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[nomad soul]

Ramadan 2016: All you need to know
By Martin Fullard, Gulf News | June 3, 2016
Source: http://gulfnews.com/guides/life/ramadan/features/ramadan-2016-all-you-need-to-know-1.1528649
(Edited to cover Ramadan for non-Muslims. Click on the link above for the full article, including the religious significance for Muslims.)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. This year, according to the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan starts on June 6 and ends after 29 or 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is the annual three-day celebration after the last day of Ramadan and it is considered a public holiday. The government will announce the exact holiday dates nearer the time.

Adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk every day throughout Ramadan. Fast may be broken at sunset before Maghrib prayers after ‘Azaan’ (call for prayers). This occurs just after sunset. Dates are traditionally the first food to be eaten each evening. The fast-breaking meal is called Iftar.

Ramadan for non-Muslims

While Muslims don’t expect non-Muslims to fast as well, it remains important to show respect. Most of the following points apply to the rest of the year too, but are even more important to adhere to during Ramadan:

- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during the fasting hours (from dawn until dusk). This includes chewing gum.
- Do not engage in any aggressive behaviour.
- Do not dance or play music in public. You may listen to music quietly with headphones.
- Dress respectfully.
- Do not swear. Blasphemy is considered extra offensive during Ramadan.
- Do not refuse a gift, from a simple date to something more exotic, you should accept it. Further, you should not refuse an invitation to join someone at Iftar.

The penalty for not following the above etiquette can vary, with community service normally being favoured.

If you are not fasting, you are free to eat and drink in the privacy of your own home, as well as in designated areas. Ask your employer where you can eat your lunch. The same goes with smoking. Some restaurants and cafes will be open during the day; you are free to frequent these. Food can be taken out and consumed in private.

Work hours: The standard work-day is reduced by two hours for all employees across all sectors, regardless of whether you are observing Ramadan or not. Check with your employer.

Grocery shopping: Supermarkets are open as usual.

Driving: There’s no denying the fact that driving during the day, particularly between 5pm and Iftar, is hazardous. Some fasting taxi drivers may have been working longer than they should have been and as a result they may be dehydrated and lacking the ability to concentrate properly. Only drive in the afternoon if you absolutely have to.

Booking a taxi: If you are heading out around the Iftar time, then be advised that booking a taxi may not be so easy. A lot of drivers will be breaking the fast, so availability may be difficult.

Going out for dinner: If you are planning on going out for Iftar then you should book a table in advance. Restaurants are understandably busy during Ramadan evenings.

Going to the mall: While a lot of businesses change their hours for Ramadan, malls remain generally open during the day – with the exception of food courts and restaurants. Some restaurants may remain open, but this will seldom be advertised.

(End of excerpt)

[paul.conlong]

Hello NS,

From your experience, what are the students like during this period assuming classes are still operating during ramadan.

[nomad soul]

[MI6agent]

[nomad soul]

[currentaffairs]

Classes didn't change much. There was an official office set aside on campus with blinds down for non-Muslims to eat and drink with the door closed...

[paul.conlong]

Thanks, good to know. I read somewhere that some institutes/ universities etc tend to reduce the working hours during ramadan. I suppose the no one rule fits all on this apart from Fridays is rest day.

[MENA_chica]

[nomad soul]

5-hour work for govt staff in Ramadan
Saudi Gazette | June 3, 2016
Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/5-hour-work-govt-staff-ramadan/

RIYADH – All government offices will work for five hours during Ramadan, the Ministry of Civil Service has announced.

In a circular issued on Thursday, the ministry said government offices will function from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eid Al-Fitr holidays for this year will start on Thursday June 30, corresponding to Ramadan 25. Work will resume after the Eid holidays on Monday, July 11 (Shawwal 6), Saudi Press Agency quoted the ministry’s circular as saying.

(End)

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For Americans applying for visas in the US:

Per the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission's (SACM) website, Ramadan work hours will be from 11:00am-4:00pm.
Source: http://www.sacm.org/Employeesoffice.aspx
.

[currentaffairs]

Yes, I think the workday shrunk to six hours or something where I was working as well.

[cnthaiksarok]

Be sure to rinse out your mouth before having discussions with followers at work (or otherwise) after that private snack or big breakfast.

They can smell that food on your lips a mile away.

[MI6agent]

[plumpy nut]

Ramadan may very well not start on the 6th, specialized imams in Saudi
Arabia who view the skies have to see the beginning of the crescent before Ramadan begins. I'm assuming this is done without binoculars because that could be deemed un-Islamic.

[cnthaiksarok]

[MI6agent]