| |  | | Ramadan is a special month of the year for Muslims throughout the world. It's the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and, during this period, people of the Muslim faith fast each day from dawn until dusk. It is also a time for inner reflection and enlightenment. |
 | |  | |  | | At Burj Al Arab, a range of traditional dining options, to start the day or break the fast, are prepared by the chefs with an understanding of cultural cuisine appropriate to this special time. | | With an agenda to suit those in celebratory mood, as well those who simply wish to soak in the tranquility of the resort, we will ensure that you spend Ramadan in style at Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. | | During the month of Ramadan, Jumeirah Beach Hotel has everything to offer; from daily Iftar and Suhour buffets to lavish Eid celebrations, you will never run out of choices. |
Q. | | What is Ramadan? | A. | | For over one billion people throughout the world, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day. |
Q. | | When does Ramadan begin? | A. | | Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depend on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward. In 2007 Ramadan is expected to start on 12 or 13 September. |
Q. | | Are Non-Muslims required to follow Ramadan practices? | A. | | Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during the month of Ramadan. However, as a sign of respect to the host country, guests are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk). |
Q. | | Is it OK for non-Muslims to experience Ramadan traditions? | A. | | Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam. For this reason, hotels all over Dubai have special Iftar (break of fast) gatherings and dinners at various restaurants available for guests and the general public. In addition, several hotels in Dubai feature special Ramadan tents, which open after the break of fast at sundown, and offer traditional Arabic food and drink where everyone can enjoy traditional Arabic hospitality. |
Q. | | Can I eat and drink during the day in Ramadan, and where can I get food and drink? | A. | | Most international hotels and restaurants within hotels, are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections open or keep curtains or blinds closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers-by. In addition, in-room dining and room service is available as normal during the day in most international hotels and some restaurants offer home delivery services at certain hours for breakfast or lunch during the month of Ramadan. It is quite acceptable for small children to eat and drink in public during daylight, as their needs must be met. |
Q. | | Can I still enjoy the beach and other facilities in the hotel? | A. | | Guests staying at the hotels in Dubai can enjoy the beaches and the facilities of the hotel as they normally would. The beaches are open, water sports facilities and health and leisure centres have normal operating hours. Catering facilities operate normally but do not serve alcohol before 7.00pm. |
Q. | | Is it possible to order drinks at nightclubs or lounges during Ramadan? | A. | | It is possible to order drinks at nightclubs and lounges that are open at licensed outlets after Iftar. |
Q. | | Until what time are nightclubs and lounges open during Ramadan? | A. | | Nightclubs and lounges vary in their opening and closing hours. In general, they are open after breaking the fast (Iftar) at sundown until 1.00am. However, no loud music or live entertainment will be available during Ramadan, only background music and/or piped music is played. |
Q. | | What about dress code? Should I wear conservative clothing? | A. | | It is encouraged to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan as a sign of respect. |
Q. | | Are there any changes in working/business hours? | A. | | Companies usually do have reduced working hours for their staff over Ramadan, especially for those that are fasting, but it is business as usual and the normal business hours are covered, in most cases, with employees working different shifts in most organizations in the private sector. The start of the business day in the morning might be a little later than normal. |
Q. | | What offers are available during Ramadan? | A. | | Ramadan is a time when friends and families come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors: Ramadan Tent: In keeping with true Arabian heritage, a large tent is erected at an outdoor location, i.e. at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Persian carpets, large pillows and cushions are placed on the floor for guests to experience true Arabian hospitality in the evenings. Traditional cuisine and beverages are generously offered at special affordable prices. Most locations also play traditional music and provide shisha pipes to add to the enjoyment of a truly Arabian evening. Promotions: In Ramadan, promotions are widely available and on offer, from shopping malls to restaurants, from TV shows to prize give-away competitions; the entire city illuminates with things to do and promotions to participate in. |
Q. | | Is everything closed during the day? | A. | | No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops, but are usually open for short hours in the morning, usually from 10.00am to 12.00pm, and they re-open approximately half an hour to an hour after breaking fast until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night. |
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