Guest Blog : My first Ramadan in Dubai as an American Expat
As a new expat in Dubai, I receive lots of advice and opinions from more veteran expats, which I appreciate and rely on very much. Recently, much of what I’ve been on the receiving end of has had to do with what it would be like as a non-Muslim during Ramadan in Dubai. Some advice has turned out to be true: Yes. It’s hot and I don’t want to do outdoor activities like I used to. And some not so much: It hasn’t been an inconvenience for most restaurants to be closed or only available for take away during the day.
I wanted to form some of my own opinions about this special time of year, so I decided to focus on a few areas to help myself get more acquainted with and embrace the season as a non-Muslim during Ramadan in Dubai. Also, as a stay-at-home mom it was important to me that I involve my two-year-old daughter, Sadie.
Learn about the customs and history
I chose a book each for Sadie and me to read during Ramadan with the hope that they help us gain a better understanding of the Islamic faith, its customs and its history.
Sadie has enjoyed reading, “It’s Ramadan, Curious George.” The book follows George as he celebrates with and supports his friend, Kareem, during Ramadan. Sadie especially likes the pictures and sing-song rhymes.
I’ve started reading an English translation of The Quran. While I don’t think I’ll finish it by the end of Ramadan, I’m going to do my best to continue my way through the holy book this year.
Brush up on etiquette
I’m familiar with etiquette practices in Dubai, such as adhering to a modest dress code and avoiding public displays of affection. As a non-muslim during Ramadan, I knew that there’s an added layer of etiquette expectations, such as no drinking or eating in public during fasting hours.
As a pregnant woman and mother to a young child, I was curious how both I and my daughter should adhere to these expectations. I’d never want to be disrespectful or cause offence, but I also knew that I and my daughter would need to drink water frequently, and my daughter would probably request a snack of Cheerios while we’re at the grocery store. Through reading online comments on social expat groups, having conversations with neighbours and reading local news articles, I was able to educate myself on how to handle these situations as a non-muslim during Ramadan.
While I now know that my daughter and I can openly drink and eat in public during the day – my six-month baby bump is pretty obvious – I’ve been able to be discreet and limit myself to sips of water in my car. If I was feeling truly unwell, I would allow myself to openly drink water or eat in public. Luckily, I haven’t found myself in this situation. For my daughter, I allow her to drink from her water bottle and have snacks in public.
Attend an Iftar
The spouses association for my husband’s office hosted a family Iftar at a local hotel. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience Ramadan as a part of a community. We were able to meet new families and experience some Ramadan rituals for the first time, like listening to the reciting of the Maghrib prayer for breaking fast. Not to mention dining on delicious local dishes.
I’m looking forward to attending another Iftar later this month, this time in a Ramadan tent.
Get in the charitable spirit
There is an outpouring of charity during Ramadan. Seeing how people from all faiths, backgrounds and communities come together to support strangers in need has really warmed my heart.
My daughter and I spent a few minutes one morning doing our small part as an expat in Dubai for a neighbourhood Ramadan Sharing Fridge. Sadie had fun stocking the fridge with drinks and posting one of her drawings on the fridge to hopefully brighten someone’s day.
These fridges help the less fortunate during Ramadan, including many blue-collar workers who spend much of their time outside in the scorching heat. It’s easy to help and we plan to continue our contributions throughout the holy month. You can find suggestions for items to donate, like bananas, laban and water, as well as fridge locations by visiting Facebook.com/groups/uaefridges or following the group’s Instagram account, @ramadanfridgesdxb.
When I found out that Level Kids was hosting a children’s clothing drive in collaboration with the Beit Al Khair Society, I packed up a big bag of Sadie’s clothes that she’s outgrown, as well as a small-sized donation bag just for her to carry. We drove to the store’s City Walk location and easily found the donation box at the store’s ground floor entrance just past the parking garage escalators. After Sadie deposited her bag in the box, a staff member gave her a pretty white lantern in appreciation for her donation.
In comparison to the charity of others that I’ve witnessed, our part is small. My hope is that our experiences as a non-muslim this Ramadan will help Sadie, even at her young age, gain an understanding of the importance of being empathetic and helping people in need.
Lindsey Garner is a former communications strategist turned stay-at-home mom and freelance writer. From Houston, Texas, Garner recently relocated to Dubai with her husband, daughter and German Shepherd. When she’s not chasing around her toddler and dog, she’s doing all she can to embrace her new expat life and explore Dubai. You can follow her adventures and insights on her blog, Her Words Travel at www.herwordstravel.com, and Instagram account ‘herwordstravel’.
Photo credit: Awake Photography
