Sandi Saksena
RAMADAN, this sacred month is celebrated with great reverence and joy! A time for fasting, prayer, reflection, in the community, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the UAE the GCC and the Arab and for Muslims worldwide.
I have experienced many a Ramadan; in Kuwait as a child in the 60s, as a mom in Bahrain in the 80s, and now in Dubai from the 90s onwards.
For me, Ramadan was a time of no food/drink consumed or served in public places like restaurants, cafes, malls, of Iftar and Suhoor in my Muslim friends’ homes. There was a kind of reverence for those who among us fasted while putting in the day’s work. The rule were stringent. Gradually things changed. With the influx of nonMuslim expatriates and then the tourists, hotels were allowed to carry on as usual serving patrons during the hours of fasting Now malls are open from 10 am to midnight, restaurants are open to serve food to people not fasting. From grand Iftar tents to bespoke ballrooms transformed for Ramadan, there’s a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Bigger, better, and packed with more culinary delights than ever, these venues host lavish ‘unforgettable’ Ramadan experiences!
A rich selection
The Iftar and Suhoor buffets are now ‘global’ affairs, featuring a rich selection of Arabesque, Khaleeji, Persian, Turkish, and international delicacies, not to forget the Sushi and some Far Eastern delights. According to people connected to hospitality, catering and tent set ups, Ramadan sets the right atmosphere for their business.
Other sources state that groceries will continue to be the top category driving increased spending during Ramadan. Dining out and food delivery are also expected to surge. Not to be left behind, fashion designers gear up to sell modest fashion attire for daytime prayers to evening gatherings. Non-Muslims often seek stylish abayas that make them feel comfortable and confident during these gatherings.
Ramadan tents, known locally as Mawad al-Rahman, are an integral part of the Ramadan backdrop in the UAE. These tents set up by Government bodies, charitable organisations, and private sponsors offer free Iftar meals in a welcoming, festive atmosphere. Dubai’s blue-collar workforce often faces challenges during Ramadan; so many free Iftar programmes are specifically designed to support labour camps as well.
Heartening practices
In Emirati residential areas, many play host to the less fortunate. Areas in front of villas are cleaned and freshly prepared Iftar food packages accompanied by dates, yoghurt, juice and water are set out on mats for anyone to come and break their fast. The young men from these homes help in the setup and serving. Another heartening practice is the handing out of water and dates at Iftar time to people in cars at traffic junctions by Emirati volunteers who, though fasting, are doing their bit for society. Gas station attendants hand out packets of dates and bottled water to occupants in every car. The leadership of the UAE and older citizens make great efforts to sustain and pass on their religious and cultural ethos to the younger generations. This a period of cleansing, a time of reflection, selfdiscipline, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Kareem!
