In 2015 there was no alcohol served during Ramadan and all food outlets were closed during day light hours.
In 2016 they allowed alcohol to be served after Iftar (sundown) Some places were open for take out only but hours were restricted and the number of venues limited.
In 2017 - 2019 coffee shops with indoor service only were open during restricted hours and hotels were allowed to serve alcohol during the day, the food halls were open and screened off.
2020 took place during lock down.
2021 we were surprised to see the removal of screens and all coffee shops, restaurants were open during the day. However the rules asked you to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during daylight hours.
2023 People were walking around the tourist areas eating, drinking and smoking. There were decorations in the malls and offers in the stores.
It was also Easter at the same time and whilst there are decorations in shops and chocolate eggs in stores, it's never been a big thing in Dubai unlike Christmas which is a huge event over there.
The take out coffee cups were decorated, but that was that. No restrictions at all and it just didn't feel like Ramadan at all.
How strange that they have changed/relaxed all the rules. It must be really difficult for those trying to comply with the restrictions of Ramadam when everything is open.
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