Ramadan in Dubai will look a bit different this year.
Restaurants and other food outlets will no longer be required to hide the serving of food during fasting hours starting this holy month.
In previous years, all eateries had to use screens and curtains either in the windows or around the front of their establishment in order to keep the serving of food private.
The move was announced on Sunday by the emirate’s Department of Economic Development.
In addition, restaurants are also no longer required to have a permit to serve food to customers during fasting hours.
In previous years, while some food and beverage establishments stayed closed until the sun set, the new rule will no longer provide a legal reason for this to happen.
“Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers without putting in place curtains, dividers or facades as has been the mandatory practice previously,” said Dubai Economy.
“Restaurants are also not required to obtain a permit for serving food to customers during Ramadan fasting hours.
“The new circular replaces circulars issued in previous years that have required restaurants to block dining areas from the sight of those who are fasting.”
Much like previous years, bars can remain open as long as customers are respectful to others, while live music is halted and entertainment is contained in scale.
Abu Dhabi announced a similar move at the end of last week.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi issued a circular to all Abu Dhabi hotels the curtains or covering mechanisms are also no longer required.
“The establishments will be allowed to provide catering services as per usual practice during Ramadan without installing curtains or covering facades,” said the circular from the department.
Ramadan 2021 is expected to start tonight, April 12.
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