When the call to prayer echoes just before dawn in Dubai, thousands of people are already seated at tables, sipping tea, eating dates, and loading up on hearty meals — this is Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal eaten by Muslims during Ramadan to sustain them through the day of fasting. Also known as sehri, it’s not just food — it’s a quiet ritual that brings families, friends, and even strangers together in the stillness before sunrise. In Dubai, suhoor isn’t rushed. It’s planned, shared, and sometimes celebrated.
The exact time changes every day, following the sunrise schedule. In summer, suhoor might start as early as 3:30 a.m., while in winter, it can be closer to 5 a.m. Local mosques and apps like Muslim Pro or Dubai’s official Ramadan portal post daily updates, so no one misses it. What’s more interesting is how the city adapts. Restaurants from Jumeirah to Deira stay open until 5 a.m., serving everything from traditional Arabic dishes like balaleet and harees to international options like pancakes and omelets. Even 24-hour shawarma spots become suhoor hubs, with lines forming before the call to prayer ends. This isn’t just about eating — it’s about community, rhythm, and respect.
For visitors, suhoor offers a rare glimpse into Dubai’s soul. You won’t find loud parties or flashing lights — instead, you’ll see quiet cafes lit by lanterns, families passing plates of labneh and honey-drenched kunafa, and workers on night shifts sharing meals with strangers who become friends. It’s a time when the city slows down, not shuts down. Whether you’re fasting or just curious, experiencing suhoor in Dubai means understanding how faith, culture, and daily life weave together. You’ll find this same spirit reflected in the posts below — from late-night dining spots that double as suhoor destinations, to luxury venues that host Ramadan evenings, to the hidden food gems that come alive before dawn. These aren’t just articles about food. They’re stories about how Dubai wakes up — quietly, beautifully, and with deep meaning — before the sun rises.
In Dubai during Ramadan, Muslims stop eating at sunrise and break their fast at sunset. Learn the daily timing, cultural norms, where to experience iftar, and how to respectfully enjoy the city during this holy month.