It is a family outing, traditionally. Ramadan in Pakistan is similar to most Muslim countries. Restaurants usually close during the day and open for iftar. Working hours are cut short. Special programs are aired on TV right before iftar.
People open their fast with dates and eat minor 'snacks' to kill off their desire for food.
After these 'light snacks,' the family prays and following the prayers, they sit down and have a 'proper' dinner. During Ramadan, Dubai streets come alive at sunset until the early hours. There is a mood of festivity everywhere and the urge to shop for the Eid Al Fitr festival, which marks the end of Ramadan. Nite Shoppe, a late night consumer fair, will be staged from January 6 for three days for just this reason. Manufacturers and distributers from Singapore, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka will have stands.