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Known to be the holiest month of the year according to the Islamic calendar, the period of Ramadan is a sacred time of the year for all Muslims. With a mostly Islamic population the city of Dubai is at the heart of the celebration as millions of devotees observe the customs and rituals associated with the holy period with great religious fervour and devotion. Ramadan for the year of 2013 will officially commence on the 10th of July and conclude on 9th August this year, precisely a month and one day in duration. Marking the revelation of Islam’s holy text, the Quran, the festival begins with weeks of fasting that culminate in the Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai plays a special role in the organising of festival related events during the season. Known as a festival during which Emirati traditions and customs come to the forefront, many Iftar ceremonies are conducted across Dubai in private residences as well as institutions where locals and expatriates as well as visitors unite in the spirit of the holy month.

One of the chief highlights of the event for visitors includes the Iftar organised by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding where a special banquet is laid out in the courtyard of a conventional Emirati wind-tower home in Bastakiya, an ancient city based in Bur Dubai. Beginning in the evening hours with a communal prayer guests can break fast with locals and enjoy dates and steaming cups of coffee and enjoy an Iftar meal. Hosts at the Centre will educate visitors on the customs at play during Ramadan and invite the guests to visit the nearby Bastakiya Mosque before returning to consume delectable desserts.

Another must-witness tradition in Dubai during Ramadan includes the cannon firing which dates back to 1803 when the custom was first performed in nearby Sharjah. Having taken place in Dubai since 1912 the cannons placed in locations throughout the city fire amid crowds to announce the start of Iftar. Those who wish to gain a better understanding of Ramadan and its cultural significance can head to the famed Jumeirah Mosque where tour guides will be more than happy to inform tourists of the proud Islamic heritage of the country and its connection with Ramadan.

Travellers in search of Middle East hotels in strategic locations should look to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East group for all their accommodation needs. Managing a variety of UAE hotels in tourist hotspots across the Emirates, this renowned name in hospitality is the best option for holidaymakers and corporate visitors.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

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