Originally Posted by
bdemaria
This is precisely my point: we were out and about all week, at restaurants, the mall, etc... and did not encounter problems. We always covered our knees and shoulders - but we would have dressed this way whether it was Ramadan or not.
I'm not sure what restaurants you went to as the only restaurants open during ramadan are the hotel restaurants in Doha. Even the grocery stores have signaificantly reduced hours.
Originally Posted by
keiko
I find the Ramadan rules confusing. There is no way I can go all day without water, and I know women are exempt if "indisposed", but how can they tell? I also read the eating & drinking in public is illegal in UAE during Ramadan, and then that it is not expected if not a Muslim.
I am totally confused.
Except about covering up. I'll do that anyway or I will be burnt to a crisp (I am very pale).
You can eat and drink but not in public. For instance at my work we block off meeting rooms for eating a snack or drinking coffee/water, we are not allowed to do this at our desk. These rooms are 'blacked out' so that no one can see in. This is the same for smoking, they conceal the smoking area.
As long as you are not in plain sight and not blatant about it then you will be fine in public. Again, I think Dubai is lenient and you shouldn't have to worry about this in a hotel.