Ramadan Kareem

    
     It has been very interesting, arriving in the UAE during the muslim holy month of Ramadan.  I need to constantly be aware of the fasting that is practiced my muslims between sunrise and sundown.  During this time, it is illegal in the UAE to eat, drink, or smoke in public (including in your car).  Individuals convicted of this practice, may be subject to either one month of imprisonment and/or a monetary fine.  It is also very difficult to find a restaraunt that is open during the day.  Most will close and reopen after sundown (children are able to eat during the day, as long as it is discreet).  The restaraunts that are open, may have dark curtains drawn, to prevent people on the outside seeing the patrons eating.  I even went into a convienent store to buy a snack and they had an area in their storeroom where you were able to eat.  I am fortunate to be staying in a hotel that has one restaurant that is open during the day.  They also serve room service, it just has to stay in the room.  It interesting to note, that even drinking water is banned.
     I also have very aware of my clothing choices.  It is respectful to dress more conservatively during Ramadan.  Women should cover their shoulders and legs.  Men should wear pants and women should wear long dresses or a conservative top and loose pants.  Women should never wear low-cut tops.  Prior to my arrival, I purchased multiple maxi dresses and skirts.  I was fortunate that maxi dresses were in style and the shops were changing over their selections to the fall line.  Therefore, I was able to get major deals.  There are shops in the mall in Abu Dhabi that carry long dresses, but most shops in the mall are western and carry short skirts and low tops.  There are some foreigners that wear shorter skirts and low tops.  I think that this attire should be reserved after Ramadan.
     If you like to drink, be aware that any alcohol related offences will probably be treated more severely during this time.  An offender could even be stuck in prison until the end of Ramadan!  There are bars that are open in the hotels and a few co-workers have gone.  It is also important to note that car stereos should be turned down.  It is disrespectful to play loud music, especially rock.
     There are places that celebrate, such as the Abu Dhabi mall.  They had set up a few cultural displays.  I went with a couple of co-workers.  We sampled Arabian coffee and a very sweet drink.  There was music, pottery, and basket weavers.  It was great, free fun.