By Cleofi Krista Pimentel Capili, Special to Guides

Ramadan is observed by billions of Muslims around the globe. And it is an amazing experience for both Muslims and non-Muslims to experience Ramadan in different destinations to see how other cultures celebrate the holy month.Here are our top picks for five countries to visit during this joyous occasion to really make the most our of your cultural explorations.

Fes, Morocco
One of the most scenic spots in the country is the city of Casablanca. With its beautiful grand mosque and the medieval walled city of the Old Medina, it's a great place to embrace the history and culture within a bustling modern city life. Fun fairs and festivals are set up where locals can break their fast in the street souks. Public squares are filled with light shows and lively music during and after Iftar. A cannon is also fired to signal the end of the fast.

Flight duration from Dubai 7 hours and 48 minutes
Non-stop flights with Emirates
Best rated hotels start at Dh108 per night
Ramadan foods to try:
Makouda – deep fried potato balls dipped in harissa or tahini.

Moroccan lamb tagine – aromatic flavours of lamb stock with cinnamon, turmeric, and red pepper boiled with couscous. Others cook it with prunes or chicken with sultanas and cranberries.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Petaling Street, Central Bukit Bintang and the giant TTDI market in Kuala Lumpur are the places to enjoy shopping and tickle your taste buds with delicious street food after the sun sets. On the days when you aren't invited to someone’s home for a feast, make sure you head to the Ramadan Bazaar as soon as the sun sets to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Kuala Lumpur’s National Mosque and many of the country’s largest mosques are open to tourists with free tours.

Flight duration from Dubai 6 hours and 42 minutes
Non-stop flights with Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, TAP Portugal
Best rated hotels start at Dh67 per night
Ramadan foods to try:
Satay – barbecued street food from chicken, meat or prawns seasoned and grilled with aromatic herbs and spices.

Nasi dagang – rice steamed in coconut milk, fish curry and other spices mixed with fried shaved coconut, boiled eggs, solok lada and vegetable pickles.

Istanbul, Turkey
The Blue Mosque is just mesmerizing. You should try walking along Bosphorous just before the sun sets, then stop at a street side Turkish restaurant to enjoy their delicious food. The old town of Sultanahmet is where all the action is during this special month in Turkey, so check that city out as well.

Since Turkey is both in Europe and Asia you can find good flight prices with low cost airlines. Although May and June is peak season to travel there, you can still find hotels at very reasonable prices. You could also enjoy the Turkish Ramadan weather with a trip to coastal Turkey in one of their Halal resorts.

Flight duration from Dubai 4 hours and 27 minutes
Non-stop flights with Royal Brunei Air, Emirates, ANA, Qantas Airways, Turkish Airlines
Best rated hotels start at Dh175 per night
Ramadan foods to try:

Kavurma – a classic Turkish melt-in-your-mouth dish. It is braised cubes of lamb meat browned in its own fat.

Durum – doner kebab with a wrap made from lavash.

Cairo, Egypt

The streets of Cairo, including homes, restaurants, cafes and mosques are traditionally adorned with festive the Ramadan "Fanous" (Ramadan Lantern) during the holy month. These lanterns are lit after sunset, which signals the end of the fast. Egyptians love getting together with family, inviting even distant relatives to break the fast together. They typically love to have Ramadan Iftars out in groups, so prepare yourself to be caught in a festive crowd.

Flight duration from Dubai 3 hours and 31 minutes
Non-stop flights with Emirates, Air Mauritius, Egypt Air, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines
Best rated hotels start at Dh80 per night
Ramadan foods to try:

Mahshi – varieties of vegetables stuffed with flavoured rice.

Khoshaf – salad made out of a mix of dates, dried figs, apricots and raisins soaked in water.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesOne of the many joys of travelling to the UAE is being immersed in different and distinct cultures, all in one place. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the UAE is a great spot to holiday during Ramadan. There are hundreds of places to go to where you can break your fast in style. Experience Iftars set up in Bedouin-like mega-tents. The sounding of cannons announces Iftar and Suhoor where you can have a taste of Emirati and other Middle Eastern food including Lebanese, Egyptian and Turkish cuisines.

Best rated hotels start at Dh110 per night
Ramadan foods to try: Harees - Shredded pieces of slow-cooked lamb.
Spit-roast lamb - stuffed with minced meat, nuts and rice.© Gulf News 2017