Ramadan 2015: Tents to night markets: Your guide to Ramadan in Dubai

Eleven things to do this Ramadan

14th Ramadan Forum

When: June 24 to 4 July

Where: Dubai World Trade Centre and other locations

Daily multilingual lectures by well-known preachers; the Preacher of the Nation contest for talented youth; a training course titled “Building Bridges of Communication with Teenagers”; the Convoy of Goodness campaign which will witness distribution of free multimedia and books; daily lectures and exhibitions; a Ramadan health campaign; mass group Iftars and a Be A Preacher Zone.

 Dubai International Holy Quran Award

When: Ramadan 1 to 20

Where: Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry

An annual award that features the international competition for memorisation of the Holy Quran by participants from across the Muslim world as its main component. The award function will also feature a series of lectures that will highlight Islamic values and tolerance.

Modhesh World

When: July 9 to August 29

Where: Halls 1-8, Dubai World Trade Centre

Across 34,000 square metres at the Dubai World Trade Centre, eight halls will feature attractions such as The Slide, an attraction for children and adults; a mirror maze; Fly Jump and Valkyrie — interactive simulator competitions.

 Dubai Sports World

When: June 21 to August 29

Where: Shaikh Saeed Halls, Dubai World Trade Centre

A 10-week schedule of sports, tournaments, academies and activities are designed for athletes and novices of all ages; four pro-standard pitches for five-a-side football; four pro-standard pitches for seven-a-side football and rugby; four basketball courts; two tennis courts; six badminton courts; mini cricket pitch nets; a regulation-sized volleyball court; an expansive skate-boarding and BMX park; a state-of-the-art gym by TechnoGym; a dedicated fitness studio for group classes and a cycling studio. In addition, a free-to-enter Entertainment Zone will feature 12 table tennis tables and a virtual Gaming Zone.

 Ramadan Night Market

When: July 2 to 11

Where: Shaikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

A 10-day shopping event offering shoppers the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of branded merchandise from over 360 retailers from around the region. It will also feature a food pavilion; an Arabic-themed Majlis; Henna Majlis; and a Kids Area, that will offer face painting, nail art, mini basketball court, wall climbing, kiddie train, carousel, play station, sand art, bouncy castles, clowns, balloon twisting and an arts and crafts area.

 Ramadan Reciters

When: Ramadan 1 to 30

Where: Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khatab Mosque and Centre

The mosque will host a select group of the best Quran reciters from the Islamic world during the holy month of Ramadan, including Dr Fares Mustafa, Sheikh Mohamad Mubarak Abdulla, Sheikh Abdelwili Amer AlArkani and Dr Ahmed Al Sayed Dwedar.

 UAE Reciters

When: Ramadan 1 to 30

Where: Al Warqa Mosque and Omar Bin Abdulaziz Mosque in Jebel Ali

An activity organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), UAE Reciters is aimed at encouraging Quran reciters among the local community to showcase their talent by eloquently reciting the Holy Quran. There will be two groups of the best reciters from the UAE and from the department itself participating in this activity after Isha prayers daily during the month of Ramadan. The UAE group will be in Al Warqa mosque and the group from the IACAD will be at the Omar bin Abdulaziz Mosque in Jebel Ali.

 Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament

When: June 21 to July 13

Where: Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex

The tournament includes the following competitions: Paddle Tennis, Wheelchair, Archery, 10km Running, 70km Cycling, Futsal and Volleyball. Competitions are open to the public, and include women-only competitions. To participate, register online by visiting www.nasst.ae

 Events at Dubai malls

When: Ramadan 1 to 30

Where: Across malls in Dubai

Mercato plans to host a variety of activities during Ramadan and will have a traditional décor in the mall. The Ramadan programme in the mall includes a hospitality area which will offer complimentary coffee and dates from Iftar.

Wafi Mall will organise events that reflect Arabic traditions and lifestyles — the Al Reem Bazaar, which is a Ramadan fashion bazaar and exhibition; and the Layal Exhibition, a fashion bazaar and exhibition, a charity event with proceeds going to the Emirates Down Syndrome Association.

 Ramadan Tents

When: June 19 to July 17

Where: Citywide

Several leading hotels and other public places will be hosting Ramadan Tents for those wishing to break their fast at Iftar, as well as having meals during Suhour. A number of charitable events will also add to the spirit of giving and sharing during this revered month.

Summer promotions

When: Ramadan 1 to 30

Where: Participating malls and retails outlets

Shoppers will have the opportunity to participate in the various promotions that will run at participating malls in collaboration with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group. The summer promotions began on May 24 and will run until the last day of the ‘Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Fitr’ celebrations.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com