Eid al-Fitr festivities mark the end of Ramadan

Attraction and facilities across the Muslim world, and in areas with large Muslim populations, are celebrating Eid al-Fitr – marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The three days of festivities to mark the end of Ramadan involve thanksgiving, merriment, feasting and the exchange of gifts. In the Arabian Gulf, a growing number of attractions and retail malls have been seeking to link with the festivities in recent years offering special events, concerts and promotions.

Worked out based on astronomical calculations, the dates of Ramadan change every year and require that observant Muslims fast during daylight hours - abstaining from food and drink between sunrise and sunset.

In many previous years it has had a considerable impact on Muslim athletes at major events while also impacting those who want to remain active.

In 2012, when Ramadan overlapped with the London Olympics, British long distance runner and eventual double Olympic Gold medallist Mo Farah gave up Ramadan.

However, Muslims who break their fast are required to undertake a period of abstinence at another time.

Mindful of the requirements of Ramadan, Dubai-based gym and personnal training operator, The Original Fitness Co offers pre-dawn and evening fitness sessions including programs for women, combat training (Punch Fitness), group training and boot camp sessions as well as personal training.

In Australia, the  Fawkner Leisure Centre in the inner northern Melbourne suburb of Moreland also offers opportunities to stay active and healthy during Ramadan, as Fawkner Leisure Centre with longer opening hours and swimming classes to suit residents' lifestyles.
The Centre extends its opening hours until 10 pm from Monday to Thursday during Ramadan and offering students in swimming lessons the option to suspend their swimming lessons free of charge during this period.

Their place is held in their class until they return, and their fees amended accordingly.

For over 1.6 billion Muslims around the world the Ramadan the Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of the faith.

1st May 2014 - DUBAI LAUNCHES A SEASON OF FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

9th July 2013 - UAE FITNESS OPERATOR PREPARES FOR RAMADAN

10th August 2012 - RAMADAN NO BARRIER TO HEALTH AND FITNESS AT FAWKNER LEISURE CENTRE