10 Affordable Things to Do During Ramadan That Won't Break the Bank
Discover budget-friendly ways to experience the best things to do in Ramadan without overspending.
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Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, arrives in Dubai. With it comes a time for reflection and spiritual growth. But while fajr, taraweeh, and connecting with god are among the best things to do during the holy month Ramadan, they’re certainly not the only Ramadan activities. The month of fasting also brings lavish iftar buffets, eid presents, and other potentially bank-breaking expenses.
Because Ramadan adds expenses in food, charity, and gifts, the holiest month can put a strain on personal finances. But only if not properly budgeted for.
You can still have a fulfilling month without breaking the bank. Whether it’s organizing community events, engaging in arts and crafts, or exploring free attractions – there are many ways to make the most of this month while keeping mindful about spending.
This article provides Muslims, non-Muslims, first-time visitors, and Emiratis with great ideas for affordable yet meaningful activities to do during Ramadan without breaking the bank.
Read on for the 10 best things to do during Ramadan in Dubai.
[Start saving money for Ramadan and visually track the growth of your savings through Maly, the money management app made for the UAE market.]
The Holy month of Ramadan is a month where expenses tend to see an uptick across categories like food, home entertainment, charity donations, and Eid gifts. Iftar meals tend to be larger, with specialized dishes and intricate desserts, and suhoor meals also require more planning and grocery runs.
Zakat donations, sadaqah, and general goodwill offerings to the less privileged peak during Ramadan, with 62% of Middle Eastern consumers intending to donate and spend on helping those in need, a survey from global insights company TGM Research revealed But increased charitable giving also puts pressure on personal finances. That is why it is crucial to approach this pillar of Islam with an eye on saving money in whichever other expense category possible.
Consumers in the Middle East are getting ready to splurge on other activities, too, like shopping at traditional markets, taking advantage of Ramadan sales, and festive gatherings.
Source: MTG research in 2023
It's also worth noting that in 2024, 46% of UAE residents anticipate spending more than they did in 2023, while only 25% expect to spend less. This is according to a survey conducted by MetrixLab, a global research solutions.
With a costly month ahead, tracking expenses, meal prepping, and making inexpensive lifestyle choices allow enjoying the true spirit of Ramadan without being stressed about overspending.
If you’re around Dubai during the holiest month, these are the best things to do during Ramadan. We've also included some saving tips to help you stretch your budget further during this holy month.
Organizing a rotating iftar potluck is one of the best things to do during Ramadan to experience a variety of Ramadan specialties while splitting costs. Gather a group of friends, family, or neighbors and assign dishes each day. Not only does this allow sampling new recipes, but such Ramadan activities build a sense of community and sharing – which lie at the heart of Ramadan.
Potlucks also relieve the pressure on a single homemaker having to come up with elaborate meals every day. The costs get naturally distributed while allowing people to contribute their culinary skills and traditions.
Almost every city hosts free or donation-based Ramadan community iftars to encourage breaking fast collectively. Often hosted by mosques, charity organizations, and companies – these iftars bring together people from all walks of life to experience the unifying nature of Ramadan.
Attending community iftars allows one to be part of something bigger than themselves during the holy month.
Ramadan brings increased empathy and goodwill to the community. Many non-profits and charitable organizations in the UAE ramp up efforts to serve those in need, often getting overloaded handling the spike in donations as well as distribution demands.
Volunteering time and skills to these entities goes a long way. One can offer help to local masjids or Islamic centers that may be understaffed to manage the increased workload. Alternatively, dedicating a few weekends towards charity food drives involves hands-on sorting and packing of provisions for families, which is one of the best things to do during Ramadan. The holy month emphasizes generosity of time and effort just as much as monetary contributions.
Creating engaging Ramadan activities for kids that impart the religious significance of Ramadan can be deeply satisfying. The good news is that most of these require basic craft supplies that are easily available at home.
Easy craft ideas like Sadaqah jars using empty glass jars teach kids the value of charity. Making Ramadan lanterns and crafting paper plates, moons, and stars help spur creativity. Children can also learn about the different phases of the moon using cardboard cutouts.
Such Ramadan activities for kids keep your younglings meaningfully occupied while allowing family bonding time during the days of Ramadan. The costs are mostly limited to basic art supplies, which makes this an extremely budget-friendly pursuit.
Finding engaging ways to teach kids Ramadan religious traditions can seem challenging. However, a bit of creativity can impart religious significance in an engaging manner!
Deen sessions could include storytelling sessions about historical events during the days of Ramadan, narrating stories of Prophet Muhammad and the Sahaba, learning the names of Allah and his attributes, or even painting/drawing lessons inspired by Ramadan. Offering simple gifts for kids who attend most sessions also serves as positive reinforcement.
These sessions help nurture spirituality in kids while keeping them intellectually stimulated during Ramadan. Best of all, you only need time and effort – keeping affordability top of mind!
While Mosques organize year-round events, Ramadan sees an uptick in community activities focused on bringing Muslims together. One can participate in charitable events, join collective prayers such as Taraweeh and Laylatul Qadr, and partake in Quran recitations and spiritual talks.
Most of these sessions are completely free or donation-based. Attending mosque Ramadan activities allows for instilling the essence of Ramadan in a sacred environment. It also fosters a stronger sense of community while allowing spiritual rejuvenation on a budget.
One of the things to do in Ramadan is to challenge one’s creative side to create decorations, which makes for a fun family activity during the holy month, not to mention saving on store-bought décor.
Engage kids in putting up DIY decorations made from recycled materials – think empty cereal boxes turned into mosques or plastic bottles transformed into Ramadan lanterns. Make edible decorations together, like Ramadan-themed cookies or date rolls. The only investment required is art supplies and household items on hand for an activity that bonds families while creating Ramadan excitement.
Ramadan involves increased expenses on elaborate meals and generous hospitality. Careful planning around grocery shopping and meal preps goes a long way in balancing these indulgences.
For this, Dr. Ehsanullah Agha, an expert in Islamic banking, recommends tracking expenses. He says, “Tracking expenses involves budgeting/planning your monthly income and expenditures, recording daily expenses, comparing the total monthly expenses with the early planned budget.”
A bit of effort goes a long way in keeping meal expenses controlled during Ramadan while avoiding the daily question of “What’s for iftar/suhoor?”! Meal prepping a week’s worth of iftar and suhoor meals using ingredient staples bought in advance helps minimize additional grocery runs. Make master grocery lists factoring items for multiple recipes to ensure ingredients are not duplicated across trips while avoiding food waste.
It’s important to pick the right time to do your grocery shopping to avoid overspending. According to Keith J Fernandez, editor and communications professional at Life and Money by Citi Bank, “Shop online for groceries and iftar meals in advance – and preferably in non-fasting hours. We usually spend more when we’re hungry, especially on food.”
Gearing up for Ramadan involves stocking up on pantry staples and ingredients ahead of time to keep costs in check. Certain essentials like pasta, rice, cooking oils, spices, lentils, and beans make sense to buy in bulk just before the holy month. Keep an eye out for Ramadan offers in Dubai or special bundles offered by many stores on these items that allow for bulk savings. We advise listing your needs and your wants before you go shopping so you can keep your budget under control.
There are many things Ramadan offers in Dubai, but shopping is probably the most interesting for the UAE’s residents. According to the mentioned research by TMG, a global insights company, about the perception of Ramadan in the UAE, 88% of people believe Ramadan is the best time to find deals in the UAE.
Source: TMG Research
Additionally, retail therapy to spot discounts and deals is key. Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of AJSM Investments, notes, “In the lead up to the start of Ramadan, online purchases tend to soar, especially online.” He continues, “Due to the fact that this is when people are preparing for the Holy Month celebrations and purchasing their gifts to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, it’s estimated that online spending goes up by 67%.”
So, look for special promotions by food delivery apps and online grocers that run discounts on bulk ingredients. Even hypermarkets and superstores highlight produce combos on popular cooking basics like onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. Just before Ramadan kicks off, these spots buzz with people stocking up for the month ahead – making it the apt time to shop wisely.
It's an amazing experience to explore Dubai during Ramadan and participate in enriching activities. While theme parks or visiting shopping malls, like Dubai Mall, can be fun, they can be costly.
However, there are several free or low-cost places to visit during Ramadan in Dubai and the UAE. For example, visit the Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai, enjoy the dancing fountains (an excellent source of entertainment in Ramadan!), and explore the Museum of the Future with its fascinating Arabic calligraphy exhibits.
The following are a few Emirati attractions that Muslims and non-muslims can both enjoy in the UAE, during the day or after maghrib time.
A bucket-list place to visit during Ramadan in Dubai, Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history by exploring the long alleys and traditional wind towers of Al Fahidi. This well-preserved 19th-century district along Dubai Creek offers glimpses into life before the Emirates through various cultural venues, museums, and heritage sites.
This reserve lies right alongside bustling Dubai, making it hard to imagine it houses over 5000 vibrant pink flamingos in winter! Apart from these migratory birds that steal the show annually, Ras Al Khor is also home to many indigenous bird species like herons, stilts, and osprey, as well as aquatic life, including fish and crustaceans. Visitors can observe this diverse wildlife up close for free while admiring nature's beauty against an urban backdrop.
Visit Dubai’s community park, Al Barsha district, with its expansive lawns, shaded play areas, walking tracks, and many family-friendly facilities. These include playground equipment for kids of various ages, cycling tracks for all expertise levels, fitness zones, and courts for different sports. The central pond and sandy play areas provide the perfect picnic spot amidst nature. With ample parking available, Al Barsha Pond Park makes an ideal spot for enjoying pleasant evenings after the iftar.
The bustling Dubai Night Market offers a unique shopping and dining experience after sunset during Ramadan. Known for the festive vibes, diversity of stalls, and hidden gems, it makes for an exciting family outing.
The Ripe Market at Academy Park, with its street food stalls, provides an atmospheric spot for iftar meals with loved ones or a fun thing to do with friends in Dubai. One can also explore the many handicraft and apparel stalls as the kids discover local art forms and trends.
Dating back to 1982, Umm Al Emarat in Abu Dhabi is the largest and one of the oldest parks in the city, spanning 13 hectares. It offers Muslims looking for entertainment in Ramadan multiple themed gardens, shaded walking areas, an amphitheater that hosts events, animal enclosures, and elevated decks to admire panoramic views of the grounds. For a refreshing Ramadan experience surrounded by nature, Umm Al Emarat's green expanses right in the heart of the city come free of charge.
Services like Maly allow setting up multiple virtual and physical Visa cards that can be used for automated payments. This facilitates the easy organization of finances by dedicating cards to specific types of expenses. For instance, one card can be used exclusively for grocery payments, another for utility bills, and so on. Funds can be automatically transferred to these cards as per personalized budgets.
Anthony Walsh, founder of Dubai Money Coach, says, “When we save, we decline instant gratification, a kind of distraction into the future, for a deeper sense of our lives. We sacrifice the short-term for a better long-term view. Just like we experience while fasting during Ramadan.” Setting up automated transfers to dedicated savings cards helps cultivate this forward-thinking mindset.
Automating repetitive expenses is useful year-round but proves especially beneficial during Ramadan. Setting up automatic payments for bills, subscriptions, charity donations, etc., ensures important financial commitments are met on time. This reduces stress while allowing focus on worship, family, and community during the holy month.
Ramadan is so much more than a month of rituals – it is a chance to come together, give generously, and instill spiritual teachings into daily life. While increased spending can seem unavoidable during this month, one can take measures to minimize financial burdens without compromising on fulfillment. Ramadan Kareem!
[Do you want to learn how to save money during Ramadan? Set up a weekly or monthly savings plan by connecting Maly to any UAE-based bank account and start tracking your savings as they grow.]
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