Traveling gives an opportunity to get up and close with different cultures around the world and experience the regional and religious festivals that you might have never heard of. Just like visiting any new country demands to be well-aware of the living norms of that place, the Muslim countries requires a little more research in order to meet the rigid cultural and religious practices that differ from the rest of the world.
One of such religious festival that is celebrated in every Muslim country is Ramadan (or Ramzan). Traveling during Ramadan to a Muslim country requires a whole lot of trip planning and preparation. Being a Muslim myself and traveled to different Muslim countries during Ramadan, in this post I’m going to share the important information essential to be known while traveling during Ramadan to a Muslim country.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is an annual one-month-long festival celebrated by the Muslims in which they fast from dawn to dusk. The fasting restricts consuming any sort of liquid or solid foods and smoking too! The festival is celebrated in order to remind the people about the plight of the poor and underprivileged so they can participate more in noble causes and extend their support towards the needy. Moreover, this festival also encourages people to perform good deeds and restrain from involving in fights or any bad activities while fasting.
Ramadan is a festival of peace and love and that’s what it encourages people to do during the thirty days of fasting. The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid-ul-Fitr which is a celebration of successfully completing Ramadan and involves grand feasts and parties. Each year Ramadan falls ten days before the previous year. In 2019, Ramadan is expected to fall on the 5th or 6th of May.
Things To Know About Traveling During Ramadan
Daytime Rules
There are a whole set of daytime rules in the Muslim countries during Ramadan. The business working hours are reduced to a maximum five or six hours per day. This means after two in the afternoon the roads become deserted and commute options are minimal.
For the travelers traveling during Ramadan, it is important to bear in mind that all of the major touristy activities are stopped during the daytime. All sorts of excursions, entertainment activities and even cinemas in some of the countries are shut down during the fasting hours.
In many countries, mostly in the Middle Eastern countries, all eateries are closed during the fast hours. Only restaurants inside the hotels are operative so it is important to buy food for the day a night before.
To see how Muslims celebrate Ramadan around the world – Click Here
Dry Days
Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims, therefore, finding alcohol in the Muslim countries is already a task and a half. During Ramadan, it is better not to expect to find alcohol at any place. Only big hotels and resorts serve alcohol during Ramadan, which is only possible for them after obtaining a license from the government.
Apart from them, no business is allowed to serve alcohol. Moreover, it is also important to remember while traveling during Ramadan that the consumption of alcohol or any other beverages or food is highly prohibited. Doing so can immediately land you in legal trouble.
Covered Eating Spaces
Eating in the public during Ramadan is a huge deal. Where most of the Muslim countries have a complete ban on eating in the public, there are some countries like Dubai and Malaysia, where covered eating spaces are made in the malls for the non-Muslims to eat.
However, while traveling during Ramadan to the Muslim countries, it is advisable to not to expect this as very rarely covered eating spaces are set up in the public areas. Also, to avoid any sort of awkwardness or eating like hidden like criminals, my advice would be to get some packed food and eat in the hotel room.
Dressing Modestly
In general, while traveling during Ramadan Muslim countries, it is important to pack covered clothes as much as possible. The Islamic norms do not allow wearing revealing clothes for men and women both, therefore, doing so will be very offensive for the locals. Moreover, it could also land you in jail in most of the Muslim countries.
Men and women should wear clothes covering from shoulders to knees at all times during Ramadan. This will not only help in preventing unwanted stares but it will also serve as a sign of respect to the local norms.
Communal Feasts
As traveling during Ramadan restricts enjoying eating in the outdoor, however, a grand free meal can be enjoyed every single day! The fast-breaking time at dusk is a communal feast time where all mosques serve free food every day. People from all religious background are welcome to join the communal feast.
In many places, there are roadside Ramadan camps that serve free food to the people stuck in the traffic during the fast-breaking time. The food is free for all and no one will ask you about your religious belied before offering the food so feel free to accept the food if offered or join in the communal feasts at any mosque or public parks.
Ramadan Bazaar
Ramadan is that time of the year in the Muslim countries when the days are quiet and dull whereas the evenings and nights are very lively! In many countries, Ramadan is celebrated through setting up Ramadan bazaars which are Ramadan markets that starts an hour before the fast-breaking time called ‘Futoor’ or ‘Iftar’ till the morning when the fast is started.
To experience the real essence of Ramadan, a visit to the Ramadan Bazaars is highly recommended. From Ramadan special food delicacies to clothes, jewelry, and Islamic artifacts and decoration items, all sorts of souvenirs can be found at the Ramadan Bazaar.
Late Night Entertainment
Traveling during Ramadan to a Muslim country offers a unique vibe of the place which cannot be enjoyed otherwise. During Ramadan, as the days are quiet, the vibrant nightlife makes up for it! As soon as the fast is over, all the streets and marketplaces are lit up with people shopping and eating till the late hours of the day.
All the entertainment activities that are on hold during the day time are immediately resumed as soon as the fast gets over. The streets are busy and hustling till the fast-starting time in the morning which is called ‘Suhoor’ or ‘Sehri’. All restaurants are also opened till the Suhoor time so it is the best time to grab some food for lunch too!
My experiences of traveling during Ramadan
Oman
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you must know by now that I have lived in Muscat, Oman for all of my life. Ramadan is taken very seriously in Oman. Just like the rest of the Middle East, Ramadan is celebrated with extreme respect and devotion. In Oman, traveling during Ramadan means that all kinds of entertainment activities will be only limited to the night time.
The government offices close by 2 PM and private shut down by 3 PM and after that, the country turns into a ghost town till the fast-breaking time. Public transport options become very limited. However, if you aim to shop, then this would be the best time to do so as all the markets and roads are empty as people will be resting in their homes.
All restaurants are completely shut down during the fast hours, so always buy enough food for lunch a night before. No covered eating spaces are allowed in the malls or any other public place. The fast-breaking time is a free feast which happens in every single mosque in the country. Out of generosity, many people also set up free food stalls at public parks or outside their homes, which are open for everyone.
Need more tips on visiting Oman? Check out detailed guide here
Dubai
As you all know Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most liberal Muslim cities. Due to the huge influx of tourists in the city throughout the year, Dubai has maintained a very modern vibe whilst its Arabian culture in order to accommodate all the tourists. If it is your first time traveling in Ramadan, then Dubai would be the best place to start with!
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Just like all the other Muslim countries, Ramadan is celebrated with a lot of respect in the Emirate of Dubai. However, unlike Oman, the daytime rules are a little more flexible here. The businesses close by three in the afternoon, the public transport is still operative, however, not full fledge. Taxis can be seen on the roads and cab services like Uber and Careem can also help you out. Just like Malaysia, eating out inside of the hotels will not be problematic at all! During my stay at the Le Meridien Mina Siyahi Resort in Dubai during Ramadan – I had all the luxuries to delve in which weren’t permitted outside of the resort.
The food during Ramadan in Dubai is quite similar to that of Oman. All the restaurants are closed during the day time and even ordering food at home is also not permitted. Only the hotel restaurants are operative in the day. The food court at the Mall of Emirates is partially opened and covered seating spaces are formed for the non-Muslims to dine it. The Dhow Cruises in Dubai are also non-operative during Ramadan.
Check this article to learn more about Spending Ramadan in Dubai
Malaysia
Unlike Dubai and Oman, the Ramadan scene in Malaysia is quite different and relaxed. This is because the population of Malaysia comprises of Buddhists and Hindus in huge numbers along with Muslims. Also, the country is a major tourist hub so in order to accommodate the needs of the tourists, Malaysia has very relaxed rules during Ramadan.
I visited Malaysia during Ramadan in 2018 and to my surprise, I didn’t feel like traveling during Ramadan to a Muslim country. The life was at its swing in the country even though it was Ramadan. Malls were filled with people during the daytime contrary to Oman and Dubai. Public transport was also readily available just like the non-Ramadan days.
The food scene in Malaysia during Ramadan was the biggest surprise for me. Though all the restaurants were operative and serving food to the people during the day, I happened to get into a strange situation. I planned to dine in at a restaurant in Suria Mall in KL with a friend of mine who wears a headscarf. Strangely, the restaurant management was willing to serve me food (considering I’m not a Muslim only because I don’t wear a headscarf), while my friend was rejected to be served. Upon questioning we were told that the government has banned restaurants to serve food to the Muslims during daytime in Ramadan. We were amused and upset about the situation at the same time. It was funny how I (a Muslim) was judged to be a non-Muslim only because I don’t wear a headscarf!
So, if you’re a Muslim woman traveling during Ramadan in Malaysia, keep your headscarf at home if you wish to eat outdoors during the daytime.
Traveling During Ramadan – Why You Should Do It?
Not many people will prefer to visit the Muslim countries during the month of Ramadan as it restricts a lot of fun activities which the tourists strive for. However, in my opinion, to get a real feel and understanding of the Muslim culture and norms, Ramadan is the best time to travel to a Muslim country.
During this month your touristy activities might be limited, however, it offers a bigger spectrum to explore the local culture of the country you’re traveling to along with an opportunity to learn more about the Islamic values and how they are practiced and celebrated by the Muslims.
I can assure that traveling during Ramadan will be an entirely different traveling experience without much excitement or adventure but a lot of spirituality.
The Three ‘R’ of Ramadan To Remember
Research
It is very important to research as much as you can before traveling in Ramadan about the Ramadan norms of the place you’re visiting. Each country has its own different ways of celebrating Ramadan. Some are flexible while others are strict. From my personal experience, I can say that Ramadan is taken very seriously in the Middle East. Other Muslim countries are still flexible, however, thorough research is highly recommended.
Respect
As a responsible traveler respecting the local values and norms should be of the highest priority. While traveling during Ramadan will be an entirely different experience than any of your other travels, therefore, it is important to be aware of the religious norms and respect them wholeheartedly.
There will be things during Ramadan that you might be experiencing for the first time, but believe me it is a beautiful spiritual festival with giving values of sharing, caring and supporting each other. Irrespective of your religious beliefs, you will be respected by every Muslim.
Rejoice
Ramadan only happens once a year, which makes it a super special festival to attend. If you’re traveling during Ramadan, then don’t be disheartened on the things you might miss due to restricted entertainment, rather focus on the cultural and religious learning experience you will be getting to enjoy.
Try to indulge with the locals to learn more about how they celebrate Ramadan, learn to cook a Ramadan special delicacy or try fasting for one day! Fasting is the best way to understand and enjoy the true essence of Ramadan and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
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This is a truly fascinating and educational post! I’d never pondered the impacts Ramadan could have for voyagers, I additionally thought that it was interesting to peruse how its rehearsed diversely in various nations and societies! A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing.
I visited Oman about 10 years ago and loved it. So beautiful and the people were so kind.
It’s not true that the government bans restaurants from serving Muslims in Ramadan. However, some outlets’ personal conviction is such, as in they will not abet a Muslim not fasting in Ramadan. So I reckon the outlet you went to blamed it ‘on the government’ instead of just telling you they won’t.
Out in the less urban areas of Malaysia (east coast especially) it’s very difficult to find a restaurant open at all, (which is important to know upfront) and you’d definitely get raised eyebrows, but in KL it’s not that big a deal especially in tourist areas where people expect customers to be travellers and therefore technically exempt from fasting even if Muslim! ( I live in KLCC itself and often see visibly Muslim visitors dining in the open in Ramadan). The reason you’d still get the stink eye in lower scale places, is because culturally, the Muslim community in Malaysia will at least try to fast even if travelling. So unless they’ve been someplace where the Muslim community takes the travel exemption as the default (I.e. wealthy enough to have travelled abroad, or have such friends), they’ll be judgier of you.
*the above cultural context is meant for a fellow Muslim. There is no implication for visitors appearing ‘foreign’. Like most conservative societies, extra social rules are often imposed on in-group members but not on outsiders.
Hi Teja, thank you so much for your insightful comment! I should have definitely researched a bit more regarding the matter prior to traveling in Malaysia during Ramadan. Your comment will surely help other Muslim travelers visiting the country in Ramadan. Thanks again for sharing your opinion.
Perfect timing. As a non-Muslim, I will be visiting a new country during Ramadhan and was wondering about the experience. Reading your article is helpful for what to expect. I love your tips about research, respect and rejoice. I hadn’t thought of “participating” for one day and joining in with the free food at the end of the day. Good idea and a great way to connect with locals.
I’m glad my post was able to help you! Sure you will love your stay during Ramadan, it is a different vibe altogether 🙂
This is a really interesting and informative post! I’d never thought before about the effects Ramadam could have for travellers, I also found it fascinating to read how its practised differently in different countries and cultures! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Rachel! Glad it helped you in learning something new 🙂
Love this post!!! I visited Indonesia during Ramadan and learned so much about it during that time. It is important to know how activities will be affected during the daytime hours. Thank you for sharing!
Glad to know that 🙂 You’re welcome, Geena!
Interesting read. I can see your point about how traveling during Ramadan is a good way to experience the culture but I think the shorter opening hours are too restrictive. Maybe I would visit a more relaxed country like Malaysia.
This is such an important article and so great for people like me who had no idea about most of these things. Thanks for enlightening me
So happy to know it helped you 🙂
What an interesting post. I haven’t had the opportunity to travel to many predominantly Muslim countries yet, but hope to do so soon. I never really thought about what it would be like traveling during Ramadan. This definitely gives me some perspective and it seems like such a unique experience.
It is definitely a very unique experience to visit a Muslim country in Ramadan! It might sound a bit boring as there will be limited activities to do during the day but the nightlife will surely make up for that 🙂
Wow I’ve never heard of Ramadan before. It’s great to know all the rules and guidelines before attending. This is a super helpful guide.
Thank you, Jessica
Love this post, when I traveled during Ramadan month for the first time, I didn’t know that it might be a big deal. But I’m glad that I visited only very liberal countries, where rules weren’t too strict and people were really patient with travelers. A lot more people should read this post before traveling in Ramadan!
Good to hear that you have experienced traveling during Ramadan and had a pleasant stay 🙂
Wow, I had no idea that Ramadan lasted a whole month and people fast every day. For some reason I only thought it was a few weeks at most. I can see the appeal for most travelers wanting to travel to other countries during Ramadan, especially if they’re looking for adventures every day. I think it would be a neat experience though, to be among those who take their religion so seriously and rejoice with everyone!
I second you, Rachelle! Ramadan is a great opportunity to understand Muslim culture while traveling
This is so useful, it never occured to me to take Ramadan into account for my travel plans, which sounds so silly as I type it! I think even though the entertainment aspect is more limited it would be so interesting to visit during this time because, like you said, you’ll have a more cultural experience 🙂
Definitely! For anyone seeking to learn more about the cultural aspect while traveling, Ramadan is the best time to visit Muslim countries