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September is around the corner and I am thrilled my 4 year old will be starting school much sooner here than in Canada. Ramadan will be in September this year and i’m not sure how people can’t get irritable with no food and water all day — eating at night not getting a good nights rest. Our apartment services have stuck a silver arrow in our bedroom. I believe it is the direction in which to pray.

“Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan all Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from eating and drinking, sex and smoking. Ramadan is a holy month when Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet Mohammed. – dubai-online.com
At dusk the fast is broken with an Iftar meal in one of the many tents erected around Dubai. ” – dubaionline.com.

It is of a special meaning to Muslims as it is the Fourth Pillar of The Muslim Faith.
Sawm (fasting) during the month of Ramadan represents more than an act of worship, as it is time for inner reflection, devotion to god and self – control. It is also thought of as a sort of tune–up for a Muslim’s spiritual life.
The newspaper is full of tips and recipes for what to eat at Iftar. It is a time for people to empathize with the poor, and make healthy choices in life.

The fasting of Ramadan is believed to improve the physical and mental health. It gives a rest for a stomach, which is working 24 hours a day for eleven months and has been proven to be a good method of losing extra weight. The month feels like going “into maintenance” and is almost like charging one’s batteries for the rest of the year. It is also a break from the routine of modern life.

Fasting is also considered as a method of self-purification by cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry. It also teaches the meaning of self-control, patience, unselfishness, moderation, will power, discipline and social belonging.

During Ramadan:
* In the daytime non-Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places.
* Restaurants aren’t open for lunch.
* Bars open at around 7 pm.
* Working hours are shorter.
* Live music and music in clubs (if open) is prohibited.
* Shopping malls are open later.

The start and finish of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the moon and in Dubai will be the month of September.

The schools and daycare (nurseries) are all full with over 25,000 foreigners are relocating to Dubai each month.

Oliver Hickey European Finance Director of Profile Europe (UK) Ltd said: “To break the figures down, this is 800 new residents a day which equates to 33 an hour. One has to understand, that these figures do not take into account annual tourist figures which already surpass five million.” UK news

We are living in near the Marina now, very different from Deira where we started off in April. More expats and seems like more parks and suburban life out here. We can see the villas from our apartment and have met many friends there. I’m sure school will introduce us to many more. My son’s birthday will fall on Ramadan and it will be interesting how we plan his party. Looking forward to it!