Ramadan in UAE has evolved from being a purely religious observance to a truly cultural occasion for everyone to experience. And this is well reflected in the cafés and restaurants throughout the emirate. While luxurious Iftar spreads are laid out by several restaurants, partitions are being removed and curtains now opened up during Ramadan fasting hours.
No Ramadan PartitionsNew Ramadan Circular for Restaurants and Coffee Shops
In a break from tradition, eateries in Abu Dhabi are no longer required to put up partitions, hiding diners from public view. The Abu Dhabi municipality has issued a circular saying that all screens should be removed and food and beverage can now be openly served in public. You can now dine in public view without the curtains drawn. Earlier, all eateries were required to be kept out of public view prior to iftar during the holy month. Either they covered their windows or placed screens in front of the premises. Even the shopping malls catered to non-Muslims during Ramadan, with food courts concealed from the view of passers-by but still serving food to those who were not fasting. Moreover, during the holy month, many shopping malls such as Mall of the Emirates also extended their opening hours to accommodate different eating times.
Is Partition Necessary? Varied Opinions
Whereas the new directive allowed diners to eat and drink in public view during the fasting hours, it also raised varied opinions across the Capital. Those who were born and brought up in the UAE, were used to the custom of covered eatery and preferred a curtain or partition even though they had no problem with the food being available for people who weren’t fasting. However, a number of fasting Muslims felt that the partitions were unnecessary as they were accustomed to people eating around them. After all, a fasting person will not drool even if he or she watches other people eating.
Rules about Eating and Drinking during Ramadan
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have relaxed what were once strict rules about eating and drinking during Ramadan. Though restaurants and bars typically remain open during daytime throughout the holy month, the federal law prohibits eating and drinking in public during Ramadan. Though it is rarely enforced, it still carries a Dh2,000 fine. Eating, drinking (including water), smoking and listening to music are not allowed in public during the daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. However, a number of dining spots remain open and discreetly serve food to non-Muslims, particularly in shopping malls and hotels, as well as a handful of independent eateries.