Ramadan is the best time to learn about Islam

Dubai - The SMCCU - established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 1998 - has the motto "open doors, open minds."

With a vast majority of people in Dubai being expats, what better time than the holy month of Ramadan to learn about Islam, and the culture of the Emiratis that host us here? To demystify the month of Ramadan for the uninitiated and unfamiliar, one need only to head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai's Al Fahidi District.
The SMCCU - established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 1998 - has the motto "open doors, open minds." 
While Iftar offerings are aplenty throughout the UAE during Ramadan, the SMCCU's Ramadan Iftar experience held in the centre's lovely traditional wind-tower house in Al Fahidi is the perfect place to ask any questions one might have about Ramadan, Islam, or fasting. Beginning with a cultural Iftar dinner buffet - made up entirely of traditional Emirati dishes such Ligamat and Salooma, or Emirati stew - the event also includes a short visit to the Diwan Mosque, part of the Ruler's Court in Bur Dubai, where a presentation will be held on mosque structure and the Five Pillars of Islam. The event will end back at the centre with traditional Arabic coffee and dates.
Notably, the guides at the SMCCU are all Emirati nationals, eager to answer any and all questions posed to them. No question is considered off-limits, whether about Ramadan, Islam, or Emirati culture in general. Khaleej Times visited the SMCCU during last Ramadan, and found that the topics of questions asked ranged from the purpose of fasting, the life and times of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), teachings of the Holy Quran and the role of women in Emirati society.
Additionally, during Ramadan the SMCCU will continue its regularly organized visits to Jumeirah Mosque, the only mosque in Dubai open to the public and dedicated to receiving non-Muslim guests. These visits will take place every day - except Friday - at 10am.
Iftars at the SMCCU are extremely popular during the holy month, so it is vital to book in advance to reserve a space. The Iftars will be held every day (except Fridays) between June 22-29, and private Iftars can be arranged for institutions in seek of a cultural evening.
bernd@khaleejtimes.com
 
 

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Dubai