Lent season is officially here! If you’re a Christian, it’s important for us to reflect and spend time with our families and on our own. For Filipinos, the lent season, or Semana Santa ( Holy Week), is also the perfect opportunity to travel or unwind. If you’re a first-time traveler to the UAE and wondering what to do in this vibrant Gulf country, we have got you covered!
We have an itinerary to guide you on an introspective yet best experience in the UAE. This guide is also helpful for longtime residents of the UAE who are looking for new things to do this Lent season. It’s essential to keep in mind that Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and you must be respectful as a visitor to the religion and their policies. Ramadan and Lent seasons are usually observed nearby for expats and locals living together in the UAE.
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1. Staycation in five-star hotels
If you will be traveling to the UAE for lent season, it will also be the season of Ramadan in the Middle east or other Islamic countries. It would be best to enjoy a staycation in the finest five-star hotels in the UAE. There’s plenty to choose from Intercontinental Abu Dhabi to Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah! Staying indoors will help you relax, enjoy the breathtaking views from your hotel room, bond with your family members, and relish the amazing hospitality services these hotels have.
You can also eat and drink indoors, since most restaurants and eateries are closed during the day, and eating outdoors is not tolerated in observance of Ramadan. Staying indoors sounds like a great idea to still have a great time in the UAE! There are gym pools or beach to swim in, spa rooms or hammams to try, and plenty of picturesque views in the hotel to take souvenirs of.
2. Enjoy a road trip
If you’re up for an adventure on the road, UAE is home to the best places to have a road trip. After all, the Lent season is the best time to reflect; why not do it while you’re behind the wheel with your favorite music on? It’s also one way to explore the UAE while you’re here; for UAE residents, going on a road trip is one of the best ways to leave the hustle and bustle behind of the city and unwind. Whether you’re coming from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you can breeze through a 2-hour drive to the breathtaking Garden City of Al Ain.
It’s a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you’ll see why it is! Its historical vibes and lush greenery will take you back in time. The best part is it’s near the Jebel Hafeet, a famous tourist attraction for being the UAE’s tallest peak. However, if you’re craving some seaside adventure, you can enjoy a road trip, an hour and a half-drive from Dubai to Umm Al Quwain.
If you’re from Abu Dhabi, it would be two to three hours, depending on the traffic. Umm Al Quwain is home to serene sights and greeneries. There are also beach resorts and public beaches you can enjoy here! Remember not to wear beachwear that exposes too much skin since it’s prohibited. You can also enjoy a private tour or dune bashing during Lent season or Ramadan in the UAE to immerse yourself in Arabic culture and reflect in the desert with your loved ones.
3. Visit Museums, Libraries, or Churches
If you’re looking for places where there’s peace and quiet, we have plenty of recommendation for you in the UAE. Of course, for lent season, visiting a church would be a priority in your travel itinerary. This gulf country is open to all kinds of religions, and people from all around the world live in harmony here. You can visit worship services in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oud Metha or attend other Christian churches in the UAE such as Fellowship Dubai in Two Seasons Hotel or Jumeirah Creekside Hotel branches, and Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi and more!
You can also visit Christian bookstores in the UAE to buy your next Lent season read! For those who want to visit museums or libraries for introspection, you can choose from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library to Umm Al Quwain Museum! Museums are one of the best places to learn more about the culture of the UAE and reflect, while libraries are a haven for bookworms!
4. Dine and Shop in the evenings
Since Ramadan season is most commonly observed in the UAE, you can enjoy dining out with Muslim friends or loved ones during Iftar. While for Christians, once Iftar has commenced, we can finally enjoy shopping and eating outside. There are plenty of Arabic restaurants or cafes to try in the UAE that will give you a taste of the Middle East while you can also enjoy shopping and exploring malls and discount centers in the cities, such as Dubai Mall or Day to Day for souvenirs or your Holy Week/travel essentials!
Final thoughts:
This Lent season, if you’re traveling to the UAE for the first time, solo or with your loved ones, it would be best to be aware of the Do’s and Don’t during Ramadan to ensure a pleasant vacation in the Gulf country. There are many things to do and places to see in the UAE for the Lent season that will make you reflect and make life more meaningful.
Enjoying downtime with your loved ones in the UAE’s five-star hotels will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated from the inside out. For outdoor lovers who want to go on a road trip and explore the cities or hidden gems of the UAE, they will find purpose and learnings along the way. The UAE has more to offer for Christians around the world, not just for Filipinos. Traveling to the UAE will be worthwhile this lent season and make you feel more grounded and closer to your loved ones!