Sharjah and Ajman Shared Basis

During Ramadan the holy month, dress codes get more conservative. Dubai is usually relatively liberal, but during the Holy Month women should cover their shoulders and their legs down to their knees when out in public — carry a pashmina or a shawl if you do not want to wear lots of layers. For men, it is shirts or T-shirts as usual but makes sure shorts are knee-length. Expect uncomfortable stares or even a fine if you ignore this rule during the Holy Month.

Everyone has to abide by the “do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public between sunrise and sunset rule” and that includes tourists. These laws can be punished with fines or even jail time if broken. Restaurants will not be open during the day, but there are some designated cafes open for non-Muslims hidden away behind curtains in most shopping malls; ask at mall information booths for their location if you need a soft drink or a snack. It’s easy to get dehydrated if you are not used to the summer heat.