The official start of Lent is here! It’s crucial for Christians to take time for introspection, family time, and alone time. For Filipinos, the week leading up to Semana Santa, or Lent, can be the optimal moment to relax or go on a trip. We have all the information you need if you’re making your first trip to the UAE and are unsure of what to do in this lively Gulf country!
We have a plan to help you have the most memorable and contemplative time in the United Arab Emirates. Longtime citizens of the UAE looking for something new to do this Lent season are going to find this guide useful. It’s important to remember that Islam is the recognised religion in the United Arab Emirates, and since you are a tourist, you should show respect for both the religion and the country’s laws. In the UAE, expats and natives who live jointly usually practice Ramadan and Lent together.
1. Staycation in five-star hotels
It will also be Ramadan in the Middle East and other Islamic nations if you are visiting the UAE during the Lenten season. Enjoying a staycation at one of the best five-star hotels in the United Arab Emirates would be ideal. From Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah to Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, there are lots of options! Remaining indoors allows you to unwind, take in the magnificent views from your hotel room, strengthen your family’s bond, and take advantage of the first-rate hospitality that these hotels have to offer.
Since most restaurants and cafes are closed during the day and dining outside is not permitted during Ramadan, you can also eat and drink indoors. To still have a blast in the UAE, staying inside seems like a brilliant idea! There are swimming beaches or gym pools, hammams and spas to experience, and many of beautiful hotel vistas to capture on camera for mementos.
2. Enjoy a road trip
The UAE is home to some of the greatest road trip venues if you’re game for an adventure. Why not contemplate while driving and listening to your favourite music? After all, Lent is a perfect time for it. It’s an a way to see the UAE while you’re here; for locals in the UAE, taking a road trip is one of the best ways to relax and escape the bustle of the city. The gorgeous Garden City of Al Ain is just a 2-hour drive away, no mater your origin—Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
You’ll see why it’s included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites! You’ll travel back in time with its lush flora and historical ambiance. The finest thing is that it’s close to Jebel Hafeet, the tallest peak in the United Arab Emirates and a well-known tourist destination. If you’re in the mood for some adventure by the sea, you can take an hour and a half to drive from Dubai to Umm Al Quwain.
3. Visit Museums, Libraries, or Churches
We have many suggestions for peaceful locations in the UAE if that’s what you’re looking for. Of course, your travel schedule would prioritise visiting a church during Lent. All faiths are welcome in this Gulf nation, where people coexist peacefully from all over the world. You can attend services at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oud Metha or other Christian churches in the United Arab Emirates, including Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi, Fellowship Dubai, which has branches at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and Two Seasons Hotel, and more!
For your next Lenten read, you can also get it at Christian bookshops in the United Arab Emirates! Umm Al Quwain Museum and Mohammed Bin Rashid Library are two options for anyone who want to visit museums or libraries for reflection! Libraries are a bookworm’s paradise, but museums are among the greatest places to contemplate and learn more about UAE culture!
4. Dine and Shop in the evenings
You can enjoy dining out with Muslim friends or loved ones during Iftar since Ramadan is the busiest month in the United Arab Emirates. For Christians, though, eating and shopping outside is finally possible once Iftar begins. Try any of the many Arabic eateries or coffee shops in the United Arab Emirates to get a flavour of the Middle East. You can also enjoy shopping and browsing the city’s malls and discount centres, including Dubai Mall or Day to Day, to get souvenirs or necessities for Holy Week or your trip!
