Doha Diaries 10: Ramadan Kareem?

Saturday September 15, 2007

Thought I'd share the following with you: it was issued by the American Embassy in Doha, explaining Ramadan Rules in Qatar. Please pay close attention to the word "illegal". I feel like a hostage.

"Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. As such, it is illegal in Qatar to eat, drink (even water), or smoke in public during fasting hours, i.e., approximately 5:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Approximate times for sunrise and sunset will be announced in local newspapers. If Muslims are present in the work place, they expect non-Muslims to respect their fasting and not eat, drink, or smoke in front of them, even in motor vehicles, or to prepare food that they can smell or see. As it is illegal to serve food or drink during fasting hours, restaurants will be closed during daylight hours, with the exception of a few hotel restaurants that serve non-Muslims only. Restaurants will begin serving food at sundown, but expect them to be crowded, especially during Iftar, the first meal immediately after sunset. If you are in a hotel, and they do not serve a meal at a time you require, you will find that room service is normally available or the dining room will have an isolated area where non-Muslims are served."

Yes. By illegal, they mean you risk some form of punishment. I remember Ramadan in Cairo. Granted, Egypt is not a nation ruled by Islamic law, but at least you had the freedom of choice during this period and religion wasn't forced down your throat even if you don't practice it.

So work hours are now 8am to 2pm. Malls have funky morning hours, are closed most of the day and open again from 8pm til midnight or 1am. I thought this month would be somewhat similar to my previous Ramadan experiences. Looks like it's gonna be one hell of a ride.