Dubai diners eat in open during Ramadan fasting hours

  DUBAI – For the first time in Dubai, diners at restaurants and food establishments were able to eat in the open during fasting hours on the first day of Ramadan on Tuesday (April 13). There were no screens or curtains at restaurants and mall food courts in the emirate when Expatmedia.net visited on Tuesday afternoon. Diners who are not fasting were seen being served in the open. "Rules have eased over the years, but this is the first time I don't have to hide behind a curtain to eat. It really shows how Dubai is embracing tolerance for all. While we respect that our Muslim brothers and sisters are fasting today, I also appreciate the  consideration being shown to those of us who are not fasting," a resident who wanted to remain anonymous told Expatmedia.net. The new rule came after the Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy) announced on Sunday (April 13) that restaurants and food courts do not need to put up screens or curtains to serve customers during Ramadan fasting hours. In Abu Dhabi, authorities also issued a similar announcement last week, considered a first in the emirate. The new rule in Dubai and Abu Dhabi eases restrictions issued in previous years that have required restaurants to block dining areas from the sight of those who are fasting. In Dubai, officials said that normal food service can continue throughout the day during the holy month as part of relaxed measures. "Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers without putting in place curtains, dividers or facades as has been the mandatory practice previously," according to Dubai Economy. Unlike in Sharjah, restaurants and food establishments in Dubai are also not required to obtain a permit to serve food to customers during Ramadan fasting hours.

Abu Dhabi dining rules during Ramadan

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism issued a circular on April 6 allowing restaurants, hotel establishments and tourist establishments to serve food during the day in Ramadan “without installing curtains or covering facades”. This means that diners can eat without hiding behind curtains or screens at restaurants and other establishments during fasting hours.

Sharjah dining rules during Ramadan

In Sharjah, restaurants and cafes will need to get a permit to sell food to non-Muslims during the day in Ramadan, according to the Sharjah City Municipality in its latest announcement. Food establishments are also banned from opening outdoor dining areas, with the municipality suspending the issuance of permits to serve food on tables in front of stores and food outlets. ICA/Expat Media

In pictures

It is service as usual at food establishments in Dubai on April 13, as authorities eased rules on food service for non-fasting individuals on the first day of Ramadan.
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