From crescent moon to lanterns: How Dubai residents light up their homes during Ramadan
From twinkling crescents and lanterns to the warm glow of festive lights, many Emiratis decorate their homes with vibrant lights, images, and symbols during Ramadan. These decorations create a warm atmosphere reminiscent of wedding celebrations. They also unite families and neighbors in a shared sense of joy and faith.
Emirati families embrace the essence of Ramadan, focusing on unity, faith, and generosity.
Mona Malik, a resident of Jumeirah 3, has been decorating her home for Ramadan for the past five years. "Every year, we enhance our design and become more creative," she told Khaleej Times.
She gets inspiration not just from the UAE but from neighbouring countries as well. Her home features various decorations, including lights, neon signs, crescent moons, lanterns, and stars, all sourced from across the Gulf region.
Some families reportedly spend around five figures to decorate their homes. For Mona, her decoration expenditures are only between Dh8,000 and Dh9,000. Mona's late mother initially supported decorating the house for Ramadan, and her father continues to help every year.
"These symbols — crescent moons, stars, and lanterns — represent the identity of Ramadan and evoke a spiritual connection to the holy month," she added.
Last year, Mona participated in the Ramadan home competition, and this year, she has joined 'Dubai's Best Decorated Ramadan Homes" competition recently launched by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and Ferjan Dubai.
Households in Dubai are invited to showcase their creativity by adorning their homes with festive decorations and lighting throughout the holy month.
Most essential decoration
For Abdullah Ahmed Al Hammadi, an Emirati whose family lives in Al Warqa, the crescent moon is the most essential decoration for Ramadan. "The crescent moon symbolises Ramadan as we look for it to determine the start of the holy month," he said.
His family has been decorating their home for over nine years, with each year's design bringing something new. "Ramadan decorations mean that the family celebrates this spiritual occasion, instilling in children a love and appreciation for Ramadan and encouraging them to fast," he explained.
Beyond the decorations, Al Hammadi emphasised the joy of family gatherings under the glowing lights, which create a unique Ramadan atmosphere.
Strengthens community spirit
Maryam Juma from Al Mazhar decorates her home's entrance with lantern-shaped lamps, wrapped lights around the house columns, and two large crescent moons. Ramadan decorations for her 'reflect the spiritual essence of the month and the joy we feel.'
She believes decorating homes strengthens the sense of community, as neighbors and passersby share in the festive ambiance. "It spreads happiness and enthusiasm for the holy month," she highlighted.
Aliya Al Shamlan, CEO of Ferjan Dubai, earlier said: 'With 2025 declared as the Year of the Community, we want to highlight the role of traditions in strengthening the social fabric of Dubai. Decorating homes is more than just a festive gesture, it's a way for residents to express their identity and creativity.'
Aside from promoting community spirit and spreading festive cheer, encouraging families to decorate their homes during Ramadan also reinforces cultural heritage ensures that traditions are preserved for future generations.
The competition also offers financial rewards, with a total prize pool of Dh200,000 in cash, plus Umrah tickets.
Sarah Merdas, member of the #RamadanInDubai campaign team, reiterated: (We) celebrate the creativity and community spirit that make Ramadan in Dubai so special. It's an opportunity for residents to showcase their traditions while contributing to the festive atmosphere that brings neighbourhoods together. By participating, families not only add to the city's visual charm but also create lasting memories that strengthen community bonds."
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