Ramadan affects opening hours and daily routines in Dubai, but most attractions and activities continue to operate. The main difference is timing, with evenings becoming the most active part of the day.
This guide focuses on practical things to do in Dubai during Ramadan, including evening activities, cultural experiences, and a free day itinerary. It’s written to help visitors plan their time realistically, avoid closed venues, and understand what actually works during Ramadan.
If you’re planning a trip in March, see our Visiting Dubai In March 2026: Simple Guide for date-specific tips, itineraries and practical advice on sightseeing and evening activities during Ramadan.
10 Must-Do Things During Ramadan in Dubai
Experience a Traditional Ramadan Iftar
Ramadan Iftar is served at sunset, when restaurants and Ramadan tents begin evening service. Service usually starts with dates and water, followed by a fixed menu or buffet.
In Dubai, most Iftar menus include soup, mezze, grilled meats, rice dishes, and traditional desserts. Seating is typically time-limited, and popular venues fill quickly. Arriving 10–20 minutes before sunset helps avoid queues and allows you to be seated before service begins, after which most evening activities operate.
Visit a Ramadan Tent at Night
Ramadan tents open after sunset and are used for Iftar and late-night dining in Dubai. They are temporary venues set up at hotels, beachfront locations, and event spaces during Ramadan.
Most tents offer set menus or buffets, comfortable seating, and extended opening hours, often running until early morning. They suit visitors who prefer a relaxed, unhurried evening meal rather than a standard restaurant booking.
Explore Old Dubai After Sunset
Exploring Old Dubai after sunset is practical during Ramadan due to cooler temperatures and shifted daily schedules. Most activity begins after Iftar, when shops and public areas reopen.
Al Fahidi, Deira, and the Dubai Creek area remain active in the evening, with souks, cafés, and pedestrian routes open late. Abra boats continue operating across the creek, providing a quick way to move between districts.
Some museums and heritage sites adjust opening hours during Ramadan, so checking timings in advance is recommended.
Walk Along Dubai Marina at Night
Walking along Dubai Marina at night suits Ramadan schedules, as temperatures drop and most activity shifts to the evening. The Marina Walk is fully lit and flat, making it easy to walk after Iftar.
Restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets remain open late, and seating areas along the water allow for short breaks without committing to a full meal. The route is busiest shortly after Iftar, so walking later in the evening is quieter and more comfortable, especially during Ramadan.
For more local tips on evening activities, dining options that stay open late, and other Ramadan-friendly experiences, see our Local Insights: Best Things To Do In Dubai Marina.
Attend a Guided Heritage Walk
Guided heritage walks during Ramadan usually take place after Iftar and focus on Old Dubai areas such as Al Fahidi. Walks are led by licensed guides and cover traditional architecture, daily life before modern development, and Ramadan customs.
Groups are small and routes are fixed, typically lasting 60–90 minutes. Evening timings make walking more comfortable, but places are limited, so booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends during Ramadan.
Visit a Ramadan Bazaar
Ramadan bazaars open after Iftar and are usually set up as temporary evening venues. They focus on food stalls, handmade items, modest fashion, and small gifts rather than full retail shopping.
Locations and operating dates change each year, as bazaars are often linked to specific hotels, cultural districts, or seasonal events. Visiting later in the evening makes browsing easier, as early hours are busier. These bazaars work best for casual food stops and short visits rather than planned purchases.
Enjoy a Dhow Cruise Iftar
A dhow cruise Iftar combines a fixed evening meal with a slow cruise along Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek. Cruises usually depart shortly before sunset and time the meal with the call to prayer.
Most packages include a set menu or buffet, basic drinks, and a 1.5–2 hour cruise. Seating is limited and routes are fixed, so booking in advance is recommended during Ramadan. This option suits visitors who want a structured evening without moving between venues.
Experience a Late-Night Desert Activity
Late-night desert activities during Ramadan usually start after Iftar and avoid the daytime heat. Options focus on quieter experiences such as stargazing, short dune drives, or night desert camps rather than full daytime safaris.
Most tours run later than usual, with reduced group sizes and limited itineraries. Transport is typically included, but timings are fixed, so confirming pickup and return times in advance is important. This suits visitors looking for a low-energy desert experience without committing to a full afternoon excursion.
Visit Jumeirah Mosque
Visiting Jumeirah Mosque during Ramadan is done via guided evening tours rather than casual entry. Tours typically run after Iftar and explain prayer practices, fasting, and mosque etiquette in a structured format.
Visitors are required to follow a dress code, and sessions include time for questions. Group sizes are limited and timings can change during Ramadan, so checking schedules and arriving early helps secure a place.
Enjoy Suhoor at a Late-Night Cafe
Suhoor is served late at night or in the early morning before fasting resumes, and many cafés extend opening hours during Ramadan. These venues focus on light meals, breakfast-style dishes, and drinks rather than full dinners.
Service is usually calmer than Iftar, with flexible seating and no fixed timings. Menus vary, but expect items such as eggs, pastries, flatbreads, and hot drinks. Going later reduces waiting times, as peak hours tend to be just after midnight.
Free Ramadan Day Itinerary Table
| Time | Activity | Specific Details |
| 11:00–12:30 | Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood | Walk the heritage lanes, courtyards, and wind towers in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Free to enter and walk around. |
| 12:30–14:00 | Dubai Coffee Museum (optional, free sections) | Explore exhibits on Arabic coffee culture. Indoor, air-conditioned, and quiet during the day. |
| 14:00–17:30 | Rest / indoor downtime | Most outdoor activity slows during fasting hours. Use this time to rest or stay indoors. |
| Sunset | Observe Iftar moment | At sunset, activity pauses briefly across the city. No booking needed; simply observe the fast-breaking moment nearby. |
| 18:45–20:00 | Walk through Deira Souks | Visit the Spice and Gold Souks near Dubai Creek once shops reopen after Iftar. |
| 20:00 | Cross Dubai Creek by abra | Take a traditional abra (low-cost public transport) between Deira and Bur Dubai. |
| 20:30–22:00 | Evening walk along the creek | Stroll the waterfront paths and seating areas as the area stays active late into the evening. |
Visiting Dubai in March 2026? Check our 10 Things To Do In Dubai – March 2026 for a curated, time-sensitive list of activities and evening recommendations that work well during Ramadan.
For a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of what to expect, including changes to opening hours, etiquette, and recommended evening activities, see Dubai During Ramadan 2026: What To Expect.
FAQs About Activities During Ramadan in Dubai
Are tourist attractions open during Ramadan in Dubai?
Most major tourist attractions remain open during Ramadan, though some adjust their hours. Theme parks, museums, heritage sites, malls and observation decks continue to operate, often with later opening times and extended evenings.
Is it better to do activities during the day or at night in Ramadan?
The daily rhythm in Dubai shifts: daytime is generally quieter and hotter, while evening activity increases after sunset. Many cultural experiences, markets and dining options are busier and more comfortable after Iftar, though indoor attractions are accessible any time.
Can tourists attend cultural or heritage events during Ramadan?
Yes. Cultural programmes such as heritage walks, museum exhibitions and Ramadan souqs are scheduled after sunset. Some events are tied to specific dates and venues, so checking official event listings ahead of time ensures you catch particular experiences.
Are Ramadan bazaars open every night?
Ramadan bazaars are seasonal and often linked to specific locations or event calendars. Some operate nightly, while others run only on selected evenings throughout the month, with varying opening hours.
Is it possible to explore Old Dubai during Ramadan?
Yes. Heritage areas, souks, and waterfront paths in Old Dubai remain accessible, and many shops and cafés reopen in the evening after Iftar when temperatures are cooler.
Do desert activities run during Ramadan?
Yes, desert tours and safaris run during Ramadan, though many operators focus on late-afternoon and evening departures to avoid daytime heat. Night-time experiences tend to be quieter and shorter than standard daytime safaris.
Can non-Muslims visit mosques during Ramadan?
Certain mosques (e.g., Jumeirah Mosque) and cultural centres offer guided visits during Ramadan, usually outside prayer times and with strict dress codes. Independent entry to prayer halls is restricted.
What time is Suhoor served in Dubai?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins. Many cafes, hotels and designated food venues extend opening hours late into the night so visitors can eat and drink before sunrise.
Can tourists eat and drink during the day in public during Ramadan?
Non-Muslim visitors are allowed to eat and drink in public areas and restaurants, but it’s respectful to be discreet, especially in traditional neighbourhoods. Many dining venues and malls operate throughout the day.
Is Ramadan a good time to visit Dubai for activities?
Yes. Dubai remains open and active during Ramadan, with attractions, shopping and cultural experiences available. Days are quieter and evenings lively after sunset, offering a different rhythm of visiting.