WHAT TO DO DURING RAMADAN WHILE IN THE MIDDLE EAST (BY NON-MUSLIMS)

Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that is observed in the ninth lunar month each year and last about 30 days. The time is used for reflection, cleansing of the body and soul and surrendering to God and Islam. Muslim's all over the world use this time to renew their family ties and to abstain from the pleasure of food, drink and physical desires. If traveling to a Middle Eastern country a non-Muslim can get in trouble and even thrown into jail for unknowingly disregarding the laws of Ramadan while in the Middle East.

Step 1 Drink inside only. If you are caught outside drinking (including in your car) during Ramadan you may be arrested. In some countries that are more Western, like Dubai there will be some restaurants open who keep the doors shut; others such as in Kuwait will all stay closed throughout the day until dusk.

Step 2 Eat inside only as instructed above. If you are staying in a hotel during Ramadan most will allow you to eat within the hotel. If you are not staying in a hotel as a guest in most countries you cannot go there to eat....

Step 3 Smoke inside. If you are caught smoking, eating or drinking out in public view you could be arrested. Ramadan is the holiest of holidays. If you are arrested in many case you will sit in jail for the entire month of Ramadan.

Step 4 Observe the times of day during the fasting. One way to tell if it is ok to drink, eat or smoke in public is by watching the locals. As soon as dusk comes it will become busy and you will see everyone having Iftar (the break of the daily fast) eating or drinking and the streets become flooded with traffic and locals visiting and breaking fast outside many restaurants.

Step 5 Participate in the many restaurants that observe Ramadan iftar. They will offer traditional Middle Eastern foods. The social aspect is an excellent cultural experience and Muslims enjoy having you participate in their Ramadan Iftar.

Step 6 Travelers in airports, pregnant women and people that have medical conditions that require them to drink or eat are not subject to the fast, however, it is not a good idea to wander around in public and then have to prove you are exempt from these laws.

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