As an expatriate living in the Middle East for a decade, I’ve become accustomed to the culture and tradition in this part of the world. The holy month of Ramadan has descended upon us here in Oman and other countries throughout the world where more than a billion people celebrate the blissful occasion like Qatar or Egypt.
Ramadan is decided using the lunar calendar and this year it falls between March 22 through April 21.
If you are a non-Muslim traveling to a majority Muslim country, then follow this guide to learn the rules of the land for the destination that you are visiting during your travels.
Fasting during Ramadan
According to the Five Pillars of Islam, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a necessity for Muslims. If you are planning to visit a majority Muslim country during the month of Ramadan, then you can expect locals observing to refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking from sunrise until sunset.
As a visitor in certain destinations such as Oman or Bahrain, you must refrain from eating or drinking in public places even as a non-Muslim individual during Ramadan timings from sun up to sun down. Nevertheless, in certain cases in destinations such as Morocco, UAE, or Egypt, visitors may be allowed to eat in certain public restaurants that have limited availability. Tourists should expect that in certain cities some restaurants will be closed during the day or have limited hours after locals break their fast.
Breaking the Fast at Iftars
Locals and tourists alike can rejoice in the evenings after sunset by enjoying a delicious iftar meal at restaurants or if you’re lucky enough to receive an invite from a local for a private at-home gathering during your travels take them up on the offer. It is a great sign of respect, acceptance, and friendship.
Here in Oman, I’ve enjoyed delicious sharing-style meals where the fast is first broken with dates and water followed by a host of local dishes such as meat and rice. Most hotels try to beat out each other with the best iftar meal offerings so shop around as you’ll have a variety of choices to choose from depending on your destination.
Consuming Alcohol during Ramadan
Depending on which country you’re traveling to during the holy month of Ramadan, you may or may not be allowed to consume alcohol. In places such as Oman or Qatar, you will not be able to buy alcohol at establishments that typically offer it. Also, for local ex-pats who have permits to buy from the local liquor shops, they are not open for business during Ramadan.
However, in most places as tourists you can purchase at duty-free as you enter the country, so stock up to enjoy in the comfort of your hotel room. Nevertheless, in less strict places such as Dubai, you will still be able to enjoy many restaurants and clubs during this time.
Expect a Slow Down in Business
Since Ramadan is a time dedicated to family, prayer, and fasting, in many Muslim-majority countries a traveler can expect to run into some businesses or even tourist sites which are closed or have limited hours of availability.
Many businesses often close during the afternoon so that locals can have a siesta or midday nap due to exhaustion from the heat (in the Middle East and African countries) and from fasting for as long as 12 hours. However, even after the midday break, most locations will reopen in the evening when locals and tourists alike can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Ramadan nights joyous activities.
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