Ramadan in the UAE

Back in Montreal, I remember residents coming from the Middle East struggling during the day because they were working a lot of hours while fasting. At at the sunset little coffee shops near my apartment were open till 3am. Muslim wearing their cultural attire rushing to go to the nearest mosque. That was my description of Ramadan from as an outsider.

Now leaving in the UAE, I understand more the reason behind. Let's start by the beginning. There is 5 Pillars of Islam (basic acts):

• Shahada (Faith): declaration of faith and trust that professes that there is only one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is God's messenger.^[10]
• Salah ( Daily Prayers):  consists of five daily prayers; the names are according to the prayer times: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), ʿAṣr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and ʿIshāʾ (night)
• Zakat (Charity):  is the practice of charitable giving based on accumulated wealth.
• Sawm (Fasting): Three types of fasting (Siyam) are recognized by the Quran: Ritual fasting,^[15] fasting as compensation for repentance (both from sura Al-Baqara),^[16] and ascetic fasting (from Al-Ahzab).^[17][18] Ritual fasting is an obligatory act during the month of Ramadan.^[19]
• Hajj (Pilgrimage): The Hajj is a pilgrimage that occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah to the holy city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life.^[27]

NB: I'm not a Islam specialist.I did not convert to Islam. All my info came from the internet. The goal is to explain the basic to non-Muslim so they can understand my experience. 

Ramadan begins at the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar on a new moon and ends on waning crescent. Each day, before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the suhur. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, Fajr.^[39][40] At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar. In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast. Social gatherings, many times in a buffet style, are frequent at iftar. Traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, and particularly those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft drinks and caffeinated beverages.^[37]

For everybody in the UAE, during Ramadan, it is strictly forbidden:

• eating in public places between sunset and sunrise, even chewing gum (subject to one month in prison)
• to drink (even water) or smoking in public places between sunset and sunrise
• to drink alcohol during the day, even in a hotel bar (this rule tends to change in some areas of Dubai)
• listening to loud music other than religious in a public place.

At home, you remain free to do what you want, as long as it does not interfere with religious practices of Muslims. Because of the prohibition of eating in public places during the day, almost all restaurants are closed for lunch. Ramadan ends with Eid el Fitr, a great religious festival, where each company normally give between 1 and 4 public holidays to their employees.

Restaurant opened during Ramadan has big black curtains up.

 Malls were decorated with moon ans stars theme.

I found my first experience of Ramadan in UAE difficult: I couldn't fast the whole month but my eating habits definitely changed. Life in Abu Dhabi is different during Ramadan: it was as if the city was sleeping during the day and was fully awake at night. I have to admit this period helps me to strength my faith, to get closer to God and focus more on my goals. It was as if I wanted to redefine the reason behind my faith. 

 I realized because of the weather ( Temperature can go up to 45C!) I stayed home more, don't do much exercise, eat less and watching Netflix almost all day when I'm off... I started to feel a little depressed. Ramadan helped me refocus. Now, I'm planning to go to the gym more, eat clean and write more! I will let you know how it goes. 
Till then, enjoy every seconds of summer!

See you next time!