The Spirit of Devotion: How UAE Residents Embrace the Last 10 Days of Ramadan

As the blessed month of Ramadan nears its end, Muslims across the UAE are preparing for its most spiritually enriching period—the final ten nights. These nights are filled with devotion, reflection, and gratitude, as worshippers seek to strengthen their connection with Allah. The atmosphere is filled with peace, unity, and a renewed sense of faith as individuals dedicate themselves to Qiyam-al-Layl—the special night prayers that extend into the early hours of the morning.

Among these nights, Laylatul Qadr, or The Night of Power, holds exceptional significance. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was revealed, and its rewards are greater than a thousand months of worship. Families, friends, and communities come together to pray, give charity, and seek blessings, making this period one of deep spiritual rejuvenation. The UAE’s welcoming and diverse environment enhances the Ramadan experience, allowing residents to connect with people from different cultures, all united by their faith.

 The Beauty of Qiyam-al-Layl: Nights of Worship and Reflection

Qiyam-al-Layl, which translates to standing through the night, is a form of extended worship that takes place after midnight. These prayers are longer and more heartfelt, providing a chance for believers to immerse themselves in the recitation of the Holy Quran and make personal supplications. The quiet, peaceful hours of the night create a powerful environment where worshippers feel closer to Allah, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.

Dubai resident Lilik Priyadi, an Indonesian expatriate, has been exploring different mosques for these prayers. “Each mosque has a unique atmosphere, and it’s a wonderful experience to pray among people from different backgrounds, all sharing the same devotion,” he said. “I’ve already visited several mosques for Taraweeh, and for Qiyam, I want to experience even more.”The serenity of the night, combined with the melodious recitation of Quranic verses, creates a deeply moving spiritual experience. Worshippers leave the mosques feeling refreshed, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to embrace these sacred moments.

Laylatul Qadr: A Night of Infinite Blessings

Among the last ten nights, Laylatul Qadr is considered the most sacred. This powerful night, expected to fall between March 20 and March 28, is described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months.” Worshippers stay up all night in prayer, knowing that the rewards and blessings received on this night are beyond measure.

For Abu Dhabi resident Mohamed Faisal, this night holds deep significance. “Even though we have newborn twins at home, I try to participate as much as possible,” he said. “There’s something truly magical about praying on Laylatul Qadr. You feel a sense of peace and closeness to Allah that is hard to describe.”

Many Muslims use this night as an opportunity to reflect on their lives, seek forgiveness, and pray for the well-being of their families and communities.

 Exploring Different Mosques: A Unique Experience

One of the most cherished traditions during the last ten nights of Ramadan is mosque-hopping—visiting different mosques for prayers. Each mosque offers a unique spiritual ambiance, and worshippers get the chance to experience various Quran reciters (qaris) known for their beautiful voices.

This year, world-renowned reciters like Abdulaziz Az-Zahrani from Saudi Arabia and Talal Rashid Al Aissai from Oman are leading prayers in the UAE, attracting thousands of worshippers eager to listen to their moving recitations.

“We always check which mosques have the most melodious reciters,” said Faisal. “A qari’s voice can truly elevate the prayer experience, bringing you to tears with the beauty of their recitation.”

Strengthening Family Bonds Through Worship

Dubai resident Mehnaz Anshah and her family make it a tradition to attend Qiyam-al-Layl prayers together. “Luckily, the school term break coincides with the last ten days, so we can all go as a family,” she said. “It’s a beautiful way to pass on the traditions of Ramadan to our daughters.”

Her mother-in-law, who is visiting from India, is also joining them in prayer. “It’s special to have three generations praying together. It strengthens our faith and brings us even closer as a family.”

After prayers, families often stop at local eateries for a light meal or Suhoor before the next day’s fast begins. “Sometimes we just grab a karak chai, and other times, we sit down for a meal together,” Mehnaz said. “Ramadan is about faith, but it’s also about togetherness.”

 A City That Welcomes Worshippers with Open Arms

With thousands of worshippers attending night prayers, authorities in the UAE have made special arrangements to ensure a smooth and peaceful experience. Dubai Police and the Dubai Events Security Committee have set up additional parking, traffic diversions, and crowd management measures around major mosques.

The well-organized system allows worshippers to focus solely on their prayers without worrying about congestion or delays. “It’s amazing to see how well-managed everything is,” said Lilik. “Even with large crowds, the arrangements are seamless.”

Public transportation options have also been extended to accommodate late-night travelers, making it easier for residents to attend prayers without any hassle.

Carrying the Spirit of Ramadan Beyond the Month

As Ramadan comes to a close, the last ten nights leave a profound impact on the hearts of worshippers. These nights serve as a reminder of the values of patience, gratitude, and humility, inspiring people to carry these lessons forward throughout the year.

Beyond the mosque, the spirit of Ramadan is reflected in the acts of kindness and generosity seen across the UAE. From charity drives to community iftars, the sense of unity and compassion continues to grow stronger.

As the month of Ramadan ends, UAE residents cherish these final moments, hoping to carry the blessings of this sacred month into their daily lives. The sense of peace, devotion, and togetherness felt during these nights will remain in their hearts, serving as a source of inspiration for the months to come.

A Time of Unity, Reflection, and Hope

The last ten nights of Ramadan in the UAE bring a sense of unity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment to all who observe them. Whether through prayer, family traditions, or acts of kindness, these nights remind people of the beauty of faith and the importance of community.

As worshippers leave the mosques at dawn, their hearts are filled with gratitude—not just for the blessings of Ramadan but for the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and strengthen their faith. The hope is that the spirit of Ramadan will continue to inspire acts of goodness, kindness, and devotion throughout the year, making the world a better place, one prayer at a time.