Hi Will

As far as I know it's not so much part of Ramadan as showing respect towards it as a Muslim country (if that makes sense?).

As a country Qatar observes Ramadan seriously & alcohol is not served in the country during the period. QR follows these guidelines but with a nod towards it's international clientel, so alcohol is served on international long haul destinations but as a sign of respect it's not 'flaunted', if that's the right description to use. Inter Gulf flights are to/from other countries also observing Ramadan & so the respect is taken to a higher level ie no alcohol on board as well as in the PT.

Can't speak for Emirates/Etihad, perhaps their boards might get you a faster answer? I'd be interested to hear the outcome.

International carriers such as BA will serve alcohol on board but any lounge they use in Doha will not. Don't know about the other Gulf countries but I do know alcohol is available in Dubai hotels during Ramadan, but only after sundown. Some hotels in Abu Dhabi don't serve booze at all during this period, at least they didn't when I was there a couple of years ago.

Hope this helps,

Cheers.