Dubai’s relaxed Ramadan licensing rules
Authorities are intent on striking a balance between the needs of those fasting and the demands of tourists
Dubai will continue with a third year of relaxed licensing rules and allow some hotels and restaurants to serve alcohol and food during the day throughout Ramadan.
The city’s tourism authority said there was a need to “strike a balance” to make sure residents and tourists were catered for while respecting those fasting.
The move was tried in 2016 with a limited number of bars and hotels able to apply for permission to open during the day. Last year, many more took advantage of the opportunity to boost business.
Until 2016, bars and restaurants were closed until about 7pm.
Dubai Tourism said managers should anticipate the special arrangements in place from May 16 to June 14.
Issam Kazim, the authority’s chief executive, told The National that so far the industry and customers had been respectful of the arrangement.
“Private sector partners in the industry have been doing their best to make sure we maintain the cultural sensitivity aspect but also making sure that Dubai still caters to all of these audiences,” Mr Kazim said. “It’s very important for us to strike the balance.
“You don’t want to upset either and you want to make sure that everyone feels at home, comfortable and welcome.”
Flexible licensing rules have been welcomed by the hospitality industry as Ramadan, which is about 10 days earlier every year, moves into the spring and the tourist season.
For those bars that are open, serving food and drinks will be discreet but live entertainment is not allowed.
A hotel in Barsha Heights last week faced a backlash when its public relations company sent out a notice advertising a Dirty Ramadan Brunch, boasting of unlimited alcohol and pork bacon dishes.
Hoteliers said it was crucial that the industry ensured its operators struck the right tone.
“Although the rules and regulations introduced in 2016 allow hotels to serve alcohol during daylight, it is the sole responsibility of an operator to do so discreetly,” said Mikhaiel Al Mari, assistant food and beverage director at the Fairmont Dubai.
“We have to respect the local customs and ensure that food and beverage items are kept away from the public eye.”
Last year in Dubai it was estimated that tourism contributed more than Dh150 billion to the economy, or 4.6 per cent, a report from property consultancy Knight Frank said.
Tourism provided almost 570,000 jobs last year, about 4.8 per cent of total employment, with the sector’s direct contribution to gross domestic product increasing by 138 per cent in a decade.
This trend has been driven by the increasing level of connectivity on offer from Dubai International, the world’s largest airport by international traffic.
It recorded 83.7 million passengers in 2016, up 26 per cent from 2014. Last year the figure increased again to more than 88 million passengers.
In 2020, Ramadan will fall during March and April, a popular period for tourists from Europe who come to the UAE for the spring break and Easter holidays, with hotels already looking ahead to balance Ramadan with one of the busiest times of the year.
“We will have to find the balance between meeting the needs of the peak-season tourists and respecting local traditions,” Mr Al Mari said.
“There are no special events planned for 2020 as such but we’ll make sure that all our guests will be well looked after during that important time of the year.
“The relaxation of rules in Dubai has already been shown to have a positive effect on the hospitality business and with all the plans Dubai has in the pipeline for 2020, the number of visitors can only continue to grow.”
We have to respect local customs and ensure food and beverages are kept away from the public eye MIKHAIEL AL MARI Assistant food and beverage director at the Fairmont Dubai