Ramadhan in Qatar is a very unique experience not only for Muslim expats, but also for non-Muslims, as the usual routine is completely halted and everyone functions according to a different, but similar routine for a month.

Today, we bring you some of the basic etiquettes of observing Ramadhan in Qatar:

• Eating and drinking:  Although, non-Muslims are not expected or meant to fast, but eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadhan in Qatar will be considered very offensive to say the least. Out of respect for fellow co-workers, workplaces generally observe a non-eating, drinking and smoking policy in any open areas. Workplaces in Qatar make special arrangements for their non-Muslim staff members to have their food without offending their colleagues who are fasting. Separate pantries or closed spaces for consuming food are some of the arrangements that work places make during Ramadhan.

• Working hours: The working hours are changed for all government departments that serve the public for the entire month. Government offices run on a five-hour schedule during Ramadan, from 8am-1pm or 9am to 2pm with some departments re-opening at night. Private sector employees work six hours per day, for a total of 36 hours per week, which is mandated by Qatar Labour Law. Shorter working hours means you get to spend more time with your friends and family.

• Ramadan events and festivals: The night life is abuzz with activities in Qatar during Ramadhan. The Katara Cultural Village hosts a Ramadan Festival each year with a series of events, exhibitions, workshops and lectures running the entire month and a Garangao event. Similarly, the Aspire Zone hosts a Ramadan Sports Festival to keep sports enthusiasts engaged. Ramadhan in Qatar is not about cracking down on all the fun activities, instead the experience is lively with so many activities, however, one has to be absolutely sure that he/she isn’t being offensive or insensitive to anyone during Ramadhan.

Some brief guidelines to follow during Ramadhan in Qatar are:

• Do not wear tight-fitting clothes or expose your legs and shoulders. Be careful about how you dress.

• Do not play loud music in your car or at home as it’s considered a sign of disrespect

• Greet your Muslim colleagues and friends with ‘Ramadan Kareem’ (meaning a generous Ramadan) and ‘Eid Mubarak’ at the end of Ramadan during the Eid celebrations.

• Follow your company’s policy on eating anywhere on the premises during Ramadhan.

• Driver carefully, pay extra caution especially around the time of sunset and late evening as many people will be rushing to prayers or Iftar meals. After the evening prayers, you’ll find that roads become very congested.