For Your Information
A Guide to Ramadan
in the UAE
A
s we approach the holy month
of Ramadan here in the UAE,
we take a look at some of the
rules and expectations that are
specific to this country. We also provide
a glossary of Ramadan terms that you
may encounter during this time. As
always, we encourage all our readers
to share this information with friends
and colleagues so each of us remains
informed. For additional information
on what Ramadan is about, visit our
After the Bell section of the magazine
for our In the UAE feature.
Eating Out
It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in
public during daylight hours, including
in your car. Even if you believe that
you are being discreet, if someone
sees you, they could report you to
the police. While some persons have
claimed that you could end up in jail
until the end of Ramadan, it is more
likely that you will get a lecture from
the police and a possible fine, if
caught. Hungry children are permitted
to eat during the day but it would be
wise to be discreet about it. If you are
desperate for food or drink for them,
get a snack at a supermarket, service
station or possibly a restaurant/café.
Even if they appear closed, you can try
knocking on the door, as there might
be someone in the back.
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The law and Businesses
Companies are required by law to
reduce the working time by two hours
per day for ALL employees (Muslims
and non-Muslims) and or those who
are fasting. If employees work longer
hours, they must receive overtime pay.
Workers can file a complaint at the
UAE Ministry of Labour if a company
does not abide by this rule or refuses
to pay overtime for employees who
work for longer hours. Most businesses
and government offices will close
between 2:00 and 4:00pm. Some
government departments will reopen
in the evenings for 2-4 hours between
8:00pm and midnight (dependent on
the time of year). Business activities
tend to slow down during Ramadan.
Expect delays with any commercial or
bureaucratic activities.
Dress Code
It is respectful and polite to dress
more conservatively during Ramadan.
Women and men are encouraged to
cover shoulders and legs.
Bars & Nightclubs
Bars in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras
Al Khaimah may be opened in the
evenings. However, patrons may be
asked what religion they are and
subsequently refused entry if they are
Class Time
Muslim. There are no bars in Sharjah.
Live and loud music and dancing are
prohibited; as such most nightclubs
will be closed or very quiet.
Additionally, car stereos should be
turned down. Playing loud music,
especially rock or similar music, is
considered to be d \ܙ\