Week 3

"Ramadan is a month of blessings, rewards, unity and above all it is a month of mercy and forgiveness”

TimeOut Abu Dhabi

Ramadan Kareem translates to have a generous and good Ramadan.

This is a phrase that is plentiful around the city including beautiful the lights around the main roads. Once I get a great picture, I will definitely post it.

This is the first week of Ramadan and there is such a different pace here in Abu Dhabi. Not only are several people fasting, but this also impacts working hours.  By UAE law, employers must reduce working time by 2hrs for all employees, regardless of whether you are Muslim, or choose to participate in the fasting.  This will take place throughout the entire month of Ramadan. Most people typically work 9am-3pm then rush home.  This time frame impacts all business including banks and some businesses choose to stay closed. The other alternative is to open stores much later till 1am/2am.

Being that people are commuting home between the hours of 3pm-5pm, this causes traffic congestion. When it gets closer to Maghrib (the evening call to prayer) and Iftar (breaking fast) around 7pm, it is probably the most stressful for anyone who is fasting. Also taxis may not be available to pick you up, depending on the city location and percentages of drivers who are Muslim. For the most part, this has not been an issue, at least from what I have witnessed.

Day to Day:

All around the city and university, you are not permitted to chew gum or drink beverages in public.

This is out of respect for the individuals fasting, the religion and culture. If you choose to carry a bottle of water, you are expected to shield these items. So if you want your beverages or snacks, you just have to be discreet and keep them hidden in your purse or drawer. During lunch hour (for those not fasting), the windows/blinds around the restaurants or dining halls are covered. Even the water containers and coffee machines are taken out of sight. In Sama, the same rules apply. 

Inside Sama's dining hall; notice the closed blinds and large purple torch on the ceiling :)

Smoking is also not allowed. If people need to smoke (non-Muslims), certain shelters or coverings have been placed at the entrances of building.  I have heard people will often sneak out to their cars or apartments to smoke.  However, if you are found in violation of any of the above, this can result in warnings, fines, or even jail time…..NOT worth it.

Taking exploration to the next level

As I mentioned above, the time to break fasts for Iftar happens around 7pm. Maghrib can be heard loudly around the city or within malls. Following the prayers, 3 dates are eaten over tea before starting the official Iftar buffet meal. In fact, you can often see large white tents with long lines of people eager to enjoy the free meals around the city. If you choose to go out to restaurants, they will often charge a higher fee. In some cases, you can choose to order from the typical menu in case, you are not interested in an Iftar meal.

Full featured family entertainment center arcade/funzone with art rides and games

A very quiet mall around 6:40pm

Various signs to educate people about Ramadan

We went out to Al Wahda Mall for dinner on the 1^st day of Ramadan.  The mall was very deserted and some stores were not open. However the food court which houses Hardees, Popeyes, KFC, McDonald’s , Baskin Robbins and more, were definitely open. We saw a few people chowing down on their arch shaped meals.  We were holding out for the Italian Restaurant, Briccocafe which would not take customers until around 7pm.  To our surprise, we also noticed that they were serving an Iftar meal.

We went to check out the options but their Iftar meal looked weak. Instead, I opted for Salmon!

In the upcoming days and through RA training, I hope to try my first Iftar(s) and I will report back about the experience.

What I have learned?

• Considering everything I had heard about this month, Ramadan is fairly a low key occasion (at least from what I have seen so far).
• On the other hand, the physical temperatures keep rising.  This week it will range from 107-111 degrees.
• It is important to dress more conservatively throughout Ramadan.
• While bars and restaurants will have extended hours, do not expect to hear any music. This is considered to be disrespectful. However, socializing is still permitted. If you’re lucky some venues might have light background music.
• Complete one on one customer service in every store when you shop during Ramadan; the malls are very quiet.
• Students who are 21 are not eligible to buy alcohol; why? Their student visa has restrictions here.      
• If you have a residence visa, you are only permitted one job or you could be deported; the government sees this as taking jobs away from those who could use them. This is extremely vital for the laborers.
• The costs of the apartments- very similar to NYC real estate

Free Iftars are also offered around the city, particularly at mosques such as the Grand Mosque which had thousands of people last year.

The Grand Mosque from a distance; it is supposed to be spectacular upclose.

BONUS THIS WEEK:1) When you get your driver’s license, as I did a few days ago, the UAE government sends you a text:

2) A quick glimpse at the 4^th floor gym at Sama Tower- Pre Student Arrival; very quiet and low key.

Next Week:  Getting ready for RA training and enjoying the 2^nd week of Ramadan.