The Westin Resort Experience in Dubai

Ramadan Do’s and Don’ts: The local authorities become especially sensitive to social faux pas throughout Ramadan. Below are a few guidelines to keep you from offending anyone:

1. Don’t eat or drink in public before sunset. This includes consuming anything in your car / taxi and eating chewing gum.
2. Don’t smoke in public.
3. Don’t wear revealing clothes throughout Ramadan.
4. Don’t buy alcohol for a Muslim. While this rule applies all year round, penalties for breaking this rule are higher during Ramadan.
5. When at “iftar” (breaking the fast after sunset), don’t begin eating before anyone else. The communal prayer will signify the beginning of “iftar”.
6. Don’t try to coerce a Muslim into breaking his or her fast.
7. Don’t show public displays of affection.
8. Don’t raise the volume on your stereo or TV during prayer times.
9. Don’t swear in public.
10. Don’t stare or point at Emirati women. This is a general rule, but again,locals are especially sensitive to prying eyes during Ramadan.