Ramadan 11 Aug - 09 Sep 2010
Ramadan is a spiritual time of the year and Muslims are required to fast
from dawn to dusk.
Eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours is
strictly prohibited throughout this month also for tourists. This
affects guests in a way that they are restricted to eating in a hotel.
In addition Alcohol is not served during daylight hours but is available
in licensed bars and restaurants after sunset for non-Muslims. All hotels featured by Dreamticket
make concession for their clients and
keep a restaurant open during the day for resident guests only. Live
entertainment, loud music and dancing are prohibited (e.g. no belly
dancer during the desert safari and nightclubs are closed) and
conservative dress is expected to be worn in public. Most businesses and
shops open only for a few hours in the morning and re-open after sunset
until well after midnight, which is great for late night shopping.
Sunset marks the breaking of the fast when families and friends get
together to enjoy their Iftar meal. Tents where people common sight and
most restaurants both within and outside hotels offer Iftar specials and
people gather in the evening until early morning hours, while normally
traditional Arabic music is plaid. Generosity within the community and
he spirit of giving are also very much in evidence during Ramadan.
Ramadan lasts for about 30 days and ends with Eid Al Fitr. People start
shopping for Eid Al Fitr during Ramadan due to which many shops and
retail outlets run special promotions and sales during this period.
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