Special Features
Life during Ramadan
A common concern among those considering taking up employment in Dubai is what it’s really like learning to live, work and socialise in an Islamic country - questions arise such as ‘what should I wear to work’ from the females to ‘can I still have a drink’ from the men and ‘what’s it like living in Dubai during Ramadan’ from pretty much everyone thinking about relocating! The truth is, living in Dubai is an exciting experience, the quality of life is amazing, there are no excessive restrictions placed upon you in your working or social life - and as long as you take a little time out to understand the respectful way you need to behave especially during Ramadan you’ll have a great time living in Dubai.Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the actual date on which Ramadan begins is based on the lunar cycle and so it is different each year, information about when it will begin is posted everywhere from on the TV to in the newspaper, from on supermarket doors to within your work environment – so, don’t worry that you won’t know when it’s started.
Ramadan is an incredibly important month for all Muslims around the world, but especially in Dubai the traditions, rituals, observances and expectations that are associated with this period are observed strictly. The main elements of Ramadan are praying, fasting, giving charity and self-accountability… Muslims rise before sunrise each day of Ramadan to eat and drink because between the hours of sunrise and sunset all adult Muslims who are in good health are expected to fast. This means they cannot eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum and you cannot do so in public or in the company of Muslims either - otherwise you risk causing significant offence.
In the workplace a room is usually given up to non-Muslims in which you can eat and drink…but be careful to keep the door to the room closed and really, do not eat or drink in front of your Muslim co-workers, at best it’s rude, at worst you will be disciplined.
You cannot eat, drink or smoke in your car either on the way to and from work for example – although babies, small children and pregnant women would get away with having a drink in an emergency. Local people in Dubai are not extreme in the ways they observe Ramadan, nor are they extreme in the observance of their religion. They are highly respectful and mindful of others and expect you to be as well.
In terms of dress code – nothing really changes for Westerners although it’s really a good idea for women to wear long sleeves and to wear skirts to the ankle during Ramadan so as not to potentially yet inadvertently cause offence – also avoid sunbathing on public beaches or in the sea – if you’re within a hotel’s grounds you’ll usually be fine but ask first.
Bear in mind that your Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues will be getting up and dawn, fasting all day and then socialising every evening of the month long Ramadan period and so if they appear a bit tired or irritable you know why! Finally, the best thing about Ramadan from a non-Islamic perspective is that when the fasting period is over there is a three day festival! The holiday is known as Eid ul-Fitr (Eid) for short, it means the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’ and during this period it is traditional for Muslims to give donations of food to the poor and then to celebrate with prayers and feasting with family. During Eid in Dubai you’ll probably find you get invited out to celebrate with friends and colleagues…enjoy the time because it’s a three holiday from work!
