This Expat's Close Encounters with Ramadan

As we arrived in Abu Dhabi during the latter part of July, my husband and I were informed/warned about how difficult it would be to tolerate the massive changes. We felt we could handle whatever was thrown at us because as far as we're concerned, "we're world travelers." Plus, people usually exaggerate to scare you.

We were informed that businesses are open much shorter hours during Ramadan. Other expats told us that if a person gets caught eating or drinking in public before Iftar (The feast after breaking fast), you could get arrested. Also, we were informed to be careful on the roads during Ramadan because when it's prayer time, people stop their cars wherever they are and go pray. "(They even stop in the middle of the road.}" Worst of all, boredom sets in because there is nothing to do because everything is closed during the day.

Well, I am here to tell you that the majority of the information is true. Today, my husband came home ill and I went to the pharmacy around 4 pm to get him some medication. The pharmacist told me that I couldn't buy anything until 8 pm, after Iftar. As for drinking and eating in public, not even water or chewing gum. There are a few restaurants that serve food. But it is behind a curtain so you cannot be seen eating during Ramadan. The driving disasters may happen later. But there must be some truth to it because my husband's employer sent out a mass email warning their employees about the dangers of the road during Rmadan. Boredom...is a definite. The malls don't open until 8 pm. But...they stay open until midnight or 1 am. I'm sure I will finish this class in record time because boredom and I DO NOT jive.