If you are thinking of travelling to the Middle East anytime soon, then you will experience what is known as the month of Ramadan for our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar; meaning it rotates annually, and each new month is dependent on the sighting of the moon – meaning a month could last anywhere between 29 and 31 days. 

Much self-discipline is practiced in this month by Muslims worldwide, where a fast is kept between the hours of sunrise and sunset; abstaining from all forms of food and drink, along with any bad habits or acts. 

The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr concludes the month of Ramadan, celebrating the succession of the completed month with families uniting and rejoicing over lavish feasts and sometimes even the exchanging of gifts. Many men and women enjoy indulging in the latest Eastern fashion staples and trends and adorn beautiful accessories to match. 

Many countries in the Middle East, such as Dubai, come to life during the month of Ramadan and especially for the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. If you are looking for a real taste of culture and authenticity, then this is where you need to be. Flights and accommodation are also relatively cheaper during this month, too. Not only this, the local cuisine is definitely something worth writing home about in this month as many of the traditional delicacies are served up at the evening banquets for iftar (the breaking of the fast at sunset). 

Many Muslims celebrating this festival tend to wear new clothing on this well-earned day to celebrate, and many adults give gifts to the youngsters – traditionally in the form of money. At the same time, it is also important to educate our children on the impact of Ramadan and what it teaches you; the many millions of children worldwide who are not fortunate enough to have what we have – an incentive to be generous and giving and to share what we have with others. During Ramadan, the fast begins at sunrise and lasts until sunset; some people have to fast until they get their next meal – having no choice in the matter – this is one of the many lessons the auspicious month teaches us.

If you are planning to stay on your trip towards the end of Ramadan, then you will see in the festival of Eid with all the local residents. Amongst much entertainment, you will experience lavish feasts, stunning firework displays, and endless parties – along with some fabulous weather to boot.

The feasts in the Middle East during such celebrations will have your mouth watering: fragrant rice laced with exotic spices, aromatic tenderised meats infused with herbs, saffron, cardamom, and thyme, shawarmas and delectable camel meat along with chicken, goat, fish, lamb, an assortment of fresh breads and honeys with a range of mint teas and Arabic coffees with juicy fresh dates and the local delicacy, baklava, to finish with. 

However, this highly regarded month isn’t just all about abstaining from nourishment, it is also about purifying the mind, body, and soul and serves as a great reminder of those around us in need of our help. One of the sole purposes of this month is to remind us of those less fortunate than us - which is a perfect time to give to those in need: arranging fundraisers, feeding the hungry or even volunteering your time towards a good cause. For many Muslims worldwide during Ramadan, donations are a must in the form of zakat-ul-Fitr – a form of compulsory giving at the end of the month.