As the Fast of Ramadan approaches - the 2009 dates are August 21 to September 19 - we’ve received a number of queries from travellers wanting to know how their holiday in Dubai, and other Muslim destinations, might be affected .
Ramadan - the most important month in the Islamic calendar - is observed by Muslims the world over. For non-Muslim visitors, the experience will vary from country to country according to local levels of observance.
In virtually all Muslim countries, between sunrise and sunset, no alcohol or food will be served or may be consumed in public places; smoking and chewing gum is also forbidden.
During the day, hotels will serve non-alcoholic drinks and food to guests but it is rare to be able to buy or consume alcohol outside of your own hotel room anywhere other than in the evening. Conservative clothing is the order of the day, not least as a mark of respect to your hosts.
In Dubai, for example, observance of Ramadan is very strict in terms of the consumption and availability of food and drink for visitors between sunrise and sunset. Eating, drinking and smoking in public in Dubai is strictly limited to the hours between sunset and sunrise; all visitors during Ramadan are expected to observe this wherever they go, including public beaches and shopping malls.
One&Only Resorts, which operates the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai, is typical. It offers guests the chance to eat and drink during the day in a screened area. Guests can only drink alcohol in their own rooms during the day. Entertainment programmes are suspended during Ramadan, even in the evenings, and music isn’t played anywhere during the day.
In Tunisia, you’ll find the shops, bazaars and cafes open as usual during the morning, but many will close at lunchtime and most will remain shut all afternoon. Almost everywhere reopens in the evening, once people have eaten.
Taxis can be hard to find as sunset approaches (so plan your evening accordingly), and no alcohol is served outside of the hotel bars and restaurants, where business continues as normal throughout Ramadan.
Kader Chelbi, of Aspects of Tunisia, says: “Travelling to Tunisia during Ramadan will give you a real insight into local Tunisian customs at this important time of year. I would advise visitors to spend the mornings out and about, then relax back at the hotel in the afternoon before heading back into town for the evening.”
For visitors to Turkey and North Cyprus, Ramadan is even more relaxed. More than half of the population doesn’t actually fast and daily life continues much as normal outside of the more conservative cities such as Konya (central Turkey) and Erzurum (eastern Turkey).
Akin Koc, of Anatolian Sky, says: “Almost everywhere in Turkey, restaurants and shops stay open as usual and alcohol is served throughout the day. Coming from the multi-religious Ottoman Empire, Turkish people are proud of their tolerance towards all religions.
“And if a local family invites you to visit their home and join them for the traditional ‘iftar sofresi’ evening meal during Ramadan, then go. It will be a wonderful experience appreciated as much by your hosts as by you.”
If you are planning to travel to a Muslim country during the Ramadan, familiarise yourself in advance with local customs and how to respect them.
Do you have any advice or feedback? Please leave a comment.
