Ramadan is an important tradition practiced by Muslims. If you are a non-Muslim expat in the UAE, you might be culture-shocked on certain rules being observed during this holy month. Let this article be your guide to understand better how you should behave and show respect to Muslims while this month is being celebrated.
Read – 15 Things to Know about Working and Living in the UAE
Usually, work hours change during this month. Federal and government employees duty hours are set from 9am to 3pm. Private company employees usually have office hours reduced by 2 hours as well. In terms of going out for lunch and other things your should know, please refer to the rest of the article below for more tips.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a cultural practice of Muslims which falls during the ninth month of the Islamic or Hijri calendar. Regarded as the holiest month for Muslims, it is one of the five Acts of Worship (or “Pillars”) of Islam where they fast or abstain from eating and drinking (among other things).
Ramadan is very important for Muslims because they believe that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed during this time.
Between sunrise and sunset, Muslims would teach themselves tolerance, self-awareness and patience. They believe their souls are purified of evil influence and their faith in Allah becomes stronger.
Some of them also spend more time in the mosque or read the Quran to strengthen their spiritual closeness to Allah. Most notably, Ramadan serves as a time where Muslims are expected to give alms to the poor and being grateful as well.
10 Tips for Non-Muslim Expats during Ramadan Season
So what are the expectations set to non-Muslim expats like you if you’re in the UAE? Here is a list of tips and guides that you should note when Muslims around you are observing their cultural practice:
1. You’re not allow to eat, drink and smoke in public. This only means that you should not show this practice in outside where people could see you. You can have your meals for take-out or dine-in, as long as you stay in blacked-out windows.
Malls, food courts, coffee shops and other food establishments also observe Ramadan by using curtains so guests can dine throughout the day. On the other hand, some restaurants remain closed during the day until the sunset.
As long as you do these things in private, you are able to respect the way Muslims follow Ramadan. Being discreet is the key.
Because this is a number one strict rule observed during Ramadan in the UAE, anyone caught eating, drinking, smoking or generally being disrespectful could be fined or arrested if they do not heed warnings. (Maximum fine is 2,000dhs or 1-month imprisonment).
2. Say “Ramadan Kareem” as a form of respect. Even if you’re not Muslim, it is still dutiful to offer kind greetings to your Muslim friends and colleagues especially when you’re in UAE.
3. Buying alcohol or going to clubs are generally not allowed during Ramadan. Tourists, visitors or non-Muslim expats usually can go to some bars or pubs that are open only after sunset. Some serve alcohol and food during the day but live or loud music is not allowed.
4. Dress appropriately in public during this holy month. Everyone should be dressed as conservatively and as modestly as possible during Ramadan. They should also have their arms and legs covered in public. For non-Muslim expats like you, avoid any tight or revealing clothing, and of course, any type of swimwear to show-off.
5. Avoid any public displays of affection like kissing, hugging, or hand-holding during Ramadan. Refrain from cracking jokes as well during this time. Finally, as this is a time for peace and charity, try to avoid shouting or being angry at anyone. All of these are deemed inappropriate and can be an offence.
6. Be mindful of the modified working hours. To accommodate the workers who are fasting, most workplaces modify working hoursthroughout the holy month. This will also be applied for different shops, where you will notice they might be have different opening hours. For example, supermarkets may be open for 24 straight hours in a day. On the other hand, government departments continue to operate but with reduced working hours. Based on the UAE Labor Law, working hours must be reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan. Even if you are a non-Muslim worker, you are still covered by this law. However, it will depend whether you are working in a public or private sector.
7. Also, be mindful of the opening and closing hours of shops and malls. Almost all shops and restaurants will be closed before and a couple of hours after sunset throughout Ramadan, so be sure to make your reservations early. On the other hand, malls remain open for the day and for an extra hour or two at night. This means that closing times may be as late as midnight or 1am, depending on the mall.
8. Non-Muslim children are expected to observe Ramadan. Those under six years old are not asked to participate in fasting however. Children between seven and 12 years old may start observing fasting. With regards to school, non-Muslim students may participate in fasting, but if not, they can be asked to eat their lunch in a specific area of the school.
9. Take note of these other things during Ramadan. If you are a non-Muslim expat who is pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, menstruating, sick or of old age, you may be exempted from Ramadan. However, you should still avoid eating or drinking in public.
10. Make the most of the community spirit. Interact with your friends, neighbors and colleagues in the community and take part in this cultural immersion. As a form of respect, even you who is a non-Muslim expat is highly encouraged to practice the value of gratitude, patience, tolerance, compassion and most of all, charity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I forget it’s the start of Ramadan and I accidentally eat or drink in public?
Just try not to do it again and be more mindful of your surroundings. Eating or drinking in public may be a huge offense to any Muslim who might have seen you. Good thing that Ramadan promotes the practice of patience and tolerance, so people are often forgiving of unintentional mistakes.
2. If I am going to the UAE as a tourist during Ramadan can I bring alcohol with me?
Yes, as long as it does not exceed the duty-free allowance. But do not show it in public.
3. It happens that I will celebrate my birthday in the UAE. Can I invite people who are fasting?
You can, but it would probably be better if you celebrate it after iftar so they can attend and won’t be uncomfortable.
4. What should I do if I’ve been invited to an iftar?
You may or may attend the iftar. Also it is not wrong to bring a gift when visiting someone’s home. Make sure to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before maghrib and bring a box of dates or sweets as gift.
5. Can non-Muslim guest or tourists go to Ramadan tents at iftar or suhoor times?
Yes they can, but it is best not to leave dinner reservations until the last minute because restaurants across the country can become much busier as families meet to break the fast together.
6. What are those huge tents that I see dotted around residential neighborhoods?
One thing you have to know about Muslim culture during Ramadan is that some families choose to put up tents to feed low-income workers in their own area. They collaborate with their respective municipalities and the Emirates Red Crescent. Saqer Al Mehairbi, a Muslim has been feeding many Ramadan observers for the past 25 years. Every time he has welcomed by about 500 people to break their fast every day during Ramadan.
Muslims who wish to set up tents must go through a licensing procedure. This includes the processing of temporary permits from the municipality, civil defense checks to ensure safety and security measures, and Abu Dhabi Distribution Company for electrical connections and installations.
7. Is it okay if non-Muslim tourists or expats go to Ramadan tents at iftar or suhoor times?
Yes they can, but it is best not to leave dinner reservations until the last minute because restaurants in the UAE can become much busier as families meet to break the fast together
8. What charity obligations do Muslims have to fulfil during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims tend to give more to charity and provide alms as they are highly encouraged to practice the spirit of giving. This is reflected in their cultural practice Zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. This means that they have an obligation for whoever passes a certain criteria of wealth.
9. Can non-Muslims also contribute to charities and give alms during Ramadan?
Yes, of course.
10. How does the volunteering law affect the charity work during Ramadan?
To date, the director general of the Community Development Authority said that the law that bans volunteering without permission will not prevent community groups from their good work and charity programs.
What is Eid?
Before defining Eid, you first have to know that there are two Eid celebrations in Islam.
Eid al-fitr is the festival of the breaking of the fast, which immediately occurs after Ramadan. It is a time full of festivities and daytime feasts for Muslim families. During this time people will dress in their new Eid clothes and ladies will have their hair and henna done. People will also give gifts to each other during this celebration. It is a very busy time in the country, and also a public holiday that usually lasts as long as three days. But for government departments, this may be extended to a week.
Eid al-fitr is likely to start on 23 May 2020.
Charity or Zakat, which is another of the five pillars of Islam is considered very important during Eid celebrations. It is important that they practice the act of giving and thoughtfulness to those less fortunate.
As mentioned earlier, when you visit UAE you may notice a number of white tents popping up and dotting all over town even before Ramadan starts. These tents are put up by Muslims who are all willing make donations to the needy. Muslims practice these and even get their children involved in this cultural practice so they can understand the importance of giving.
Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, literally translates to “the festival of the sacrifice”. It is celebrated approximately 70 days after the end of Ramadan. Arafat Day falls first, on the second day of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the 9th Day of Dhu Al Hijja on the Hijri calendar. This is immediately followed by Eid al-Adha.
During this time, animals such as sheep or goats are offered and sacrificed. Tradition dictates that “a third is eaten by the family, a third given to relatives and friends and a third given to the needy.”
Eid al-Adha is another three to four-day public holiday, though it can be extended to a week. The same goes for government institutions and schools (these celebrations are always announced very last minute).
What is Iftar and Suhoor?
Iftar is literally the breaking of the fast in Islam. It is the meal taken immediately after sunset. During Ramadan, families come together and eat a meal. Usually, an immediate snack of water and dates is taken before prayers, followed by a large meal.
Most of the hotels in the UAE now put together quite extravagant iftar buffets and open Ramadan dining tents. Don’t be surprised if you get invited to join these celebrations with friends and neighbors. Of course, it is polite to accept as you can join and experience the cultural practice.
Suhoor, on the other hand, is the meal taken immediately before sunrise. After this, fasting starts for a new day. Just like iftar, many hotels provide services for suhoor.
Summary
Generally, Ramadan is all about respect.
As non-Muslim expats living or staying in the UAE, it is your responsibility to be aware and mindful of the rules and guidelines while Muslims observe Ramadan. It can be a difficult and perhaps confusing time of year most especially for non-Muslims (most of them would even try to get out of the country for this sole purpose).
Nevertheless, this is a very essential cultural practice of Muslims that they will always look forward to. If it’s any consolation, diving into this rich culture may enlighten you of our Muslim brothers and sisters’ lives following the Islam religion.