Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam (the main religion here in United Arab Emirates) is an annual month of fasting starting today.
This is my 4th Ramadan in Dubai so more or less, I already know what to expect: food courts closed until sunset, less chattering noise in the office and unfortunately, restless, reckless drivers on the road. But my favorite part of Ramadan season would be shortened work timings. Instead of the usual 8:30-6 pm work time, it’s 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from Saturday-Thursday. Friday is off as usual. So instead of working for 47 hours per week, it’s only 36 hours.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to be with family and it applies in my case too. For thirty days, I would be able to go home before it gets dark and spend time with my daughter. I could even probably cook a less harried dinner.
Ramadan Kareem to those who are celebrating!
Finding Backroads 
I like the design.
As-Salamu Alaykum
As-Sal?mu `Alayk(a) ?Peace be upon you (m. sing.)
As-Sal?mu `Alayk(i) ?Peace be upon you (f. sing)
As-Sal?mu `Alayk(uma) ?Peace be upon you (to two people of any gender)
As-Sal?mu `Alayk(unna) ?Peace be upon you (f. plural – to three or more females only)
As-Sal?mu `Alayk(um)?Peace be upon you (To a group of three or more people, where at least one is a male – or to a member of state such as a prime minister, president, king, or queen)
The correct classical Arabic response depends on who is addressing you. The same rules apply as above; -ka, -ki, -kuma, -kunna, -kum;
wa alayk(…) as-sal?m
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nice sharing and it is great that you’ve experienced how Arabs practice Ramadan…
.-= celine´s last blog ..Custom Harley handlebars- Wire them internally =-.
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Ramdan kareem to you too and not to forget the nice offerings that are up.
http://www.mydubaistay.com/en/ramadan-offer.aspx
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You are Sweet!
.-= PeachRainbow´s last blog ..I Terribly NEED This! =-.
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I’m so happy that you get to spend time with your family after work this month 🙂
A safe and happy Ramadan to those who celebrate!
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Im Naked! =-.
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Salamu Alaykum
from the passing of the peace: may the peace of the Lord be with you and with your spirit!
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nice birthday present this post! tks!!
.-= HODGEPODGESPV´s last blog ..Who stays and who goes =-.
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Nice share, its good to know how the Arabs practice the Ramadan. Its a great thing that you get to spend some more time with your family.
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I didn’t know you worked almost 50 hours a week!
.-= Jacki´s last blog ..Hello- Goodbye =-.
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Thanks – I learn so much from your site since I live near Chicago.
I knew nothing about Ramadan.
I’m a full-time working mother too.
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Thank you for another interesting snippet about life in Dubai. i would imagine people get a bit cranky not being able to eat or drink until nightfall. I have just fiished reading a book by Tim Mackintosh-Smith, Yemen The Unknown Arabia written in 2000. It received the Thomas Cook Travel Award. Just in case someone is looking for a good read. Trying to keep up with your blog. Thanks
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