Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims

Here are a few tips to follow during Ramadan:

• Eating and drinking in public is banned across the UAE during Ramadan, and strict penalties are levied on those who break the rule. Most eateries are closed during the day for the month, but some restaurants do offer delivery services.
   
• Avoid eating or drinking in front of colleagues who are fasting in office.
   
• Do not get into arguments with those who are fasting; be patient and show consideration for the long hours of fasting.
   
• Dress and behave modestly, avoiding animated behaviour that could cause offence.
   
• Try to understand Ramadan better by involving yourself in the spirit of the month. Saying 'Ramadan Kareem' to Muslims and attending a fast-breaking feast, or iftar, would be appreciated by most Muslims.
   
• Do not play live music as it is banned through the month.
   
• Shopping malls and supermarkets are expected to be open late at night.
   
• Since cultural consciousness is also high during the month, Ramadan can be a good time to connect with the local and Muslim cultural scene by attending the various events, as well as trying local and regional cuisine that is popular during the month of fasting.
   
• Arabic speaking non-Muslims wishing to learn more about the region and its people will notice that Arabic television channels change their programming to a new schedule dedicated for Ramadan, when some of the most popular celebrities in the Arab world feature in some of the most-watched soap operas, historic series, as well as religious, cultural and musical shows.