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[nomad soul]

The following is based on last year's Ramadan thread and is edited for 2017:

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan 2017 will begin on Saturday, May 27. It will end 30 days later. Eid Al Fitr is the annual three-day celebration after the last day of Ramadan and is considered a public holiday.

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.

Also...

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.

Source: http://gulfnews.com/guides/life/ramadan/features/ramadan-2016-all-you-need-to-know-1.1528649
(Edited to cover Ramadan for non-Muslims and to reflect 2017 date)

[bigdurian]

Just to add to that, but supermarkets are not open as normal. They might close around 5 or 6 pm, and then open up again after last prayer, so not till 9pm.

Different stores and businesses will have different Ramadan hours
.
If it's a regular place you visit, look for their Ramadan hours which will be displayed by the door.

[nomad soul]

Saturday is the first day of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia
Arab News | 25 May 2017
Source: http://www.arabnews.com/node/1104721/saudi-arabia

JEDDAH: Saturday, May 27, is the start of holy month of Ramadan, the Supreme Court announced on Thursday.

The crescent moon was not sighted on Thursday and so fasting will start Saturday. “The moon will be out/disappear on the entire Islamic world, Thursday and, based on this, there is no crescent,” astronomer Khalid Al-Zaaq, a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences said in a series of tweets.

He added that this year’s Ramadan will begin and end on a Saturday, which makes it a 29-day month. “(Ramadan) will have four Fridays,” he added.

(End of excerpt)

[nomad soul]

For you "first timers." how has your experience during Ramadan been so far?

[I-forgot]

since the givernment decided that exams had to be completed before Ramadan, most teachers have left on paid or unpaid holiday.