UAE: Ramadan celebrations begin May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims in UAE and elsewhere in the world will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, businesses, restaurants, and government administrations may operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, some restaurants will remain open during fasting hours and serve food in a discreet area out of view of the public for those not participating in the fast.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly on weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Local authorities typically report a heightened terrorism threat during the month of Ramadan, and increased security measures should be expected in major urban areas. Authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and it carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion and abstain from certain activities.

More generally, this period also marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In recent years, Islamic State (IS), as well as other groups, have called on their fighters to perpetrate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan. On June 26, 2015, IS fighters killed 39 people in an attack targeting Sousse, Tunisia. The same day, a similar attack also claimed by IS targeted a Mosque during Friday's noon prayers in Kuwait City, killing 27 people. On June 21, 2016, members of Jordan’s security forces were killed in a car bomb. In Lebanon, a series of suicide attacks killed six people. In Turkey, on the evening of June 28, 2016, an attack carried out by three gunmen/suicide bombers was perpetrated at Istanbul-Atatürk International Airport (IST), leaving 44 people dead and scores more injured.

Although terrorist attacks are very uncommon in the United Arab Emirates due to stringent anti-terror laws, the poor security situation currently prevailing in the Middle East more broadly means that the terrorist threat is elevated throughout the region, particularly during high-profile times (such as holidays). Authorities occasionally announce terrorism-related arrests in the country.

Advice

Individuals in UAE are advised remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior. It is advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public throughout this period in more conservative neighborhoods or areas. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.