Being in the Sultanate of Oman during Ramadhan is a unique experience. The truly cultural experience has some distinct lifestyle changes.
One of the major ones is that as the timing of the work changes, so do school hours.
If you are new to Oman or if this is your first Ramadhan in the country, here are 10 essential aspects to keep in mind to navigate the Holy Month smoothly:
1. The Public Fasting Rule
The public fasting rule is a matter of law and respect that eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone, regardless of faith. This includes chewing gum or sipping water while walking or driving.
2. Private vs. Public
You are perfectly free to eat and drink in the privacy of your home or in designated areas at work. What is important is to ensure you are not visible to people outside through open windows or glass doors. It is part of the etiquette.
3. Changes in Working Hours
Oman’s labor law typically reduces the working day during Ramadan. A week before the holy month, the details are announced. The working hours are reduced to 5 hours, for example, the government working hours during the month are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. In the private sector the timing is reduced to 6 hours per day for Muslim employees, though many companies extend this timing to all staff.
4. Meetings
It might be a good idea to check in advance what the best timings are to take appointments for meetings.
5. Dress Code Sensitivity
While modesty is appreciated and required at all times, the expectations heighten during Ramadan. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered when in public spaces like malls or government buildings. Think "extra care" to avoid unintentional offense.
6. The "Iftar Rush"
About 30 to 60 minutes before sunset, the roads can get busy with people trying to reach their destinations on time to break their fast. People are rushing home to break their fast with their families. If you do not need to be on the road, stay off it between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM to avoid the "Iftar rush" and not contribute to the traffic.
7. Grocery and Dining Schedules
During the daytime restaurants are closed or only offer takeaway/delivery.
At night everything comes alive! Malls and shops stay open very late (often until midnight or 1:00 AM), and restaurants buzz with activity until the early morning hours. People enjoy being together.
Many supermarkets offer massive "Ramadan Sales" on bulk items, but they can be very crowded in the evenings. Try to do your grocery shopping in the morning or early afternoon.
8. Embrace the Iftar and Suhoor
If an Omani colleague or friend invites you for Iftar (the meal at sunset) or Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), say yes! It is a beautiful gesture of hospitality and it is a true cultural experience. If you are thinking of what gifts to take, it could be a box of high-quality dates or Arabic sweets.
9. Noise and Behavior
Ramadan is a time of reflection. Avoid playing loud music in your car or at home. It is a month for "turning the volume down" on life in general. There are prayers at night too.
10. The Power of Ramadan Greetings
Learning a few phrases goes a long way. Use "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) when greeting friends and colleagues. They will truly appreciate the effort.
Ramadhan is a soulful journey where patience is practiced.
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