Ramadan in Dubai: Fireworks, huge discounts lined up for residents during holy month

An online sale — which will be a combination of offers on staycation and F&B — will run for three days in April

by

Nasreen Abdulla

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Published: Tue 21 Mar 2023, 5:45 PM

Last updated: Tue 21 Mar 2023, 7:06 PM

A street food market in the heart of Karama, weekly fireworks and a great online sale that will offer massive discounts on retail and staycations are some of the activities that residents and tourists can enjoy during the month of Ramadan in Dubai.

Starting March 23 until the end of Ramadan, the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) will run a packed calendar of events. “Because the weather is getting better and the city is getting vibrant, we wanted to make it a festive season,” said Suhaila Ghubash, executive director of festival and events at DFRE. The establishment was focusing on planning a vibrant Ramadan period over the next 10 years.


An online sale — which will be a combination of offers on staycation and F&B — will run from April 14 to 16. More details about this will be announced on April 10. In addition, over 200 retailers will offer promotions — including discounts and buy-one-get-one offers — during the Ramadan period.

“Ramadan is a unique time of year when we can reflect, appreciate the blessings of life and create special memories with family and friends,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE. “This Ramadan in Dubai, everyone is welcome to our great city to enjoy cultural moments and experience the sense of togetherness that is felt throughout the Holy Month.


New attractions

For the first time ever, a special Ramadan-themed building projection mapping will be displayed in two locations in the city. At Al Seef, the stunning immersive event ‘Ramadan in Dubai Reflections’ will take place from March 23 to April 22, while at Al Habbay mosque in Al Khawaneej, it will run from March 27 until April 10.

Additionally, Dubai will be transformed with beautiful lighting installations adorning the city’s landmarks, trees, roadsides, and shopping destinations. Some of the city’s most beloved landmarks, such as Dubai Frame and Ain Dubai, will light up for Ramadan, including a special projection at Ain Dubai. There will be a daily ‘Imagine Ramadan Projection’ at Festival Bay in Dubai Festival City Mall (DFCM).

Weekly fireworks displays will entertain people at 4 locations across the city. Every Saturday night starting from April 1, there will be fireworks at Bluewaters, The Beach JBR, Al Seef and Dubai Festival City Mall.

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Another brand new attraction will be the Ramadan street food market that will be set up at the Hamdan Colony in Karama. With the participation of several Karama food outlets, the concept will offer food lovers a chance to experience Ramadan theme décor, retail products and cultural entertainment. It will take place between March 31 and April 9.

Ramadan markets and tents

Dubai’s popular Ramadan markets are a great opportunity to experience the traditional atmosphere and culture during the holy month. Such night markets will pop up in 10 locations — including Expo City, Hatta, and Global Village. Running throughout the duration of the month, these will offer SMEs an opportunity to bring their goods to a wider audience.

Also, many hotels, restaurants, and venues in Dubai will be setting up large, air-conditioned tents or temporary structures where people can come together to break their fast and enjoy Iftar and Suhoor meals. This year, Dubai Opera will offer a buffet with Arabic and international cuisine, while the Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection and City Walk’s Dana Tent will have outdoor Iftar and Suhoor options.

Ramadan cannons and donations

The Ramadan cannons — one of the most anticipated traditions of the UAE — will be back this year. The Dubai Police will be sounding the Iftar Cannon at various locations across the city, starting with Satwa Grand Mosque on March 23 and 24.

The cannon will continue to sound at Iftar time until April 21 at different locations for two days in a row at each destination, including DIFC, Zabeel Grand Mosque, Al Nahda National School for Girls, Lahbab Mosque 1, Al Aweer Grand Mosque, Ahmed Al Habbai Mosque in Al Khawaneej, Bin Dafoos Mosque in Al Twar, Al Mankhool, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Ain Dubai, Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha, Kite Beach in Jumeirah, Nad Al Sheba Mosque and The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah.

Expo City Dubai will also host a charitable initiative in the form of Hattan, a collection of clothing donation boxes that have been decorated by young artists from schools in Dubai with paintings inspired by the city’s culture and traditions. The boxes will be available for donations from March 22 to April 22, offering an opportunity to give to those in need.

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