Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi residents will be able to continue to enjoy the occasional burger, chicken wing and pizza at fast-food restaurants during Ramadan this year, despite the tendency towards indulgence in hefty, traditional, home-made feasts.
Although the majority of fast food restaurants have reported a general decrease in revenue during Ramadan, they have confirmed that they still serve a large number of customers during and after iftar time.
Sanjeewa Kumar, restaurant manager of Burger King in Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi said: "Our Ramadan night-time sales are actually higher than a regular day's night-time sales. We see the most customers between 8pm and 1am during Ramadan compared to any other month."
During the daylight hours of Ramadan most fast-food restaurants are closed to customers who want to dine in and a few open for home delivery service only. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Subway both open their doors for customers a little before sunset during Ramadan, and both have confirmed that daytime home deliveries aren't numerous.
"However, we get a number of people during iftar time. This is when the shop is at its liveliest and most crowded," said Mohammad, in-store manager of a KFC branch in Abu Dhabi.
Doctors, however, advise against those who fast having iftar at a fast-food restaurant.
Dr Lubna Islam, General Practitioner at Al Noor Hospital said: "When the stomach hasn't been working for 12-14 hours, it's not right to suddenly provide it with a heavy, oily meal like the ones most fast-food restaurants offer."
"The intestinal layer isn't ready for such a weighty dinner and can be damaged," Dr Islam said.
"In addition, outdoor food in general can cause infections and illnesses, and I have seen cases which resulted in people not being able to fast the following day.
"If you really crave a fast-food meal then it is advised at least two or three hours after you end your fast. By that time your stomach has had time to work on a lighter snack, like soup, fruits or a salad, and a burger or pizza won't be as harmful," she added.
Menhel Ameen, aged 22, said: "I usually go to McDonald's about four times a week as I live alone and cannot cook".
"In Ramadan things tend to change as I get invited to others houses for iftar a lot, so I will only be resorting to fast food when I am alone at home," Ameen said.
Sami Al Sadi, aged 20, said: "Ramadan symbolises religious values which are reflected in the Arabic culture and the Arabic food. Fast-food shouldn't be a part of it".
— With inputs from Mayar Raouf, Staff Reporter
