dubai: 24 Locations To Witness Ramadan Cannons

2. You’re Off After Sunrise and Back Before Sunset From Office

30 days of saying “Good morning, God!” and not “Good God, it’s morning!” because office hours just got Ramadanified. Shorter workdays, late entries, early exits, and you suddenly become the fastest driver in Dubai, racing the sun home before iftar.

Just Ramadan Things: Dubai Edition - ramadan in dubai

Also read: Office Survival 101: Supporting Your Fasting Colleagues This Ramadan

Police Officers Hand Out Iftar Kits Like Superheroes

The most soul-stirring part of Ramadan, if you ask me, is this! Nothing like seeing Dubai’s police officers skip their own iftar to hand out meals to drivers stuck in traffic. It’s heartwarming and slightly makes you regret that post-work sandwich you munched on.

Your Fasting Friend Has a Date Every Evening

Before you get all hyped up – no, not the romantic kind. Just the edible kind! Bateel, Mejdoor, Jomara, Ajwa – you name them, they would have tried them all.

Also read: 7 Ramadan Markets You Can Enjoy In Dubai

But During the Day, Their Algorithm Betrays Them

Every fasting person’s worst enemy? Their Instagram and TikTok feeds suddenly turn into a non-stop mukbang of biryanis, juicy burgers and kunafa oozing with cream. The struggle is real!

Ramadan Markets Are Lit (Literally) Until the AM

Food, shopping, entertainment – night markets go strong till 2 AM (because, duh, that’s literally their thing), giving you endless chances to snack like there’s no tomorrow, shop like your wallet isn’t judging, and vibe under fairy lights like you’re in a movie montage.

Also read: 5 Things We Bet Will Return at the Ramadan Street Food Festival Karama

The Radio Breaks Into Oud-Heavy Ramadan Jingles Every 30 Minutes

That soothing strum of the oud just hits different when you’re stuck in traffic – pure serenity… until you remember you’re fasting. Suddenly, your stomach’s staging a grumbling protest, and every radio station chooses that exact moment to remind you (as if you forgot) that it’s still not iftar time. Heinous!

PS Only we know that you’ve already googled “iftar time today” at least 20 times already!

You Accidentally Drink Water in Public and Panic

You’ve been the picture of support and compassion for your fasting friend all day. But in a moment of habit, as you step off the metro, you absentmindedly reach into your bag, pull out a bottle, and take a long sip. Oops! Did anyone see? Will a police car appear out of thin air? Will you be fined? Or worse, asked to serve a jail term? (Probably not, but the paranoia is real.)

Also read: Ramadan Rules: 6 Things That Could Get You Fined in the UAE

Malls Extend Their Operational Hours

Late-night shopping isn’t just an option—it’s a sport. Whether you genuinely need a last-minute iftar outfit or just want to roam the mall because, well, why not? Dubai’s malls are open longer than your willpower to resist another round of samosas.

You Strategically Aim To Cross the Salik Gate at 6:59 AM

Avoiding that extra toll? Definitely, a Ramadan skill. Well, you know the drill: hit that Salik gate before 7 AM or accept your fate (and a thinning wallet)

Also read: Salik Toll Gate Prices & Timings To See Major Changes During Ramadan

You Promise to Avoid Fried Food, But…

Samosas? Pakoras? Meat Rolls? You swore you’d keep it healthy, but your iftar plate tells a different story. Just one more? Sure, that’s what you said yesterday too; and the day before!