You’re in Dubai, the city of dazzling skylines and endless food options. You’ve just walked past a street vendor selling sizzling kebabs, a café pouring spiced chai, and a bakery with fresh khubz still warm from the oven. It’s 3 p.m. You’re hungry. But then you remember: it’s Ramadan. You wonder - what time do Muslims stop eating? The answer isn’t just a clock. It’s a rhythm. A daily pause. A shared quiet across a city of millions.
Here’s the simple truth: Muslims in Dubai stop eating at sunrise, just before the Fajr prayer. That’s when the fast begins. And they break it at sunset, right after the Maghrib prayer. But the exact time changes every day - because it’s tied to the sun, not the calendar. In late October 2025, that means stopping around 5:45 a.m. and breaking fast around 5:55 p.m. But don’t just memorize those numbers. Understand why it matters.
Why This Timing Matters in Dubai
Dubai doesn’t just observe Ramadan - it lives it. The city slows down. Restaurants close during daylight. Even the usual hustle of the Dubai Mall softens. You’ll notice the quiet. The absence of lunchtime crowds. The empty sidewalks near office towers. That’s not just tradition - it’s respect. Muslims aren’t just skipping meals. They’re practicing self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual focus. And if you’re visiting, knowing when eating stops helps you be a thoughtful guest.
Think of it like this: You wouldn’t shout in a library. You wouldn’t turn on loud music in a hospital. During daylight hours in Ramadan, the entire city becomes a space of quiet reflection. Eating or drinking in public? It’s not illegal for non-Muslims, but it’s deeply disrespectful. Locals won’t confront you - but they’ll notice. And you’ll feel it. The silence speaks louder than any sign.
What Happens Before Dawn - Suhoor
The last meal before the fast begins is called suhoor. It’s not just breakfast. It’s fuel. Families wake up in the dark - sometimes as early as 4 a.m. - to eat slow-digesting foods: oats, eggs, dates, lentils, whole grain bread. Hydration is key. Many drink water with electrolytes or milk. The goal? To stay full and energized through the long day.
In Dubai, you’ll see grocery stores stay open late into the night. Supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket stock up on suhoor essentials. Some hotels offer special suhoor buffets - think savory pancakes, stuffed grape leaves, and sweet semolina pudding. Locals often eat in silence, with family, before heading back to sleep. It’s peaceful. Intimate. A hidden rhythm most tourists never see.
What Happens at Sunset - Iftar
When the sun dips below the horizon, the city transforms. At exactly 5:55 p.m. on October 31, 2025, the call to prayer echoes across minarets. And then - boom - the fast breaks.
The first thing Muslims eat? A date. Always. It’s the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Then water. Then soup - usually lentil or chicken. After that, the feast begins. In homes, it’s a multi-course meal: grilled fish, rice with saffron, kibbeh, maqluba, baklava. In restaurants, it’s a spectacle. Hotels like Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem turn their ballrooms into open-air dining palaces. Thousands gather under strings of lanterns, eating from long tables as the sky turns gold.
Even non-Muslims are welcome at many iftar events. Some are free. Others cost 150-300 AED. But you need to book early. Spots fill up weeks in advance. The energy? Electric. Laughter. Prayers. Sharing. It’s not just dinner. It’s community.
How Ramadan Changes Dubai’s Food Scene
During Ramadan, Dubai’s dining landscape shifts completely. Here’s what you’ll see:
- Daytime: Most restaurants close or serve only takeout. Cafés stay open but won’t serve food or drinks to customers in sight. Some offer delivery only.
- Evening: Iftar buffets explode. Over 200 hotels and restaurants launch special menus. Popular spots like Al Fanar, The Dubai Mall’s Food Hall, and Al Dawaar host long lines.
- Night: After Taraweeh prayers (nightly prayers during Ramadan), street food stalls open. Think grilled corn, falafel, kunafa, and fresh fruit juices. The streets of Deira and Bur Dubai buzz until 2 a.m.
Even delivery apps like Talabat and Deliveroo change their hours. They stop accepting food orders from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - and then flood with orders after sunset. You can’t order a burger at noon. But at 7 p.m.? You’ll have 12 options in under a minute.
What to Expect as a Visitor
If you’re visiting Dubai during Ramadan, here’s what you need to know:
- Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight. Even in your hotel room, keep curtains closed if you’re near a window facing the street. Locals see everything.
- Respect the quiet. Avoid loud music in public areas. Keep conversations low in malls and taxis.
- Be ready for altered hours. Malls open later (usually 10 a.m.) and close earlier (10 p.m.). Some attractions shut down during the day.
- Ask before offering food. If you’re invited to a home, accept. If you’re unsure, say, “Is it okay if I eat here?” Most will say yes - but always check.
- Try an iftar experience. Book a public iftar at a hotel or community center. It’s one of the most meaningful things you can do as a visitor.
Ramadan 2025 Schedule in Dubai - Key Times
Here’s what the daily rhythm looks like in late October 2025:
| Date | Suhoor Ends (Fajr) | Iftar Begins (Maghrib) | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 30 | 5:46 a.m. | 5:56 p.m. | 12 hours 10 minutes |
| October 31 | 5:45 a.m. | 5:55 p.m. | 12 hours 10 minutes |
| November 1 | 5:44 a.m. | 5:54 p.m. | 12 hours 10 minutes |
| November 2 | 5:43 a.m. | 5:53 p.m. | 12 hours 10 minutes |
| November 3 | 5:42 a.m. | 5:52 p.m. | 12 hours 10 minutes |
| November 4 | 5:41 a.m. | 5:51 p.m. | 12 hours 10 minutes |
| November 5 | 5:40 a.m. | 5:50 p.m. | 12 hours 10 minutes |
Notice how the times shift by just a minute or two each day? That’s because Ramadan follows the lunar calendar. The fasting window gets slightly shorter as winter approaches. By December, you’ll be breaking fast closer to 5:40 p.m.
Where to Experience Iftar in Dubai - Top 5 Spots
Want to join the iftar crowd? Here are five places that deliver unforgettable experiences:
- Al Dawaar at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood - Traditional Emirati food under a starlit courtyard. Authentic. Quiet. Local.
- The Dubai Mall Iftar Village - Over 50 food stations. Think global cuisines: Lebanese, Indian, Indonesian, Italian. Perfect for foodies.
- Burj Al Arab Iftar at Saffron - Luxury with a view. Seafood towers, gold-dusted desserts, and live oud music. Price: 495 AED per person.
- Al Fanar Restaurant & Café - One of the most popular for locals. Hearty Emirati dishes. No frills. Just flavor.
- Dubai Festival City Mall Community Iftar - Free for everyone. Open to all faiths. Family-friendly. First come, first served.
Book at least two weeks ahead. Even free events fill up fast.
FAQ: Your Questions About Ramadan in Dubai Answered
Can non-Muslims eat in public during Ramadan in Dubai?
Technically, yes - but it’s strongly discouraged. Eating or drinking in public during daylight hours can offend locals and attract unwanted attention. Always eat behind closed doors - in your hotel room, or in designated areas like airport lounges. Most restaurants won’t serve you food openly during the day, even if you’re not Muslim.
Do all businesses close during Ramadan?
No. Government offices and banks adjust hours - often opening later and closing earlier. Malls stay open but reduce staff. Supermarkets and pharmacies remain open. But most restaurants, cafes, and food stalls close during daylight and only reopen after sunset. Always check ahead.
Is it okay to take photos during iftar?
Ask first. Many families and events welcome photos, especially in public venues like hotels or malls. But never photograph people praying, eating, or in private spaces without permission. A quick, polite “May I take a photo?” goes a long way.
What should I wear during Ramadan in Dubai?
Dress modestly, especially in public areas. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid tight or revealing clothing. This isn’t a rule for tourists - it’s a sign of respect during a holy month. You’ll blend in better and feel more welcome.
When does Ramadan end in 2025?
Ramadan in 2025 is expected to end on or around Friday, March 28, 2025, with Eid al-Fitr celebrations beginning the next day. But the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon. Always check official announcements from Dubai’s Ruler’s Court or the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Clock - It’s About the Connection
What time do Muslims stop eating? At sunrise. But that’s not the whole story. The real answer is: they stop eating so they can remember those who have less. So they can pray. So they can be still. So they can connect - with God, with family, with strangers who share the same table at sunset.
Dubai during Ramadan isn’t just a city on pause. It’s a city opening its heart. If you’re here, don’t just observe. Participate. Taste the dates. Sit at a shared table. Say “Ramadan Mubarak.” You’ll leave not just with photos - but with a quiet kind of peace you didn’t know you were looking for.
