Ramadan grocery shopping in Dubai – Tips and must-have items
Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims around the world, and Dubai is no exception. With its rich cultural diversity and thriving food scene, Dubai offers a unique experience when it comes to Ramadan grocery shopping. This guide aims to provide valuable tips, tricks and a comprehensive list of must-have items to make your Ramadan grocery shopping in Dubai a successful and enjoyable experience.
HOW TO DO RAMADAN GROCERY SHOPPING IN DUBAI
BEFORE GOING SHOPPING
MAKE A GROCERY LIST IN ADVANCE
Planning is essential before embarking on your Ramadan grocery shopping in Dubai. Start by creating a Ramadan grocery must-haves shopping list of all the items you need for the month. This list should include staple foods such as dates, lentils, rice, flour, fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. Additionally, consider any special ingredients you may need for traditional Ramadan dishes.
Essential items for Ramadan grocery shopping in Dubai
When shopping in Ramadan for groceries, you should have several essential items on your list. These items will help you prepare traditional Ramadan meals and ensure you have various food options throughout the month.
- Dates: Dates are an integral part of breaking the fast during Ramadan. They are traditionally consumed as the first food item after sunset and provide a quick energy source.
- Lentils and grains: Lentils, rice and other grains are staple ingredients in many Ramadan dishes. They are versatile and can be used in various recipes.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals is important for a well-balanced diet during Ramadan. These provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy and energised.
- Meat and poultry: Meat is commonly used in Ramadan recipes, such as kebabs and stews. Ensure you have an adequate supply of your preferred meat cuts to create delicious meals.
- Dairy products: Milk, yoghurt and cheese are commonly consumed during suhoor and iftar.
- Spices and herbs: Stock up on spices and herbs to add flavour. Middle Eastern cuisine commonly uses cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and garlic.
By including these essential items in your Ramadan grocery shopping list, you will be well-prepared to create delicious meals and enjoy a nourishing fasting experience.
DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO SHOP
Many retailers offer special deals and discounts during Ramadan to attract customers. Here are some tips to help you find the best bargains and Dubai Ramadan grocery shopping deals.
- Compare prices: Before purchasing, compare prices of the same item across different supermarkets and online apps like LuLu Hypermarket. This will help you identify the best deals and ensure you are getting value for your money.
- Subscribe to newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from your favourite supermarkets and online grocery platforms. They often send out exclusive discounts and promotions to their subscribers, allowing you to save money. Remember, there are plenty of options for residents looking to buy groceries online in Dubai.
- Use loyalty cards: If you frequently shop at a particular supermarket, sign up for their loyalty program. These programs often provide discounts, rewards and special offers to loyal customers.
- Shop during weekdays: Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, making navigating supermarket aisles and finding the best deals easier.
- Consider bulk buying for Ramadan discount shopping for groceries: If you have the storage space, buying in bulk can save you money in the long run. Look for bulk deals on non-perishable items such as rice, lentils and canned goods.
- If you like physically going to a store to purchase groceries, consider these supermarkets in Dubai. You can also find many Ramadan online shopping offers for groceries at these supermarket chains.
WHILE SHOPPING
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RAMADAN GROCERY OFFERS
Make the most of great deals and offers by retailers on groceries. You can find Ramadan grocery deals at major retail outlets, such as LuLu Hypermarket and Al Maya Supermarket. Have a look at some of the best grocery deals for Ramadan in Dubai:
- LuLu UAE Hypermarket has a special Ramadan Savings deal, which includes up to 60% off on Ramadan essentials.
- Spend AED 200 at Union Coop branches to get a chance to win a Nissan Sunny! (Valid until April 1st 2024).
- Get exciting discounts on over 6,000 products at all Carrefour supermarkets in Dubai.
- Are you curious about Ramadan shopping offers in Abu Dhabi? Abu Dhabi Coop Ramadan Promotion is giving customers an AED 100 voucher for every AED 500 spent. (Valid until April 9th 2024).
- Every AED 200 shopping at Abu Dhabi Coop means you can enter a lucky draw to win a Nissan Patrol! (Valid until April 10th 2024).
Looking for more discounts and deals? Enjoy these Ramadan offers in Dubai.
READ LABELS OF PRODUCTS
- Check the labels of supermarket products. You should avoid items with a high content of hydrogenated oils, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.
- Cut down on oily and sugary foods to maintain a healthy lifestyle during Ramadan in Dubai.
AFTER SHOPPING
STORE GROCERY ITEMS IN YOUR PANTRY
Once you’re back from the supermarket, organise your pantry so you can bring out the Ramadan essentials easily when prepping iftar or suhoor in Dubai:
- Keep your consumables and daily-use items in the drawers and cabinets.
- Store frozen food and cut veggies in sealed bags in your fridge.
KEEP TRACK OF PANTRY INVENTORY
Whether you’re into bulk buying or prefer small purchases, you must manage your inventory properly during Ramadan.
- Create a master list of all pantry items, including their quantity and last date of purchase.
- When you use an item, update the numbers to know their current quantity.
FAQS ABOUT RAMADAN GROCERY SHOPPING IN DUBAI
WHAT ARE SOME MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR A TRADITIONAL HEALTHY RAMADAN IFTAR IN DUBAI?
Iftar is the meal Muslims have to break fast at sunset during Ramadan. It is a special time when families and friends come together to enjoy a meal after a day of fasting.
Here are some must-have items for a traditional Ramadan iftar meal:
- Dates are traditionally eaten as the first food item to break the fast.
- Warm and comforting soup is often served during Iftar. Popular options include lentil, chicken or vegetable soup.
- Rice dishes are commonly served during iftar. Various ingredients and spices can be used to prepare them, creating flavourful and filling meals.
- Meat, poultry, or plant-based protein sources such as chickpeas or lentils are often included in iftar meals. Popular dishes include grilled kebabs, stews or curries.
- Fresh fruits and juices provide a refreshing and hydrating element to the iftar meal. Watermelon and citrus fruits are quite popular during Ramadan.
- During Ramadan iftars, a variety of sweets and desserts are served. Traditional options include baklava, kunafa or qatayef.
Including these must-have items in your iftar meal will create a delicious and satisfying dining experience during Ramadan.
WHAT ARE THE RAMADAN 2024 WORKING HOURS IN THE UAE?
The UAE government has officially announced working hours during Ramadan 2024 for the public and private sectors.
WHAT ARE THE DUBAI PRAYER TIMES FOR RAMADAN 2024?
Bookmark the guide to Ramadan prayer times in Dubai if you wish to keep track of salah timings daily.
That concludes our guide to Ramadan grocery shopping in Dubai for 2024. We hope this article helps you plan efficiently for grocery shopping in Ramadan.
Ramadan is a time of giving, and charity initiatives often take place during this month. Check out charities in Dubai during Ramadan 2024 for donating or volunteering your time to support those in need.
Eating together at iftar is one of the most common global Ramadan traditions. You can also book your spot in one of many amazing iftar tents in Dubai to spend quality time with family and friends outside the home.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on life in Dubai during Ramadan 2024!