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Ramadan

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 from sunrise to 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 you 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, chew gum, drink, 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 2008, Ramadan is due to commence on the 1 st September.