Ramadan is the holy month in which muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran. Muslims strictly observe the traditions of Ramadan and it is a time of fasting between sunrise and sunset. The fast is broken at sunset with the Iftar feast, the timings of which are given in daily papers and broadcast on the radio.

Ramadan may affect your holiday because there is no alcohol served until after 7pm and no live music, disc jockeys, dancing or other entertainment at any time. Most hotels will still serve food as normal during the day, but the restaurants will be discreetly screened off from view of the general public.

Please remember that if you are out of the hotel to respect local traditions. Do not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or swear. It would also be considered disrespectful to wear tight or revealing clothing or play loud music, for example on the beach or in your hired car. If you are intending to drive during Ramadan take extra care as sunset approaches. At this time many people will be driving home having not eaten or drunk anything all day, and may be in an even greater hurry than they would normally be to break their fast.

In 2010, Ramadan is due to commence on llth August.

Religious and natioriai holidays

Eid Al Fitr literally means the ‘breaking of the fast’ and lasts for two days. Eid Al Fitr is due to commence on 10th September 2010. The holiday signals the ending of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated on the first day of Shawaal.

Eid Al Adha is part of the Hajj celebrations which lasts for four days and commences on or about 16th November 2010. This holiday is influenced by sightings of the new moon.

Other public holidays are:

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (pbuh) 15th February 2011.

UAE National Day falls on Wednesday 2nd December 2010.

Islamic New Year – 7th December 2010.

New Year’s Day – 1st January 2011.