Hi,
I will be in Dubai on a work trip next week. I understand it is Ramadan and drinking alcohol is not allowed. Is this just for practicing Muslims or would it include visitors as well?I'd also heard that international hotels will be exempt from such restrictions but wasn't too sure.
I'm not an alcoholic but would like to be able to have a beer or 2 in the hotel bar at the end of the day. Grateful if someone in the know could offer their thoughts.
Many thanks
Good muslims don't drink alcohol at all!
Most bars will be open from 7pm.
If you're staying in a decent hotel you can probably get booze on room service as well.
I have written an article regarding concerns of people about visiting dubai in ramadan.
You can check it here:
Dubai stay in Ramadan
Of course you are right Vicky, but as you probably remember, I lived at a hotel in Al Ain for over a year. There were plenty of Muslims (always men) in the bar - often in national dress. However, never, ever in Ramadan.
I was in Dubai for a night last year during Ramadan and I was surprised that I could alcohol from room service (although I didn't) - my Al Ain Hilton served after dark but I don't think you could get it from room service during the day (I never tried - but the Hilton in Dubai told you that you could and the one in Al Ain/Abu Dhabi most certainly did not mention it).
I am sure you cat get along without a beer during your stay in an arabic country. I dont understand why westerners have to always ask " if they can drink alcohol", how about a cup of fresh orange juice ?
We could at least respect arabic values during their holiday when not the whole year, dont you think?
I completely disagree with you davisna. I would prefer a glass of wine to an orange juice any day of the week. Going to a bar for a drink after work is also a way of socialising.
Wikkiwak is going to be here for work, not for a holiday, so why shouldn't s/he be able to have a beer if s/he wants? S/He'll be breaking no rules or laws and will be in a hotel bar so no Muslims will even see him/her having a drink - what's the problem? Depriving him/herself of a beer will have no impact on arabic values.
Indeed.
I'm perfectly capable of respecting someones values without having to live my life according to them.
Unless you're equally happy to suggest that all Muslims in the UK should follow the dietary restrictions of devout christians during Lent, then please dont suggest that Christians should adhere to Islamic codes of food and drink during Ramadan.