Newbie - what is it like in Ramadan? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Newbie - what is it like in Ramadan?

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 01:04
we moved in the last week or so of Ramadan last year.. not much different - coffee shops put screens up during the day - only the kids can eat or drink during the day and we made sure they did it discreetly in the car and only if they were really desperate !! lol.... To be honest we had other things to think about !! In answer to the OP i'd say not much changes, just no eating, smoking or drinking in public during daylight... But it's an integral part of the culture here so better to try and embrace/understand it than run away !! just my opinion...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 23:27
Why not try to get into the spirit of Ramadhan and appreciate the pleasure and joy Muslims experience during this festive season? With just a bit of adjustment it's not difficult to follow the "restrictions" imposed - don't seem to be such a hardship to me. Why not try some sort of fasting as well? I don't eat but consume water... and, believe me, Iftar takes on a new meaning! You'd be surprised just how well you feel after a month. During this very special season, spend time with your Muslim friends; experience a truly local iftar, for instance, at the Bastakiya's Foundation for Cultural Understanding with food cooked by the mother of one of the local volunteers. What hospitality!
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 22:47
Isn't the UAE one of the very few - if not the only - muslim country who enforce this no eating/drinking thing? Sort of defeats the point doesn't it? What about all the other muslims living in countries where everyone eats/drinks in front of them at Ramadan and let's not forget Christians during Lent also. It's meant to be a very personal thing that you do for yourself and your beliefs - it's not meant to be easy - what's the point in that - might as well not do it. Doesn't seem quite in the spirit of things when a government makes a law that forbids others not to do their usual thing in front of their citizens as it might tempt/make it difficult for them - isn't that the point?? edited by nonni on 12/04/2011 edited by nonni on 12/04/2011 But they don't really enforce it, aquaventure, wild wadi, the hotel cafes etc are all business as usual. Don't want tourists to abandon Dubai for 30 days lose too much money!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 22:17
Isn't the UAE one of the very few - if not the only - muslim country who enforce this no eating/drinking thing? Sort of defeats the point doesn't it? What about all the other muslims living in countries where everyone eats/drinks in front of them at Ramadan and let's not forget Christians during Lent also. It's meant to be a very personal thing that you do for yourself and your beliefs - it's not meant to be easy - what's the point in that - might as well not do it. Doesn't seem quite in the spirit of things when a government makes a law that forbids others not to do their usual thing in front of their citizens as it might tempt/make it difficult for them - isn't that the point?? edited by nonni on 12/04/2011 <em>edited by nonni on 12/04/2011</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 21:43
All I can say is that I've never seen anyone display that kind of attitude. If something is enforced - then it defeats the purpose entirely.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 19:20
I don't know why people make a song and dance about things in Ramadan, everything is usually fine so long as you have some common sense about you. My only thing is stay well off the roads between 3-4pm as everyone goes mental to try and get home. We normally have a room blacked out at work for people to eat and drink, but all our muslims friends just say go ahead as [b'>it strengthens their resolve[/b'> and that's kind of the point. If there's no temptation, then you're not being tested are you? We had friends recently who fasted during lent, there was temptation around them at all times, but they manage it. I do agree with this. I normally wake up with the sun but not for suhoor as I normally can't eat at that time - then I'll be working all day, running around after the children, cooking food for them, watching them eat - it's no easy day for me, but iftar is amazing. That said, sometimes when out I don't think it's that someone is eating that bothers me, it's that they seem to be doing it as a sign of disrespect - when you're not eating/drinking you're not always thinking rationally so when you see someone purposely doing something the first thought isn't 'oh, they must be so thirsty' the first thought it 'they are trying to say something - they are trying to say that they think they are above my belief! How dare they insult Ramadan and our beliefs!' - EVEN THOUGH that's most likely not what they are thinking you get that in your head. Oh dear! As I said, I had several friends that fasted for lent - er do you think they had issues, when faced with food and drink and whatnot all the time? No, because they're strong in their beliefs and it's their personal sacrifice and no one else's business and that's the way it should be. For me, the whole banning of things during ramadan totally defeats the object of it. How can you test yourself if temptation isn't put in your way?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 19:13
I don't know why people make a song and dance about things in Ramadan, everything is usually fine so long as you have some common sense about you. My only thing is stay well off the roads between 3-4pm as everyone goes mental to try and get home. We normally have a room blacked out at work for people to eat and drink, but all our muslims friends just say go ahead as [b'>it strengthens their resolve[/b'> and that's kind of the point. If there's no temptation, then you're not being tested are you? We had friends recently who fasted during lent, there was temptation around them at all times, but they manage it. I do agree with this. I normally wake up with the sun but not for suhoor as I normally can't eat at that time - then I'll be working all day, running around after the children, cooking food for them, watching them eat - it's no easy day for me, but iftar is amazing. That said, sometimes when out I don't think it's that someone is eating that bothers me, it's that they seem to be doing it as a sign of disrespect - when you're not eating/drinking you're not always thinking rationally so when you see someone purposely doing something the first thought isn't 'oh, they must be so thirsty' the first thought it 'they are trying to say something - [b'>they are trying to say that they think they are above my belief! How dare they insult Ramadan and our beliefs!' - EVEN THOUGH that's most likely not what they are thinking you get that in your head.[/b'> WTH? :\: And here I thought that people who fasted in Ramadan were supposed to have pure thoughts while doing so. What a nice example.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 18:07
Ew is always really useful in Ramadan as the coffee ladies search out places that are open. Each day someone comes on here with a new find and with instructions how to get there! Except of course you do run the risk of asking a question as simple as "is anywhere open for coffee" on here and getting shot down in flames by a certain few, with the old "just stay at home" and "can't you cope for 8 hours without coffee", "you're in a Muslim country, what did you expect?" ... and my all-time favourite, "If you don't like it, leave" as happened to me last Ramadan (my first in Dxb) when I wanted to take my visiting daughter for a shopping day ;) and why don't you try it..... ;)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 17:09
its really no big deal, you just have to go out early when its cooler and out at nite, dont go driving at just before iftar wait until iftar and the shops will be quiet. of course dont have a flat tyre on the first day of ramadan at 2pm in the afternoon like i did last time......
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 17:07
I don't know why people make a song and dance about things in Ramadan, everything is usually fine so long as you have some common sense about you. My only thing is stay well off the roads between 3-4pm as everyone goes mental to try and get home. We normally have a room blacked out at work for people to eat and drink, but all our muslims friends just say go ahead as it strengthens their resolve and that's kind of the point. If there's no temptation, then you're not being tested are you? We had friends recently who fasted during lent, there was temptation around them at all times, but they manage it.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:58
DH's mobile blew up at 70 Degrees C !!!! How did it get exposed to that temperature? Did he bake it? no! The thermom gauge went to 70 degs. When he left it in the sun by accident the guage went up to 70 then blew!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:43
For a newbie - something I learnt several years ago was Iftar was the best time of the day to go supermarket shopping. During Ramadan, supermarket shopping during the day (late morning/early afternoon) is quite hectic and definitely not to be attempted if you are in a rush. The queues are big, and the size of the trolley loads of groceries are even bigger. It is however quite fun and interesting to see what people are buying in such large quantities - yes I know it is to feed a lot of people for Iftar, but it is still quite amazing in my humble opinion.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:41
I find that Dubai has become stricter during Ramadan. We were driving through the Greens last year( we dont have tinted windows) A policeman saw me take a sip of water ( in the car) and signaled for me to put the bottle away. It was just a sip and I was in my car! They are also stricter on dress etc in the Malls. I thought your car was deemed private like your house so were allowed to e & d???? Get your windows tinted for this years!!! nope you are not allowed and of course if you go over the 30% tint you could be in more trouble. only pregnant or breastfeeding mothers can get away with drinking etc. and children under puberty yep forgot them And people who are sick, infirm etc ... My second Ramadan I wasn't well and had to take pills on and off throughout the day as well as keep hydrated. I guess the wheelchair [broken leg'> was a giveaway, because a policeman saw me trying to drink discreetly while outside waiting for my driver at Medcare, and he just laughed and smiled and motioned me to 'go ahead'. Very sweet. :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:38
DH's mobile blew up at 70 Degrees C !!!! How did it get exposed to that temperature? Did he bake it?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:31
Think along the lines of turning night into day and thats pretty much it. Alot of people observing Ramadan will sleep the day away (after working their reduced hours)and then have big family get togethers that go on late into the night, complete with fireworks, bangers and general noise you would expect in the day not night. Trying to get anything officail done can be a challenge as reduced working hours. Driving before sunset is not recommended.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:21
DH's mobile blew up at 70 Degrees C !!!!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:18
1) It will be 45 degrees during the day Incorrect! It gets hotter than that!!:) doesnt officially get past 50 though!!! lol
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:14
1) It will be 45 degrees during the day Incorrect! It gets hotter than that!!:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:09
Another positive: Working hours are reduced by 2 hours a day :) Desertrain, because of your comment I looked up the law, went to my boss and now we have a memo that our office hours will reduced by two hours during Ramadan. You are my star!!! :). You're very welcome ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:01
Another positive: Working hours are reduced by 2 hours a day :) Desertrain, because of your comment I looked up the law, went to my boss and now we have a memo that our office hours will reduced by two hours during Ramadan. You are my star!!! :).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 14:12
1) It will be 45 degrees during the day - true 1) 2) all the food outlets are closed until sunset - absolutely untrue. In every mall there are loads of places to eat which are closed off. Even places like the Lime Tree pay for a special license to open during Ramadan and you can enter through the back door rather than the front. Can't think of anywhere that wouldn't have food/drink options available close by. [b'>To say there are 'loads' of places in every mall to eat is incorrect. Last year LT lost their 'license' half way through if I remember, as well as there was nowhere at Ibn Battuta or Marina Mall to eat or drink, and MOE had extremely limited options and there was nothing in the usual foodcourt areas. [/b'> 3) half od Dubai will not be around - this year this will be true as it falls during Summer holidays. But as it moves 11 days each year then it will not be long before it doesn't fall during summer holidays and then you will find it not much quieter. [b'>So in about 10 years from now. LOL[/b'> 4) you will go crazy Why would we go crazy? Isn't it a great time to appreciate/celebrate another cultures' events? Join in iftars/try fasting/give to the charity ramadan tents/reflect on the meaning of Ramadan and learn a bit more about it? edited by miss balamory on 12/04/2011 edited by miss balamory on 12/04/2011 How can you judge this? Obviously Ramadan is not for everyone, and for some, yes they will go crazy! I think people would appreciate Ramadan more if it wasn't forced upon. It is so much harder as well when its 50 degrees. There is only so many iftars you can attend - seen one seen them all! It will be interesting to note how many of these posters promoting Ramadan positives are actually going to be here for the whole event! :\: <em>edited by Pomegranate on 12/04/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 13:33
Have you checked out the FAQs on here? Look in the left hand menu and you will see the category...here is the link to the Ramadan Guide http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_Ramadan_6290.aspx Most Dubai topics are covered in there by our experts and new ones are added frequently- we're building up a comprehensive library. HTH <em>edited by The EW Guide on 12/04/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 13:16
Thanks ladies for all the tips and info, you are a real mine of information! Nothing you find out there on official sites gets down to all the ins and outs of what we need to know. The booklet idea is great too, I was just looking around one of the bookstores and did not find any concise information of this subject. I would certainly buy such a publication if it becomes available. buy the ask ali book - just launched the dubai version - it's near the tills in many bookshops. has a whole chapter on ramadan. lovely book overall, written by an emirati. also check his website: http://www.ask-ali.com/book-ali/2/1.html
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:35
My response is in relation to being a newbie! Not easy to arrive just before Ramadan. For me, it takes a certain getting used to. I never said anything about the culture here which I find lovely. Just don't like Ramadan and I have my reasons.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:23
What is the tour 'the soul of Dubai'? Sounds great! She is only kidding but meaning just to get out and discover bits of Dubai that we forget are there - hanging out by the creek at sunset, getting off the beaten tracks and having shwarmas etc, hopping on and off abras and listening to the mosques etc. :) Ok... Shame... :) But I will watch the tips that might come up in your posts, Miss B!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:20
What is the tour 'the soul of Dubai'? Sounds great! She is only kidding but meaning just to get out and discover bits of Dubai that we forget are there - hanging out by the creek at sunset, getting off the beaten tracks and having shwarmas etc, hopping on and off abras and listening to the mosques etc. :) I am 'kidding' in that there's no official tour, but if anyone knows how to enjoy the really lovely things Dubai has to offer it's the lovely miss b!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:19
Have you asked Miss Balamory :D about that tour of 'the soul of Dubai' yet? Seems to me you need to discover the beauty of the place you live in. LOL! Couldn't do it without you Greenish! When you coming back to visit? Also we'd need to find Naif Road's pied piper again, not an easy task :D Awww...the pied piper!!! I'd forgotten about him. *sigh* ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:18
always a busy time of the year for my DH or maybe because its landed around the summer months. Never came across hidden smoking areas. Although I'm not sure I want to mention that to DH
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:16
I have lived through 4 Ramadans and I never enjoy them. They are very difficult, particullarly if you are new and don't know anyone. I am forcing myself out of Dubai for the month of August as I know that I will not survive another nor will my kids. This is a forum for opinons OK...so that answers one of my questions. Such a shame you can't see or feel the beauty of that time of year. Your opinion yes, but an unfairly negative one especially when given to someone about to move here. Perhaps best to share the facts rather than 'opinions' if you can't contribute anything helpful. Not like me to really get irritated in here! <em>edited by Green-ish on 12/04/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:15
1) It will be 45 degrees during the day 2) all the food outlets are closed until sunset 3) half od Dubai will not be around 4) you will go crazy Oh my SG. Have you actually been in Dubai through Ramadan yet? I've not read any further in the thread but, apart from it being hot, I can't agree at all with your thoughts here. Have you asked Miss Balamory :D about that tour of 'the soul of Dubai' yet? Seems to me you need to discover the beauty of the place you live in. What is the tour 'the soul of Dubai'? Sounds great! <em>edited by Eva B. on 12/04/2011</em>
 
 

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