Ramadan's spirit of unity is praised by new residents

Dubai: Finding accommodation, a good school, setting up the basics like a bank account or getting a car licence — the list of things to accomplish when you move to a new place goes on and on.

However, for those who relocate just before or during the month of Ramadan, need to place knowledge about Ramadan and the UAE's culture at the top of their to-do list.

Gulf News asked newcomers to the UAE about what they thought of Ramadan and how their first experience had been.

Baiju Nadakkal, a project manager who moved to the UAE a year ago, is enjoying the experience of Ramadan.

"Ramadan is really good for people because they pray more, they stop smoking and they fast. But even though they're fasting, most people are happy," he said.

While he has yet to participate, Nadakkal explained that he will be going out for iftar and to the Ramadan tents with some of his friends.

Important occasion

He added: "I'm thinking about participating in [next] Ramadan. I like the fasting and the praying and [the sense of] feeling closer to God."

Even for those of different faiths, Ramadan is an important time.

Keyur Desai, a finance student, believes it brings people together.

He said: "Ramadan is a good time. Even the people who are not Muslim follow it. They don't eat or drink in public and I think it's good. It helps to bring the community together."

Although this is Desai's first year in the UAE, it's his second Ramadan. This year he's following as many traditional Ramadan practices as he can manage.

He said: "Most of my friends are Muslim so I go with them to iftar. Last year I only fasted for five days, as I arrived in the middle of Ramadan, but this year I'm fasting for the whole month. I'm enjoying it."

Another aspect of the month is awareness as it gives people a chance to learn more about their faith.

Kay and Mark Timmerman explained that they've spent a lot of time learning about Ramadan.

Kay, who has only been in the UAE since July, said they wanted to make sure they knew when businesses were open and also what is and isn't permitted, especially in regard to their two children, aged three and four.

"It's been difficult because we have kids. Right now we're staying at the hotel so we don't have a yard for them to run around. You can't keep them cooped up. You have to take them out and there seems to be some confusion about what's allowed when it comes to them eating or drinking."

However, aside from the confusion and adjusting to being without water, the Timmermans have had a good first Ramadan.

They point out the importance of experiencing the UAE lifestyle, its culture and religion.

For Mark, who only arrived in the emirate 10 days ago, it's a case of respecting local culture.

He said: "When I'm in another country, I like to eat where the locals eat and stay away from tourist venues. To me, it's a sign that the food is good, if the place is full of local people."

He explained that at the end of it all, it is "about learning and understanding each other".