Wishing all 1.5 billion Muslims in the world a blessed Ramadan! Some Middle Eastern Countries actually have holiday for 2 days, I think, topped with teacher's day! (Jealous)
Anyways, here are tips for travellers who are travelling into Muslim -prevalent countries during Ramadan
1. Bear in mind --- DON'T eat or drink out in the streets. If you are really famished, go to a hotel restaurant instead, they will cater for tourists (and their money)
2. Saudi Arabia is especially strict on the no-eating-or-drinking-rule. I'm sure you don't want trouble with the religious police.
3. If you're taking a taxi, BE ESPECIALLY PATIENT. Hey, a hungry worker isn't a happy worker. You will see men with mood swings for the first time (I haven't had one yet...I guess I'm used to it). truthfully, during Ramadan, muslims also cannot get angry, not just abstain from food and drink
4. Opening and closing times are really hard to tell because it changes everyday. Staff usually go home about an hour or two before sundown. To be sure, check an imsakiah obtainable at your hotel front desk.
5. Visiting a Muslim-prevalent country during this time is best experienced in the last 3 days. Be sure to stay another 3 days for the Eid festivities. You will see a huge change in general attitude.
6. Roam the streets on Ramadan night. There are bazaars galore with cheap eats and goods. Best visited one hour after sundown when all the Muslims have gone for tarawih prayers. Tarawih takes about 2 hours, so try to beat the crowds beforehand.
To quote Esso, how do we know the best tips? We're Muslims too...
(Ramadan fact: On this day, 2 Ramadan/2 September, the Torah was bestowed to Moses)
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