Ramadan

This year's Ramadan just finished on 9th September in the Gulf region. Ramadan is a holy month in Islam and Muslims fast from dawn to sunset throughout the month. Non-Muslims in Islamic nations are not required to follow this practice, however you may be punished if caught easting or drinking in public during fasting hours.

A Filipino receptionist in my office told me one morning that a fellow Christian compatriot of hers, who was new to Dubai, got fined Dh8,000 for 'smoking' outside a church after attending a Sunday service! Just for you smokers' information, smoking is strictly not allowed, during the day in Ramadan.

I don't know about the Dh8,000 fine but have read in the newspapers from time to time about westerners who got caught drinking (water, coke, juice...) in public like at a petrol service, and given a fine of some US$200-300.

Doughnut-like Sweets served with Date Syrup

During Ramadan most restaurants and eateries are shut until a couple of hours before the sunset when they start preparing the food. There are restaurants that are open throughout the day to cater to non-Muslims and tourists.

These restaurants are usually found in hotels but you may not notice if they're open since out of courtesy for the Muslims, they cover every single window with curtains in order to shut the view completely from outside (ie, no peepholes) so that no one 'suspects' (well, it's a known fact though...) there's someone eating inside hours before sunset.

Malls are open as usual but many outlets inside may be shut during the day for lack of customers. Supermarkets are all open day and night.

During Ramadan things get busy and active at night. Muslims spend as much time as possible with family and friends. They break fast at home and in addition to the regular 5 daily prayers, many attend night prayers in mosque specially held in the holy month.

When all that is over, they go out with family or friends at around 10.00pm. Many souqs and malls in Dubai stay open until 1.00am or later. Shops are open until 4.00am or so in Saudi Arabia, so according to my Saudi friends, Ramadan night life in the UAE is 'too short' and 'no fun' (!).

Office hours are reduced during the holy month, so business tends to slow down considerably, especially in the government sectors.