If you have to go in October, then why are you asking.

You are staying at the Grand Hyatt- good place to stay, big rooms, big beds, and a jogging track.

No smoking what-so-ever anywhere if the sun shines. You cant even do it in the toilet (where i eat if i am stuck in a shopping mall- disabled loo is the best option).

Of course you like to do those things by the pool, but you cant in ramadaan. Of course i can, because i have my own pool. But you, cannot.

Accept it, or if you really think it will ruin everything- which i think it might for you, if you want a cocktail fuelled poolside party and nothing else, then go to Greece. Actually go the Cephalonia, and then tell me what its like, because i want to go there.

There is NO problem if you are in a hotel. The only thing you will not be able to do is to drink alcohol before 7 pm. If you have read back, you will know this.

Kathylee - I'm asking because due to work committments we can only take a holiday during October and we wanted to go to Dubai but since found out its Ramadan - therefore asking for information and opinions to help us decide to go or not.

Hi

Dubai is a fabulous place to visit - I have been there both during Ramadan and at other times. Anytime between October to May is good, unless you're a real heat worshiper and can stand the 45c temp plus humidity that they get in the summer.

During Ramadan it would be considered disrespectful to drink or eat anything during daylight. This means that all cafes, bars and restaurants in public places are closed until about 6pm.

This does not include restaurants and cafes that are inside in hotels, although they usually errect special screns to shield you from public view, but will include all external facilities such as pool bars.

This can make visiting the shopping malls an exhausting experience because you can't even stop for a coffee and drinking even plain water at the poolside is frowned on.

Your call, but the experience would be far more enjoyable outside Ramadan, which incidentally moves every year to a different date so worth checking.

Cathie

Hi ratty the only reason I would nt go during ramadan is I love eating and drinking and if I could nt do that freely on my holiday it would nt be a holiday. Not everyone would agree with me I know but this is just my opinion. Is nt that what holidays are all about - indulging?!

I agree with you.

out of curiosity, how do the big hotels on JBH manage breakfast when normally there very lavish and full of non muslims.

are you actually saying that the big hotels would frown on guests drinking water when by the pool, i ve got friends going to bahrain next week , god help them they will be in terrible state when Ramandan kicks in.

The kid was joshing - take no notice.