This year, i.e. 2011 Ramadan dates in Dubai would commence on August 1st. As per Gulf News, Ebrahim Al Jarwan, who is an astronomer based in Sharjah, is of opinion that “hilal”, which is the half moon will rise on July 30th and set on July 31st. He also asserted that it would be very difficult to get a glimpse of the moon. However, officially Ramadan is dated in August 1st and would continue for about 30 days. Going forward Eid Al Fitr is on August 31st 2011.

Ramadan, also known or pronounced as Ramadhan, Ramzan and Ramazan is originally the name given to the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. If follows the eight month which is known as Shaban. The following month is Shawwal. This month holds great significance for the Islamic faith and Muslims. They observe this pious occasion by fasting during the day that is followed by religious rituals and periods of spiritual contemplation.

Ramadan is considered as the most pious month according to the Islamic calendar. This is because Muslims and people of the Islamic faith believed that Qur’an was divinely revealed to the great Prophet Mohammed during this month. It was said to be the night of Laylat al Qadr, one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

On the other hand, Eid Al Fitr is a holiday in Dubai, and is towards the end of Ramadan. It falls when the next month Shawwal begins as per the Islamic Calendar. This is generally a three day holy festival, however the holiday in the public sector differs from two days to about five or six days. The day for Eid Al Fitr is formally announced post the moon sighting toward the end of Ramadan. This is a time when in Dubai border crossings and airports are congested as there are numerous tourists arriving at the city or are travelling overseas to visit their family, relatives and friends.



Ramadan in Dubai
Whilst Ramadan, an evening time known as Iftar is regarded as a special evening. As soon as the sun sets, a cannon fire announces the breaking of the fast for the day. If you want to have an experience of the same from a close distance, then you can be there at the car parking zone neat Gate 4 in Safa Park in Jumeirah. This is certainly not the time for grand feats. Going by the tradition, all that once could have is water and a few dates. Later, as the day merges into evening the occasion is celebrated with greater festivity as people consume large meals amidst family and friends. Furthermore, the city mosques provide Iftar meals free to the poor and downtrodden people, irrespective of the fact that they are Muslim or belong to some other caste. These meals are generally sponsored by NGO’s and other charity clubs or at times by eminent entities. Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque records one of the largest gatherings.

During this time, numerous hotels offer special Iftar tents. Tourists are able to choose from single or complex meal, and can choose from the price ranges that are available. This is an occasion where the residents of Dubai get a chance to be with their family and other close ones. Rulers in different emirates excuse a number of prisoners on the first day. Simultaneously, few of them are released for this month to spend some time with their family.

Almost all government offices and businesses in Dubai City close down for the day between 14:00 and 16:00 hrs. The auspicious time of Iftar sets in between 17:30 to 19:00 hrs depending on the year and other calendar details. All business and other official work ceases down during this time. Hence, you can expect delays in bureaucratic or commercial activities.

That is not all, café’s and restaurants shut down during the day. They extend their duty hours towards the night. You might locate few eateries open during daytime. Few fast food joints permit take-outs. Most supermarkets remain open in the daytime and in the night for long stretching up to mid night sometimes.

Eid in Dubai
Eid that commences as Ramadan progresses towards its end. There are various events and other celebrations that take place in the city. These events and festivities takes place in the form of concerts, shopping offers, firework displays that are organized by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishments.

Ben - A 10 - 25 minute live stunt action especially for children. There are other characters too such as Four Arms, Ben Tennyson, and Wildmutt. Other events dedicated to children include the following:- - Hello Kitty Show
- Barney’s Beach Party
- Lazy Town stage show
- Aquafantasia show that has laser lights, fireworks, and water displays.
- Dino Live Exhibition at Dubai Festival City
- Back-to-School party at Dubai Airport Expo
If you are in Dubai during this time of the year then make it a point to be there at the Dubai 2011 Eid Bazar. This is going to be on August 20th. The location is Media Rotana and visitors can walk in between 10:00 am in the morning to 2:00 pm in afternoon. This is a venue where you can carry on with all your Eid shopping.

Things that you can buy here can range from the sheilas to the abayas and also new collections and varieties of branded salwar kameez and other buys. Women can purchase their favorite handbags, bangles, make-up, jewelry and other wrapped gift items for your dear ones on this auspicious occasion on Eid. Men can get their conduras, shoes, kameez, perfumes and other items from here. Kids can also have a fun time around here with interesting games, crèche, face painting and show bags that are on offer.

Ramadan and Eid in Dubai 2011 is all about festivities, rituals followed by celebrations and feasts. You need not be a native to experience the fiesta. The city of Dubai welcomes everyone round the globe during this time of the year, making your stay a memorable one.

For more information also check out http://www.dubaicity.com/events/dubai-ramadan.htm