Abu Andy

I was told by one of the barman in Rock Bottom that during Ramadan, the bars are opening about 6:30 but they are not allowed to sell alcohol at all. It is an edict from the Saudi's.

Has anyone heard anything else about this period? Surely not all bars are going to be dry

What will I do at the weekends, while watching the football?

commander

id be surprised...usually after iftar the bars open, but no live acts/music etc..

TheShed

AFAIK - All bars in AD are dry during Ramadan. Reasonably sure of this as its like wacky races on the AD-DXB road each evening.

DXB bars sell alcohol after the sun goes down for the wholel of Ramadan (around 730 at this time).

commander

i was drinking in Abu Dhabi last Ramadan..FACT..

TheShed

My mistake then Commander - apologies.

commander

the reason i know is that i work with UK service engineers who are here on rotation and who would go stir crazy if they couldnt get to the pub at the evenings...

the main difference between AD and DXB from memory (having lived in both) is that its easier to get a coffee at a garage during the day in Dubai. You just CANT get one in AD...

Birdeez

I was drinking in bars in AD during Ramadan last year as well.

Also, went to do the pre Ramadan booze stock up at High Spirits yesterday, and found out they are open every day during Ramadan - 10am to 5pm, except on Friday's when they will be closed as usual.

rowell

Was at Barracuda Saturday and they have a sign up saying closed all through Ramadan,

Chris79

I didn't think the booze stores were open last year BUT the bars were definitely open. As said before there was no music or entertainment but there was still a good atmosphere, actually meant you had to talk to people!

soukie

Bars in AD were serving alcohol in the evenings last year. However, I do remember many Ramadans in AD when all bars were closed - I think the rules changed about 2005. Booze shops usually open during Ramadan. Remember though - AD rules are not very consistent so if it happens one year it doesn't mean to say it will happen the next so it's usually watch this space.....

soukie

Some bars may simply be closed for refurbishment during Ramadan. This happened last year at the Beach Hotel in AD.

busybee2

last year was different before that no drinks, because of that they just closed down for the month and sent their employees on leave. the booze shops are usually open for longer timings because the bars are closed, but it was new last year that certain ones did open. whether the same happens this year who knows. its all starting to change since the change in the ruler etc.

Meow

It is usually closed for the month. Certainly, it has been for the last three years.

Certain businesses take the opportunity to close so all staff can take time off to go home.

-

Chris79

I went to the booze place yesterday. It was full of people getting crates and crates of beer and wine! I felt like a lightweight just buying my 3 bottles of wine!

NorthernLad

I think it depends on the Emirate. I am fairly sure MMI/A&E in Dubai were open last year through Ramadan.