Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ramadan
The 'Holy Month of Ramadan' is a time of spiritual contemplation for Muslims. For the
expat it can be a time of heightened frustration as everyone works more slowly and drives
more quickly.
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. Foreigners are not expected to fast,
but they should not smoke, drink or eat (including gum-chewing) in public during daylight
hours in Ramadan. Business premises and hotels make provision for the non-fasting by
erecting screens around dining areas.
Business hours tend to become more erratic and usually shorter and many restaurants
close for the whole period.
With this change of routine and given the hardship of abstaining from water during the
long, hot summer days, it's not surprising that tempers easily fray and the standard of driv-
ing deteriorates. Expats should make allowances by being extra vigilant on the roads and
by being extra tolerant in all social interaction.
CHRISTMAS AS AN EXPAT
Christmas is celebrated with gusto in the Arabian Peninsula. In the malls and shopping centres, there are lights and
carols, mangers with babies and neon cribs, cards with angels and the three wise men, and Arab Muslims queuing
up to take the kids to see Santa. While it's common for locals to wish you a 'Happy Christmas', the best response is
'thank you' rather than a return of the same greeting. In the UAE provision is often made for vacations to be taken
at Christmas but this is uncommon elsewhere in the region and 25 December is generally treated as a normal work-
ing day.
