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30 Day Ramadan Detox

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

what is doha like during Ramadan?

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3

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 17:40

THANK YOU GinaM for answering my question...

514

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EW GURU

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 15:35

Shops will be shut the first day of Eid (which should fall on the 20th but could end up being the 21st) but after that they will be open as normal. I'd suggest heading to the supermarket on the 19th to be sure.

3

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 09:38

NEED SOME HELP PLEASE!!!! We are moving to Doha in August and would like to know what it's like around Eid. We arrive on the 18th of August at 8:30 pm and I think (not quite sure) Eid is on the 20th. Would we be able to buy groceries etc then or is everything closed for the holiday?

desertdiva18420

84

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 22:43

I'll probably sound crazy, but I don't think it's too bad in Doha during Ramadan. I've spent the last two summers here (only escaping for a week or two max) and, therefore, the last two Ramadans. Last year, I noticed that more shops/restaurants were open or the daytime hours were extended compared to my first year. For example, the grocery stores are open all day long as per usual. Most malls were open from 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m.. and then closed until 6 or 7 p.m. (the food courts/restaurant opened right at sunset and then the shops would follow a bit later). So you can easily get most of your shopping done in the late morning/early afternoon. As for restaurants, you can only eat publicly in hotels and there are some take-away coffee/sandwich places. Last year, I went for express lunch at the W's Market restaurant during Ramandan and it was very busy- just as it always is. The W Cafe (the coffee shop/cupcakery) was also open and you could do afternoon tea there as per usual. Each hotel has at least one restaurant open during the daytime hours, and sometimes even more than one depending on their set-up.. And, of course, in the evening, I found the social life even busier than usual with lots of Iftar/Suhour invites and then weekends were chock-o-block with house parties... we often laughed that we were more social during Ramadan than any other time of the year simply b/c there's so much going on! As other posters mentioned, it isn't quite as open as Dubai is (as I experienced Ramandan in Dubai itself), but there are plenty of ways to keep your usual routine and not go completely stir crazy...

170

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 19:06

Thanks, better restock the kindle, dvds and work!!!

177

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 08:14

having done ramadan in Dubai and in Doha, i would say that its totally different. in my experience, ramadan in dubai wasnt that big of a change, and hardly anyone left town for the duration. some did, but nowhere near the majority. unlike doha! the city literally empties out. now, i quite like it and dont have a choice about staying anyway as i work, but it can be a bit of a shock if you are coming from dubai, as the same level of stuff will not be open, and there is pretty much nothing to do the whole month (before iftar anyway, there is stuff on in the evenings). hth

Safiya Dafiya43781

121

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 08:11

As Gina says it's very quiet in Doha during Ramadan, far quieter than Dubai and even moreso this and the next 2-3 years due to the heat. I got caught out (but only once) with the shops in the malls being shut between 1-ish and 7-ish. If I think of every day during Ramadan as being like a Friday I'll remember. With only one mall left its not a problem though I guess.

514

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 22:44

I think you will find Ramadan EXTREMELY quiet this year given its timing at the hotest period of the year - most people I know are leaving for Ramadan although in saying that some are staying to work shorter hours. Personally I'd rather leave and work longer hours other months! :) Most shops other than supermarkets close during the day and open up from sundown up to anything like 3am. People observing Ramadan tend to hibernate during the day and then eat and shop at night and like katcalls said, the last week can be challenging with people having had enough of disjointed sleep and (often) poor eating habits. Also, unlike Dubai, here is absolutely no alcohol served here anywhere during Ramadan and the bottle shop is closed for the month. A lot of places close down completely and use the month to refurbish/renovate.

676

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 20:51

I found this list really useful last year: http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=155184

183

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 20:42

Hi there, You will probably find fewer choices of places that are open during the day than you would in Dubai. Pretty much the only places which will serve food during the day would be hotels. Usually they would have one, maybe two of the outlets of their hotels open to serve food, and always behind closed doors. Things in Doha really slow down during Ramadan, including traffic. Local hours apply - so shops would only be open in the mornings for a few hours then from sundown until late into the night. I'm trying to remember if the malls (or mall as it now is) are open all day - I think perhaps they are. My place of business holds an iftar tent every night in which all employees are welcome to partake. Our canteen at work is open during the month, but the blinds are firmly drawn. Strictly no food at our desks and modest dress is mandatory, even in my western-centered company. All in all I don't mind Ramadan in Doha, you get to see a bit more a gentle part of the city. The last week is pretty tough though, you can feel the tension rising, and it's a real relief when eid is finally called. My advice: don't go out on the roads at sundown. Everyone races home to eat with very low blood sugar.

170

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 20:13

I did the last 3 Ramandans in Dubai and am facing my first here in Doha. Anything open in the day? In Dubai there were limited places for non muslims to get refreshments in the day as long as you respected the rules when out in public which was fine. Anyone still here or am I on my own....

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