From the beaches of Seychelles to Ras Al Khaimah farmhouses and the holy city of Madinah, residents are opting for reflection, digital detoxes, and quieter routines instead of the usual bustling Ramadan activities.
Ramadan 2026: UAE residents embrace silence and reflection over sightseeing
As Ramadan approaches, not everyone is planning iftar buffets or late-night shopping trips. Some UAE residents are choosing a different approach — seeking silence, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation.
Instead of crowded hotels and busy schedules, travellers are opting for island resorts, farmhouses, and quiet retreats, dubbing it a ‘spiritual staycation’.
For Ahmed Ali, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, Ramadan follows a five-year tradition. The first ten days are spent with family in the UAE, the second ten in peaceful reflection abroad, and the final ten for Umrah in Makkah and Itikaf in Madinah.
Last year, he visited the Maldives, avoiding tourist activities and following a simple routine: wake for Tahajjud, pray Fajr by the sea, read the Quran, journal after Asr, and keep his phone on airplane mode. “It wasn’t a holiday, but a chance to disconnect from noise and reconnect with purpose,” said Ali. This year, he plans to spend those ten days in Seychelles. “The destination is not the focus — the intention is,” he added.
Hospitality operators are noticing the shift. Jason Kladidis, cluster general manager at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort and Spa, said, “Ramadan is increasingly a time when travellers seek space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. Guests are drawn to the islands’ calm, privacy, and immersion in nature.” Tailored dining options respecting fasting hours help Muslim guests feel comfortable.
The trend is mirrored locally. Dubai hotels report guests choosing quieter, reflective stays. Jawad Saade, GM of Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel and Residences, said, “A local staycation allows guests to slow down and embrace the spiritual rhythm of the month.”
In Ras Al Khaimah, farmhouse owner Saeed Ali Al Kindi said one property is booked for ten days during Ramadan by a group focused solely on worship. “They asked about prayer space first. No entertainment requests — they want privacy and quiet,” he said.
Mental health experts note the benefits. Dr Amir Javaid, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City, explained that stepping away from digital noise and daily pressures stabilises cortisol, improves attention, strengthens emotional regulation, and reduces burnout. Nature amplifies these effects, promoting stress reduction and emotional clarity.
Islamic scholars emphasise the spiritual significance. Sheikh Ayaz Houze, Imam and Khateeb at NGS, highlighted that Itikaf, especially in the last ten days of Ramadan, encourages believers to focus on worship and reflection. Even temporary withdrawal aligns with Ramadan’s spirit when done with sincere intention.
Umrah remains a popular spiritual journey. Qaiser Mahmood of Asaa Tours and Travels noted that thousands of UAE residents travel to Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan, with demand peaking during the last ten nights.
Whether it is a farmhouse in Ras Al Khaimah, a Seychelles shoreline, or the courtyards of Madinah, the goal is the same: step away from noise, reconnect with purpose, and return with clarity before Ramadan passes.
