Chris Saul's Blog

Wednesday September 12, 2007

Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan has begun - Ramadan Kareem to all my Muslim readers and colleagues.

I enjoy Ramadan in Dubai and this year will actually be around to make the most of it. Last year I spent most of the time travelling. For non-Muslim expats like me Ramadan means a more relaxed and calmer Dubai, with much less traffic. I do try and keep off the roads around sunset though, as some people tend to race home to break their fast.

You're not allowed to eat and drink in public, which can sound pretty draconian the first time you hear the rules. In reality it's not a problem, as there are closed areas at work to eat lunch in and I'm not the kind of person who walks around with a coffee cup glued to my hand anyway. Most hotels keep their restaurants open during the day, with the entrances covered by a screen.

Work doesn't really slow down for me, as most of my customers aren't in Muslim countries, but for those just covering the Middle East and North Africa working hours are reduced and customers don't tend to make major buying decisions.

I try and use the four weeks or so to get back into shape a bit after a busy summer of travelling and a wee bit of indulging. Although the spiritual side of things doesn't affect me particularly, I do enjoy taking part in some of the more festive aspects - having Iftar at sunset or visiting the various 'Ramadan tents' set up in most of the hotels, although this year I think it'll still be a bit hot to sit outside.

It's interesting to be in a country where religion still plays such a direct and visible role in daily life, unlike the UK. Ramadan is the time this is most evident, as is the general tolerance for other religions that Dubai and the UAE offer their residents.