Dubai malls open food courts for non-fasters during Ramadan

Dubai — It was 2pm on Thursday and the food court on level one at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai was abuzz with people savouring a variety of cuisines.

Yes, no doubt eating in public places is not allowed in Dubai during Ramadan. Yet, major malls here have found a way to cater to those not fasting during the day, especially tourists and kids.

They have kept their sprawling food courts open by covering the entrances to the food courts with huge boards mentioning that dining-in is allowed only for those not fasting.

 “One can consume food only inside this designated area. It is not permitted to eat or drink in any of the mall’s corridors. In case a person is found eating in public places, legal action will be taken and fines will be levied,” reads the board covering the food court in Dubai Mall.

“Eating in this area is restricted to (the) non-fasting (people) and kids only, starting 12noon,” it adds.

The first part of the notice remains the same on the board in the Mall of the Emirates, which has left only one food court open. However, they have highlighted that the dine-in facility is for non-Muslims and kids only.

Khaleej Times caught up with a few tourists and residents dining at the food court in MoE on Thursday.

Welcome gesture

All appreciated the government’s generosity and religious tolerance in allowing food courts in malls to be open with restrictions, sticking to the culture of hospitality the emirate offers to its guests while preserving religious values.

Many said they were surprised that the food courts were open. Some residents said it was their first time experience in Dubai to be eating in food courts during daytime in Ramadan.

Megan Brazil, an Australian school principal in Dubai, who was at the food court with her two daughters, said she appreciated the gesture.

“When we got jobs to do in the malls and it’s a long few hours, especially with children, it is nice to find they are serving food during Ramadan. I have been here for seven years. This is definitely the first time I’m seeing big food courts open during Ramadan.”

Akiko Yoshida, a Japanese homemaker who has also been in Dubai for about seven years, said it was the first time she has seen the MoE food court open in Ramadan. “I heard the Dubai Mall food court was open last year but the separation is something new that I am seeing.”

“Most of the five star hotels have their cafés and restaurants open. But they are pricey and not affordable for all. Food courts are cheaper and offer several many choices of food. So, it is really good for tourists and residents,” said Yoshida who was lunching with two other women and kids. An Australian tourist who gave his name as John said: “It is their (Emirati) tradition to fast during Ramadan. But there are so many people, especially the tourists, who are not fasting. It’s really great that they respect that fact.”

Newlywed couple from Spain, Diego Rivas Gonzalez and Maria Munoz Martin, who are on a honeymoon trip to Dubai, said they had not thought about the Ramadan rules until their tour guide reminded them after they landed.

“Then we thought we will first go to the mall and souq, and go back to the hotel for food. But we were surprised that the food courts were open. We were happy shopping and eating and we also respect their culture. We don’t even drink water in public,” said Gonzalez.

Waleed Al Marzouqi, an Emirati working with Adnoc, who was at the food court with his wife to feed their tiny tots, said: “Foreigners and non-Muslims need not follow our culture, but they need to respect it. So, it is a good option for them. They can have food and it is not in public view.”

Complaints

However, not all Muslims have appreciated the move, said a food court supervisor. “Some people complained because they saw others already eating when they were here for breaking the fast,” she said.

Another Emirati, who did not want to be named said, the board at MoE should have written ‘non-fasting’ instead of ‘non-Muslims’. “There are some Muslims who can’t fast and many non-Muslims who fast, as well. Some Muslims will have to come inside for their children.... It’s about the ritual of fasting and hence they should have mentioned the facility is for non-fasting people,” he said.

sajila@khaleejtimes.com