Ramadan

[Elphaba]

The holy month of Ramadan starts in a few days and I thought it worthwhile to provide some information to those who have not experienced this before.

All countries in the Gulf are founded on the principles of Islamic law. However, they are tolerant to all faiths, and attract a vast number of expatriate workers from around the world, and have thriving tourism industries. For visitors or recent arrivals in the region Ramadan may be be a new experience.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims refrain from eating during daylight hours as an act of sacrifice that reminds them of the challenges of the poor.

It is a time for generosity of spirit and a period when family ties are renewed and enhanced.

Non-Muslims are not required to follow Islamic practices during Ramadan, but there are customs and regulations that should be observed by everybody.

Non-Muslims are expected to respect the Muslim Ramadan practices by not eating, drinking, or smoking in front of Muslims or in any public place in the UAE during daylight hours. Transgressions can be fined.

Independent eating establishments will not open until sunset; many stay open into the early morning hours.

Most hotels will serve food in a location not in the public view during the daylight hours.

Some hotels will not serve liquor during the month of Ramadan, but most in Dubai will serve alcohol after 7.00pm.

Live music is not permitted and you will find that many bars and restaurants are more low-key than usual. Obviously brunches stop for the month. As an alternative, you may wish to go to an Iftar buffet. These are laid on by hotels, although strictly speaking it is the meal for breaking fast in the evening.

Driving during the late afternoon and early evening is best avoided if at all possible. Traffic is very heavy as people try rush to get home for Iftar and can be even more erratic than usual.

Women especially, should consider their attire during Ramadan. Skimpy clothing should not be worn at any time, but extra consideration should be given to our Muslim hosts during Ramadan.

Business hours will be adjusted in consideration of Ramadan and the work hours are typically reduced. If you need to conduct any business during Ramadan, it would be wise to call in advance to verify the adjusted business hours. In the work environment, you may find it more difficult to schedule meetings.

I hope this helps.


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[Whittell]

Hi Just reading your ramadan thread which is useful I am concerned as I have so many conflicting stories about what you can and can not wear! For work for instance I would normally wear a skirt (knee length) but I would wear a vest top. Most tops i wear show your shoulders and I have been told this is disrespectful during ramadan and shoulders should be covered up! Can you help, don't want to get it wrong and offend anyone!

[Elphaba]

Play safe and don't wear a vest top, especially during Ramadan. If you think something may be inappropriate it probably is.



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[Whittell]

Thanks for that!

[krakow]

Thanks Elphaba. This is most useful. I arrive in late September and was curious as to how to approach this time of year.

On the issue of eating during the day, what about eateries and food courts in shopping malls? Would a major chain such as say McDonald's stay open?

What do office workers typically do? Do you bring your own lunch, are cafes and coffee shops open?

thanks very much.

[Elphaba]

Food courts in malls will be shut until the evening. No exception for the likes of McDonalds! A few cafes will be open, but they will be screened from public view. I believe they also have to apply for a special licence.

People should take their own food to the office as there will ususally be somewhere that it can be eaten out of sight. It is exceptionally bad manners, not to say offensive, to eat/drink in front of someone who is fasting.

I'd also like to point out that the no eating/drinking/smoking rules applies whilst in your car as you are generally visible.

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[katiepotato]

Hi all

I found a really interesting article about Ramadan on the Time Out website, if you want to take a look please follow the link below:

Time Out Dubai - Printer Friendly Page - Ramadan explained

Enjoy!

K

[kelly1814]

this is all very useful! 90% of my office are fasting and have all said they don't mind people eating around them. perhaps because some are muslims who lived in the states for years - where ramadan is obviously not observed at all, so they said they just had to get on with people eating all around them.
that said, i obviously will not be opening up a picnic basket in their midst, though.

[Elphaba]

Hi Kelly1814

Nice to see you here. I know you post elsewhere, as do I under a different user name. I do hope you'll benefit from the reduced hours over Ramadan.


I have certainly noticed that more outlets are open each year and in many offices there is a relaxed attitude. Best that everyone is prepared for the worst.


This week's Time Out has a special Ramadan booklet - the first one they have ever done - so many may find that interesting too.



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[kelly1814]

thanks elpheba!
i have fingers and toes crossed for shorter working hours! so far 3 meetings in the diary next week in Abu Dhabi - not sure how I'll cope without my usual snacks in the car!