The Ramadan shopping rush hit UAE supermarkets immediately after the crescent was sighted, as residents prepared for the holy month. Families across Dubai and Sharjah rushed to stock up on essentials for iftar and suhoor. Long queues formed at checkout counters, while aisles quickly filled with shoppers moving through food, clothing, and household sections. The sudden announcement caught many off guard, intensifying the rush.
By 9pm, most branches were crowded, and traffic around major shopping centres slowed significantly. Families navigated busy parking lots while carrying shopping lists on their phones or deciding purchases on the go. Essentials such as rice, cooking oil, milk, bread, eggs, and fruits topped the demand list. Shoppers added packs of dates and frozen snacks to nearly every trolley, reflecting the typical Ramadan staples. Some shoppers focused only on the first few days’ necessities, planning to return later for more items.
The rush extended beyond food items. Modest clothing sections, including abayas, scarves, and kurtas, attracted many customers. Prayer mats also saw increased demand, particularly for children and new households. This reflected the comprehensive preparation for Ramadan rituals beyond meals. Parents often brought their children along, some seated in carts while others distracted with mobile phones or juice boxes. Meanwhile, bakery sections had staff constantly restocking bread to keep up with demand.
Checkout counters became the main bottleneck. Self-checkout areas provided little relief, as queues also formed there. Shoppers scanned items carefully, while staff assisted those unfamiliar with machines. Many left trolleys mid-store after noticing the long lines, choosing to return later with smaller loads. Despite the challenges, residents expressed satisfaction in preparing for Ramadan’s start and securing necessary supplies.
Overall, the Ramadan shopping rush highlighted the country’s vibrant consumer activity during the holy month’s onset. The combination of sudden announcement, popular staples, and household necessities made the evening bustling and energetic. Residents embraced the experience, balancing urgency with planning. The event reflected both the cultural significance of Ramadan and the practical realities of preparation.
Authorities and supermarket staff continued managing crowds efficiently, ensuring access to essentials while maintaining order. The Ramadan shopping rush reaffirmed the importance of preparedness and community participation during this significant time of the year.
