For British nationals new to Qatar, the following advice and background may help you to enjoy the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. For the majority of you that have experienced Ramadan many times before, it may serve as a useful reminder!

About Ramadan

Ramadan Al Mubarak (meaning "the Blessed") is the 9th month of  the Muslim calendar. Ramadan is singled out for acts of worships and fasting because the first verses of the Holy Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet during a period of meditation and solitude in a cave near Mecca in the 7th Century.

Ramadan, for Muslims is a month of fasting, spiritualism, meditation and abstinence from food, drinks, smoking and continence in all respects between dawn and dusk. It also calls for more prayers and meditation coupled with increased tolerance towards one's fellow beings. Only the sick, the infirm, women in their menstruation periods, nursing mothers and travellers are exempt from fasting, but they are expected to make up the lost days at another time. Ramadan is also a month of charity and compassion. Alms are given to the poor. Special foods and sweetmeats are prepared for breaking of the fast each evening throughout the month.

After the discipline of prayers fasting and meditation, Ramadan culminates with the joyous celebration of Eid Al Fitr. Muslims observe a three days holiday marked by mass prayers, family reunions, social visits and exchange of courtesies and gifts. People meet together and greet one another with the traditional phrase of "Eid Mubarak".

Read the Prime Minister's and Foreign Secretary's Ramadan message 2009.

Some useful Ramadan phrases

• Ramadan Kareem: Happy Ramadan. (Response: Allahu Akram)
• Ramadan Mubarak: Ramadan blessings.
• Siam Maqbool wa Iftar shahee: Well fasted and enjoy breaking fast. (to be said at sunset)
• Kul sana wa inta tayyib: Every year you are fine. (Response: Wa inta)

Ramadan in Qatar

Ramadan is strictly observed in Qatar and non-Muslims are expected to observe the rules of Ramadan in public. If you demonstrate culturally insensitive behaviour that offends, you could be arrested. Remember the following pointers:

Do:

• Be aware that office hours will change and that late morning or in the evening after 8pm are the best times for business and shopping.
• Avoid driving close to sunset, as people are anxious to get home for breaking the fast. Driving can be hazardous.

Don't:

• Eat, smoke, chew gum or drink anywhere in public (including your car) between sunrise and sunset.
• Dance or sing in public at any time, even after sunset when cafe and restaurants are open.
• Play loud music that might disturb your neighbours.
• Wear tight or revealing clothes, or display physical affection (hugging, kissing) in public.

The British Embassy during Ramadan

During Ramadan the Embassy's Consular section opening hours will remain 0800 to 1300hrs Sunday - Thursday as normal. The Embassy switchboard (496 2000) will operate from 0730 to 1330 Sunday - Thursday. For details of our working hours at Eid, see our Embassy Holidays page.