Teach Middle East Magazine May-June 2016 Issue 5 Volume 3 | Page 34

RAMADAN 2016 – THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND IT’S RAMADAN 2016. IT IS A TIME OF FASTING, HEIGHTENED SPIRITUALITY, FELLOWSHIP, CHARITY AND SHARING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. IT IS ALSO A TIME IN WHICH NON-MUSLIMS, HERE IN THE UAE ARE EXPECTED TO EXERCISE MINDFULNESS AND RESPECT FOR THE HOLY MONTH. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT KEY TIPS TO REMEMBER Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Bur Dubai Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, Sharjah Maktoum Championships, Fujairah Iftar – Restaurants, hotels, mosques and private homes across the UAE. Say yes to an invite and join your Muslim friends inside their home. COMMON WORDS/PHRASES ASSOCIATED WITH RAMADAN RAMADAN KAREEM Ramadan greetings. Kareem is the equivalent to "generous". EID MUBARAK Congratulations at the start of Eid. IFTAR The evening meal after sunset to break the daily fast during Ramadan. EID AL FITR A festival at the end of Ramadan to celebrate the completion of the month of fasting. ZAKAT AL FITR Giving alms as a sign of charity and thanksgiving. It is especially important for Muslims to give Zakat during Ramadan. QURAN/ KORAN The holy book for Islam, which was first revealed during Lailat Al Qadr. Muslims recite the entire Quran during Ramadan. One of the last nights of Ramadan. It marks the LAILAT AL QADR anniversary of when the Angel Gabriel revealed the (NIGHT OF POWER) first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed. WEBSITES FOR EVENTS DURING RAMADAN 1. Abu Dhabi - https://abudhabievents.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx 2. Dubai - http://www.visitdubai.com/en/&http://www.dubaicalendar.ae/en 3. Sharjah - http://sharjahmydestination.ae/en-us/Explore-Sharjah/Sharjah-Events 4. Fujairah - http://www.fujairahtourism.ae/index.php?action=Events 5. Ajman - http://www.ajmantourism.ae/en/Events/Pages/atdd/Events.aspx 6. Ras Al Khaimah - http://www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com/events.aspx 7. All Emirates - http://emiratescalendar.com/ 1. THE LAW & BUSINESSES Companies are required by law to reduce the work time by two hours per day for ALL employees and or those who are fasting. 2. ALCOHOL Any alcohol related offence might be treated much more severely during the holy month of Ramadan. 3. DRESS CODE Dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and ensure that the length of their clothing is at about the knee line. 4. COURTESY Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public or in the presence of those who are fasting. Be discreet with your eating and drinking. 5. TRAFFIC & TIMELINES Opening hours (business) and bus routes change during Ramadan. Avoid going out during the hours leading up to Iftar. Check RTA website for time and route changes before going out. 6. NIGHTLIFE Bars in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah may be opened in the evenings. However, patrons may be asked what religion they are and subsequently refused entry if they are Muslim. There are no bars in Sharjah.