Ramadan Rules

Op de valreep (de Ramadan is bijna afgelopen) de regels die gelden in de UAE tijdens Ramadan.

The Ramadan rules to know.

Here's what to do, and not to do, during the holy month

• Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public in the hours between sunrise and sunset. It’s offensive, and flagrant flaunting of the rules could also get you a warning from the police or even result in you spending the rest of the month in jail.

• Don’t dance or sing in public at any time. Not that you should have many opportunities – there will be no live music gigs and only background music in bars.

• Don’t expect to have the kind of blow-out clubbing weekends you might be used to. Most major nightclubs will be shut, but many bars and pubs will be open after 7pm. A few may open before that time, but they will not serve alcohol until sundown.

• Don’t play loud music at any time in your car, on the beach or even at home. If it’s audible to others it may offend.

• Don’t wear revealing or tight clothes in public, even when you’re heading out for a night on the tiles.

• Don’t blaspheme or swear in public. Doing so is frowned upon at the best of times, of course, but during the whole month of Ramadan it’s particularly insulting.

• Do listen to your iPod if you want your music fix – so long as the music is inaudible to others you should be OK.

• Do make the most of the community spirit and food to be found in the iftar tents at the city’s hotels. It’s a great opportunity to relax, play games and experience traditional Arabic entertainment.

• Do eat at home before heading out for the night – restaurants and tents will be packed.