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jim6169 · Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 19

I'm stuck in the KSA during the month of Ramadan, can anyone tell me if banks, shops, and taxis will be open during the month?

Thanks

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 3:28 am Post subject:

Dear jim6169,
Night becomes day; day becomes night. Most places will be open after sundown prayer (Salatu-l-Maghrib.)
Regards,
John

trapezius · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:58 am Post subject:

Approximate timings:

Banks: 10 am - 2 pm, 9 pm - 12 am.

Large chain grocery stores: Most of the day and night.

Clothing/electronic/etc stores: 10 am - 1 pm, maybe 5 pm - 7 pm, definitely 9 pm - 2 or 3 am.

Restaurants, proper sit-down: 7 pm - 2 or 3 am, and again maybe 4 am - 6 am.

Restaurants, roadside, selling ful/shawarma/falafel/etc: 5 pm - 7 pm, 9 pm - 2 or 3 am.

Taxis: Most of the day and night, but rare 7 pm - 8 pm.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 12:52 am Post subject:

Just make sure you don't get stuck somewhere at sundown during Ramadan. Taxi drivers will have been fasting all day, and they are as eager as anyone else to break their fast and have something to eat and drink. You will not be able to find a taxi anywhere for at least an hour and a half after sunset.

ganesh77 · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 37

Buy lots of food, mate. Stock up those shelves. Instant soup noodles are one essential part of the equation. Macaroni another. Before you know it, the shops will only be closed for the usual seven odd hours during the day!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Be like the locals and live nocturnally in Ramadan. Remember that everywhere (!) is shut from about half an hour before sunset until about an hour after Sunset Prayer. Avoid the roads in the period just before sunset.

Under NO circumstance drink, eat or smoke in a public place in daylight hours.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

And... FOOD includes chewing gum for you smokers who think to use it to avoid nicotine attacks.

VS

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 7:19 pm Post subject:

Ramadan is also a time to behave with decorum during the day. I have been advised not to play loud music (even in your own car) and not to wear makeup during Ramadan. Even though I usually do not cover my hair, I do so when I go out during Ramadan, especially during the day.

That being said, I still have enjoyed the month of Ramadan. It is not as oppressive as it sounds. There is much social activity at night, and during past Ramadans I have been invited over for "iftar" dinners almost every night. There is no dancing or music, but there is a lot of socializing with friends and it makes the month very pleasant in that respect.

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA