Ajman: The Ajman Corniche is a favourite haunt of residents, especially during Ramadan nights. The four-kilometre stretch is dotted with restaurants, play areas, and the beach — little wonder it’s so popular.
In Ramadan, most people after Iftar step out of the house as the sun sets and stay out late into the night, typically after the extra night prayers. There’s a gathering buzz as the evening deepens and a sense of liveliness and energy lends itself to the air.
At the corniche, the chatter of friends and families, children’s laughter and the sound of waves crashing on the shore make for a pleasant auditory mix. Tourists also come out in good numbers after dusk.
During the day, the summer heat and fasting hours keep many people indoors. As work hours are shorter in Ramadan, residents take advantage of the extra spare time to rest or visit relatives.
Ali Habeeb, a 20-year-old Iraqi student at Ajman University, said Ramadan is an opportunity to strengthen kinship.
“I visit my grandma and relatives more in Ramadan, it’s in the spirit of Ramadan. At night, after [Ramadan night prayers], I often come to the corniche with friends,” Habeeb added.
“The days are quieter in Ramadan. You do your studies, rest at home and have iftar with family. At night, you perform prayers and socialise with relatives. On the weekends, there’s an added energy at night. I, like most people, spend that energy at the corniche; sometimes at the gym.”
Habeeb and his friends Mustafa Nadhim, who is visiting from Jordan, and Abdul Malek Ahmad like to stay active after iftar.
“I coach football teams during Ramadan and my night schedule is mostly packed,” Ahmad, 22, said.
Others, like the fishing enthusiasts, stand patiently on the rocks at the surf, waiting for a catch.
And some like to do nothing except soak in the seaside sights and sounds, seemingly lost in thought.
