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Dubai/Abu Dhabi: This week marks the start of Ramadan, when Muslims refrain from eating or drinking from dawn to dusk.
Life changes for everyone during Ramadan, regardless of their religious beliefs, with the pace of life very different from at other times of the year.
City Talk took to the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to ask residents what effect Ramadan has on them.
Jordanian student Mais Mohammad, 22, said for her Ramadan is a time "for spiritual purification".
"It is that time of the year when you think of things beyond your mechanical routine and look for the real essence of life," she said. "On the lighter side, it is also a month you get to meet relatives and friends, who are usually busy."
Although he is not a Muslim, Indian administrative officer Vakom Jayalal has been fasting during Ramadan for the past 15 years. His 11-year-old daughter fasts with him. "We used to share accommodation with a Muslim family years ago, that's where we picked it up from," he said. "Observing the wonders fasting does for them, both for their body and their character, we realised fasting is about more than mere abstinence from food."
Riyaz Khan, 35, an Indian who is employed as a technician at an equipment maintenance company, said: "Though I do not work in an air-conditioned room and it is comparatively difficult to fast, I ensure that I observe all the fasts. As most people are aware, the good deeds and charity done in Ramadan are believed to be rewarded highly."
Palestinian Marwan Hamad Al Hamad, who works in, said Ramadan brings a "special feeling of happiness".
"The month is extremely special and its benefits are numerous. After work, the whole family gathers together to read the Quran. Several types of traditional dishes are prepared at home and laid out for iftar."
Syrian IT professional Tamim Jabas, 28, said for him, Ramadan meant more time for prayers.
"You can see the difference in behaviour and attitude of all those who are fasting in the month," he said. "People give away as much as they can and take time away from work to do good deeds. Going to the mosque daily and visiting friends for iftar are also part of the daily routine during Ramadan."
George Appleton, 46, a British engineer, said although Ramadan does not affect his day-to-day routine much, he enjoys observing the differences it makes to the lives of others.
"It is interesting to see how different Ramadan is for Muslims and how special it is for them," he said.
"It's quite a nice experience living here during Ramadan. It is different to what you are used to."
Businessman Moid Tungekar, 29, from India, said he spends more time with his friends and relatives during Ramadan.
"It's a communal thing to do, bringing people with different ideologies into the community," he said.
"Ramadan is for the sake of humility and the most important thing during Ramadan is to keep a good heart."
Human resources consultant Jan Miller, 44, from the United Kingdom, said the biggest effect Ramadan has on her life is in the way it changes working hours and school hours.
She added: "I think it's a nice month. It is something to respect and it's a very sociable month. Through business we do iftar with clients and I usually go with friends - it's just a nice thing to do."
Assistant pharmacist Jasim Abdul Salam, 28, from India, said enjoying an iftar meal was difficult for him because Ramadan hours mean he is working until midnight.
Speaking of fasting during Ramadan, he said: "I love to do that because it's good for the health."
Although he is not a Muslim, Indian sales executive Shankar Uma, 33, said he likes to fast during Ramadan. "Because we are living in this country, we have to show respect by doing the same thing," he said.
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