Abu Dhabi: Restaurants and hotel establishments in the emirate of Abu Dhabi will not have to install curtains or partitions when serving food during Ramadan, according to an updated government circular.
The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi issued a circular to all restaurants, tourist and hotel establishments to provide their catering service during the day, “without installing curtains or covering facades.”
The department said in the updated circular, issued on Tuesday, that the decision was amended in order to align with tourism and hotel establishments’ existing practices in relation to catering during the fasting hours of Ramadan.
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The decision is not a new one in Abu Dhabi, as the practise of serving meals out in the open during Ramadan was first implemented in 2019.
Restaurants in Sharjah
Sharjah has also taken proactive steps to cater to non-Muslims for the upcoming month of Ramadan, and has allowed restaurants to sell food during fasting hours.
The Food Control Section at Sharjah Municipality confirmed that it has already received a number of applications from food establishments to serve food to non-Muslim communities during the daytime for Ramadan.
The municipality also noted that it had suspended the issuance of permits allowing establishments to display food on tables in front of stores and food outlets during Ramadan this year. The move is part of the precautionary measures undertaken to preserve public health and safety.
Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims
Non-Muslims do not have to fast in Ramadan. However, they are prohibited from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting hours. This includes chewing gum. Non-Muslims are also encouraged to adhere to the following:
- Do not engage in any aggressive behavior.
- Do not dance or play music in public, although you may listen to music quietly with headphones.
- Do not wear inappropriate clothing in public.
- Do not swear, as blasphemy is considered extra offensive during Ramadan.
- Do not refuse a gift, or an invitation to join someone for Iftar.
