Ramadan 2020 has been announced and here is everything you need to know

One of the holiest month of the year, much awaited by all the citizens, residents and expats of the UAE – Ramadan has been announced to begin on Friday the 24th of April 2020.

Ramadan is said to be observed by Muslims for 30 days, where the consumption of food and water from dawn until sunset is prohibited. Before the commencement of the fast, observers have their first meal of the day called the Suhoor, followed by the Iftar which is the meal consumed after the fast is broken.

This year, as the global pandemic has taken over the world, Ramadan is set to be a tad bit different than the usual. The good news is, as per recent announcements, Dubai has a declared a partial reduction in restrictions on movement starting Friday, April 24th.

Here are a few of your questions answered with the upcoming Ramadan 2020 –

1. Will you be able to host get-togethers during Ramadan?

Residents will be allowed to move from 6 am to 10 pm without a permit. The latest announcement specifies that residents observing the fast are permitted to visit first and second degree relatives, with a restriction of a minimum of 5 people at once. Family gatherings with children below 12 and elderly above 60 should be avoided. Furthermore, Ramadan tents and Majlises will be strictly prohibited in homes and public places.

2. Will I be able to visit restaurants and cafes this Ramadan?

Although restaurants and cafes will be able to operate as per normal, shishas and buffets are not yet permitted. Dine-in customers will be allowed to occupy only 30% of the venue's capacity. In order to ensure maximum safety, a minimum two-meter distance should be strictly maintained at all times.

For those visiting the malls to dine, restaurants and shops will allow a maximum of 30 percent capacity, and a mandatory rule to wear masks at all times will be non-negotiable. The malls will be open daily between 12 pm to 10 pm, with only the first hour of parking being free.

3. How will I be able to commute via public transport during Ramadan?

For those traveling by the Dubai Metro, all services are set to resume from 26th April 2020. Both the Red and Green lines will operate between 7:00 am until 11:00 am. As for taxis, only 2 passengers at a time will be allowed to travel at once. While traveling a strict preventive measure by wearing gloves and masks should be followed to avoid fines.

4. What are my working hours going to be like during Ramadan?

Employees should be allowed to work in offices only if absolutely necessary, with temperature checks every day. Additionally, work hours will be limited to 6 hours a day during the holy month of Ramadan.

5. Will I be able to visit the mosque during Ramadan?

In order for the safety of individuals, the reopening of places of worship will be postponed until further notice. The residents have been advised to continue Taraweeh prayers at home with family members residing in the same house.

General Inquiries

In addition, the above, Individuals will not be allowed to distribute food, except through supervised mass distribution initiatives by certified authorities. Not just that Individuals are advised not to share food with families in a different house unless absolutely necessary, in which case the food should be transported in sealed containers.

Make sure to watch out www.thingstododubai.com, for further details about everything you can do in Dubai this Ramadan 2020.