Our kind of Ramadan 2018 in the UAE – Dubai

“Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim friends!”

Now when Ramadan is finish, let us talk about how we used our free time during this month. In my almost seven (7) years in the United Arab Emirates, Ramadan season is really a good break for us non Muslims. Why? Because during the month of Ramadan in the UAE all companies have only few hours of work. Most companies starts their working hours from 8:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon.

UNDERSTANDING RAMADAN:

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. It is the month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of Quran to Mohammad in Islamic belief. The month will last to 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. They fast from dawn until sunset and this is obligatory. Those who are suffering from illness, travelling, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding and those women with their monthly period are exempted. Muslims who are fasting will refrain from consuming food, drinking liquors, smoking and sex. They are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying etc.) and fighting (except self-defense). They have a pre-fast meals before dawn referred to as Suhoor and the post-fast breaking feast after sunset called Iftar. When Muslims fasts, they do mostly in prayers and good deeds or charity.

OUR KIND OF RAMADAN (NON-MUSLIMS)

As a non-Muslims living in the UAE, we respect their law and beliefs. We appreciate their sacrifice in fasting and their act of kindness to those in need. Some do the same (fasting too) and for us – we do not eat or drink water in public places. Those who are working in the company with majority of Muslim colleagues also did not eat their lunch and snacks in the office.

THESE ARE THE THINGS WE DO DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN:

1. VOLUNTEERING

In the month of Ramadan most of my Muslim friends and non-Muslims do some charity. Usually, we go to labor camps to distribute some meals to laborers. We give not just meals, but also some snacks and personal hygiene products. We join events to volunteer for free, some events are sponsored others are from individual charity.

Below are few photos from our volunteering events in Tamquest “Smile on the Face”. Tamquest organize Smile on the Face event every year during the month of Ramadan (on Fridays). They contact few volunteers for this event to distribute meals and other products to laborers in labor camp. This volunteering activity is for free. The labor camps usually located at Al Quoz or Jebel Ali, Dubai. (Note: photos credit from Eve Marie and Lenie – thank you girls.)

2. SPORTS

The Dubai Sports World in Dubai World Trade Center is open during Ramadan month. You can play any sports you like whichever they offer. For us we play badminton mostly during Thursday evening. I have my two (2) days off from Friday to Saturday, so I or most of us prefer to play on Thursday evening.

Below are few games we did with friends:

DAY 1 : AS WELL AS OPENING OF DUBAI SPORTS WORLD

DAY 15

DAY 22

DAY 29

3. IFTAR & LEISURE – FRIENDS BONDING

During the month of Ramadan mostly we have our free time and so friends can meet each other or bond together. Some have their Iftar dinner in different places or restaurants. Others just having fun with their beloved friends.

Below are few of my activities with friends:

ZAM ZAM MANDI RESTAURANT

GRANDEUR HOTEL

DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT

AND OUR VISIT TO OUR DEAR FRIEND AFTER SHE GAVE BIRTH

And starts today, let’s go back to our normal day work schedule! 😉