Understanding Ramadan: Culture, Customs and Business

Muslims observing Ramadan will practice the following: No food, drink (including water), smoking, vaping, chewing gum or anything else passing the lips during daylight hours. In addition to fasting, the good Muslim will also try to avoid all bad thoughts or deeds including foul language. They may also choose to pray more often. All Muslims who have reached puberty are expected to fast during Ramadan. However, there are exemptions for many groups of people from fasting, both for health reasons, for pregnant and menstruating women and for travellers (not commuters, but people away from home by a distance).

When hosting Muslim guests during Ramadan, it is polite to make guests aware of any presence of food and drink, preferably provided in an area that can be avoided by those who are fasting. It would also be a good idea to avoid serving food that carries an aroma beyond where it is being served.

Some guests will also avoid live music and similar forms of entertainment. It is also appreciated if staff wear clothing a bit more conservative than usual during Ramadan.

It is important to keep in mind that many people who choose to fast may be challenged by the physical difficulties associated by fasting. Do be aware that some people may become irritable or short tempered during these times.

Throughout the Middle East, business hours will be reduced during Ramadan. Specific hours will depend on the nature of the business and the number and influence of Muslims within the organisation. For example, government offices will operate for no more than 6 hours a day and sometimes even less.  Many private businesses will have softer opening hours, with employees drifting into the office late or leaving early or mid-afternoon.

Following Ramadan is the Eid ul-Fitr holiday, a three-day celebration to mark the end of Ramadan. During Eid Muslims will gather with family and friends to share food, gifts and well wishes. Eid is a national holiday observed in all Muslim countries across the world, so expect  offices and shops to be closed and some restaurants to only be open for reduced hours.

Ramadan is not generally a good time to travel to the Middle East for business, unless the nature of your trip is so important that it can’t wait. A good way to look at Ramadan is as a time where business should be kept ticking over, but not a time to expect to make important business decisions, implement a new policy or programme, conduct training, or formally establish a new business relationship. On the other hand, experiencing Ramadan in the Middle East is interesting from a cultural perspective and is a good opportunity to strengthen relationships.

For those business professionals who must travel to the region during Ramadan, several courtesies are expected. In Saudi Arabia, all visitors must also fast in public including non-Muslims. Restaurants throughout the Kingdom will be closed, including those in your hotel. You should take room service or a trip to the supermarket to accommodate any food or beverage requirements you may have during the day and consume anything within the privacy of your room only. Never smoke, vape or chew gum in public during daylight hours. Rules on any expat compounds you may visit will be relaxed.

For those business professionals who travel elsewhere in the Gulf, some accommodation is made for non-Muslims. Many canteens will put up a screen or curtain where non-Muslims can eat or drink. It is polite to consume all food and beverages behind the barrier and not in full view of colleagues and visitors who may be fasting. Try not to eat food that has a strong and distinctive smell. It is also insensitive to return to your desk with a coffee, tea or even a glass of water.

Ramadan is more relaxed in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon although fasting is being taken more seriously than a few years ago, with more restaurants remaining closed during the day and many more people observing the fast than before. This is particularly true in Egypt, and Jordan. Lebanon is patchier, with fasting often unnoticeable in predominantly Christian neighbourhoods.

Alcohol is also less available during Ramadan throughout all countries in the region where alcohol is permitted, especially during the day, even in restaurants designated for non-Muslims. Live music performances are generally suspended during Ramadan.

Visitors should be careful when out and about in public. Whilst carrying a bottle of water is generally a good idea in the hot climate, it can also be insensitive when encountering taxi drivers and others who may be fasting. Be discrete wherever you go. It is also important to dress even more conservatively than usual during Ramadan, including business professionals and visitors.

An easy way to show your respect would be to say ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ or ‘Ramadan Kareem’ to any Muslims you encounter, as they are commonly used by Muslims to wish one another a blessed Ramadan and a generous Ramadan.

During Ramadan, the Muslim world often seems to function in reverse time to the rest of the year. The region becomes lethargic during the day due to the late-night prayers, but lively in the night after Iftar. And as many people tend to stay up throughout much of the night, they may be tired when they arrive in the office the next morning. You should plan the pace of your business accordingly.

Iftar, the meal eaten to break the fast at sunset, is often elaborate. Iftars can include extended family and friends, who may be breaking their fast at home or in a restaurant. Iftars are also held and hosted by charities for the poor in several public venues such as parks and near mosques. Suhoor is the meal that observants eat just before dawn.

Visitors who find themselves in the Middle East during Ramadan should try to attend an Iftar as a way to experience Ramadan. Hotels generally organise elaborate Iftars. They are also a good way to host a business dinner and gain acceptance in the region.

Interested to learn how we can support you? Request a sample course outline for 'Working more effectively with...the Middle East' or alternative cultures.  Please note, all courses are tailored to suit your needs.

Interested to learn how we can support you? Request a sample course outline for 'Working more effectively with...the Middle East' or alternative cultures.  Please note, all courses are tailored to suit your needs.