Eating and drinking is permitted in certain areas…

For the duration of Ramadan it is forbidden to eat and drink in public during daylight hours. This is done as a sign of respect towards those who are observing the holy month by fasting.

One grey area that residents are often confused over when it comes to do’s and don’ts of Ramadan, is whether it’s acceptable to eat at the cinema – and if so, when.

As a general rule, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is strictly prohibited, however, the rules for the various cinemas across city do alter a bit during the holy month, so it’s important to be aware of the changes.

Here’s what each of the major cinema players has advised on their policies:

Roxy Cinemas

Roxy Cinemas communications team confirmed to us that food and beverage would continue to be served at all of their locations as normal.

Roxy Cinemas – The Beach JBR, La Mer, City Walk, Box Park and Bollywood Parks. theroxycinemas.com

Reel Cinemas

Reel Cinemas will be open for takeaway only, however customers will be permitted to eat or drink in the screenings all day. At the Reel Cinema in Jebel Ali, selected beverages will be available post-Iftar.

Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Jebel Ali Recreation Club, Rove Downtown, The Springs Souk, The Pointe and Al Ghurair Centre. Tel: (04) 4 49 1903. reelcinemas.ae

VOX Cinemas

During fasting hours, food will only be allowed inside the cinema auditorium but not in the THEATRE by Rhodes and GOLD by Rhodes lounges. Pre-Iftar, all food will be served take-away style and delivered to the customers at their seats insides the cinema. Iftar and Suhoor packages are available starting from Dhs69 for two people.

Vox Cinemas – Burjuman, Cineplex Grand Hyatt, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato, OUTDOOR at Aloft City Centre Deira and OUTDOOR at Galleria – Dubai. Tel: (600) 599905. uae.voxcinemas.com

Novo Cinemas

Food and drink will be served as normal to non-muslims, children under 10 years and pregnant women. You can also get a free ticket when two or more are purchased during off-peak times from Sunday to Wednesday at Novo Cinemas throughout the Ramadan. 

Novo Cinemas – IMG Worlds of Adventure, Festival City Mall, Dragon Mart 2 and Ibn Battuta Mall.  Tel: (04) 232 8523. uae.novocinemas.com

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