With the holy month of Ramadan just a few days away, it is useful for expatriates to know the practices and norms that should be followed during the month. The month will be a unique experience if it’s the first Ramadan for an expat in Qatar because the entire routine changes, ranging from working hours to eating patterns, during the month.
Greeting Muslim colleagues and friends with 'Ramadan Kareem' (meaning a generous Ramadan) is one of the most common gestures seen during the holy month. Given below are some of the aspects which should be taken care of by new expatriates in Qatar.
Working hours: The entire month will have lesser working hours. The government offices will be open for five hours, and the private sector will work six hours a day, making it a total of not more than 36 hours per week, as mandated by law. All essential services like hospitals and emergency services will be available as usual.
Eating and drinking: Eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum is prohibited in public, although non-Muslims are not expected to fast. At workplaces non-Muslims generally avoid eating, drinking or smoking. However, many workplaces assign closed rooms or separate places for non-fasting employees to have food or beverages.
Shopping & business hours: Shops, banks, malls and other public places will change their opening hours and it’s advisable to check these before going out during Ramadan. Usually every entity announces its work hours a few days before Ramadan. Mostly malls and shops will remain open late at night.
Dining out: Most restaurants and cafeterias remain closed until sunset while a few may offer home delivery. Restaurants inside some hotels serve food in closed designated areas for the non fasting guests. Hotel bars and pubs will be shut during Ramadan.
But there will be plenty of good dining options around Doha offering delicious buffets from sunset to early morning (Iftar or Suhoor buffets) at beautifully decorated hotels and restaurants.
Clothes and Behaviour: Ramadan is very solemn time and being culturally sensitive and it is so important. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or those which expose legs and shoulders. Also avoid playing loud music in car or at homes.
Traffic and road safety: Roads get busier especially around the time of sunset as many people will be rushing to prayers or going out to reach home before Iftar time. Roads and public places become very congested after evening prayers.
