Dubai : Ramadan

We're often asked how Ramadan effects the every day lives of non-muslims living in Dubai. Ramadan is the Holy Month throughout which muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Fasting means no food and no liquids; it is no easy task, particularly given the time of year. There are exceptions to fasting; young children, pregnant women, travellers and the sick.

School and work hours are restricted by law throughout the month to accomodate the change in timetable. For non-muslims then, the working day / school pick ups will be a major change. Not all companies observe the reduced hours for all staff, but many do. That may mean extra hours working at home to make up for lost time.

School hours are 8.30 - 2.00 and there are no after school activities during the month of Ramadan. Given the heat, that's been quite good this year.

There is always an impact on the roads with the school traffic going in later than offices, so we get to move around a little more freely than usual - and easier to find a parking space ;-)

Eating and drinking in public is strictly prohibited and most cafes are closed until sunset. The Ministry grants a few licenses each year for cafes dotted around town to remain open. Their windows will be blacked out / screens erected so as not to cause offense. All hotels will have refreshment options open during the day but they will be similiarly screened off.

You should not wander around with a bottle of water, or drink in your car. Its unlikely that anyone would say anything to you but more, that it is not the done thing. If you take your tots to the park of course they can still have a picnic snack but try to be discrete if muslims are nearby. At work, company policies vary but people avoid eating or drinking in front of muslim colleagues.

Iftar is an early evening meal which breaks the fast. Tents spring up all over Dubai offering good local fayre and a traditional atmosphere to be enjoyed by families. It is definitely worth making the effort to get along to sample this taste of local culture. And if you are interested to learn more, The Sheikh Zayed Centre for Cultural Understanding (See ExpatWoman.com - Things To Do section)run daily guided tours of Jumeirah Mosque. It is also possible to take Iftar at the home of a local, which would give you a better understanding of what this month means to individuals and families.

Ramadan as a time for reflection, to appreciate how lucky we all are. And I think that there's something in that for all of us.