Ramadan is almost here. During this holy month, Muslims fast for 29-30 days (depending on the time of moon sighting) for about 14 to 14.5 hours without food or water. Even if you are not a practicing Muslim, there are some things you should observe in Qatar. This is to honor those who are fasting and to respect their faith.

Here are some things you should do in Qatar during Ramadan:

Wish your Muslim friends a happy Ramadan

In Qatar, the usual way to greet someone when Ramadan begins is to say ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, but in other Arab countries, it is also very common to say ‘Ramadan Kareem’. You can also say ‘Wishing you a happy Ramadan’.

Respect working hours

During Ramadan, working hours are reduced from eight to six hours to make it easier for those who are fasting and to make their work easier. It is important to respect these working hours and not try to force those who are fasting to work longer hours.

Enjoy the city at night

During Ramadan, most places stay open until late; Qatar has a festive atmosphere with Ramadan decorations, different pop-up shops, kiosks, night markets, and plenty of food. Most restaurants stay open until around 2:30 am, so you can enjoy a snack at midnight or after midnight through home delivery and takeaway. One thing to note is that most hotels, with the exception of a few, are closed during the day, so it is best to call and check.

Enjoy Ramadan shopping and dining offers

Ramadan is a time of great joy and celebration in Qatar. There are many Ramadan deals and offers in malls, and there are many Iftar and Suhoor meal deals in Doha and surrounding areas. You can also enjoy all of this.

Exchange gifts with your Muslim friends

Giving gifts or small tokens to your Muslim friends as a symbol of your friendship and love for them will make them and you happy. They will definitely love it.

If your Muslim friends invite you to Iftar, definitely go

Ramadan is a joyful month, and everyone loves to share Iftar with family and friends. So, if you receive an invitation to Iftar, accept it and enjoy breaking your fast with your Muslim friends. You can enjoy lots of delicious and special food!

Plan your outdoor activities

If you are planning to eat out or go sightseeing, try to avoid going out an hour before Iftar (sunset), as this is when people rush home to break their fast, and traffic is also at its peak.

Here are some things you should not do in Qatar during Ramadan:

Do not drink, eat, or smoke in public during the day

According to Qatari law, no one, Muslim or non-Muslim, is allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the fasting period. Doing so will result in a fine. If you are at work, be respectful of those who are fasting and avoid eating in front of them.

Do not ask someone if they are fasting

It is considered rude to ask them if they are fasting. There are many reasons why someone might not fast, and not all Muslims fast during Ramadan. They may be too young, have a chronic illness that prevents them from fasting, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are too old to fast. So, avoid asking if they are fasting.

Don’t invite people who are fasting to morning coffee, lunch parties, or evening tea.

Avoid inviting people who are fasting to eat before sunset, as they may have to decline the invitation.

Be mindful of your dress code

During Ramadan, Qatari authorities ask everyone to dress modestly, especially in restaurants, hotels, and malls, out of respect for those who are fasting. Try to avoid clothing that is too short, tight, or low-cut.