Ramadan: How is the holy month observed in the UAE, Egypt and Malaysia?

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is estimated to begin on 2 April in 2022, at the first crescent moon sighting.

This 30-day celebration of faith will see 1.6 billion Muslims around the world focus on their religion this spring.

Muslims are required to fast during daylight hours, reinforce their commitment to their faith, perform special prayers, recite the Qur'an, make charitable donations and, when possible, make a Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

But while the pillars of Islam and Ramadan remain the same, customs vary from one country to the next. Here, we take a look at three destinations and how the month looks different in all of them.

Say “Ramadan Kareem” to another side of Dubai during the Holy Month. This fast-paced, popular holiday destination slows down during Ramadan and iftar and suhoor meals become the focus of each day.

Fasting helps worshippers focus on their relationship with Allah and appreciate the plight of those less fortunate, while iftar – served after sunset – is an opportunity to gather with friends and family and share traditional Arabic cuisine.

Before dawn breaks, Muslims may have a light meal called suhoor. At home, this is usually taken just prior to dawn, but many restaurants in Dubai serve suhoor as a second sitting straight after iftar or as a late-night supper around 10pm or 11pm.

As night falls, hungry diners descend upon the UAE’s glamorous five-star hotels. Ballrooms undergo majlis-inspired makeovers, draped in red woven Bedouin fabrics, with oud players sitting cross-legged in corners plucking strings on pear-shaped lutes. When ballrooms aren’t large enough to accommodate demand, glamorous tents are erected. Atlantis, The Palm’s Asateer Tent is among the most renowned, lined with ruched white