Visiting Oman in Ramadan - What to Expect?
Jul 9, 2012, 12:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Programs: Hilton Gold, Priority Club Blue, SPG Gold, Sofitel Gold, FB Ivory, BA Blue
Posts: 8,478
Visiting Oman in Ramadan - What to Expect?
It's looking like I have a business trip to Muscat around the start of Ramadan and I'd like to understand how restrictive things can be in the daytime and at night. Surviving daylight hours without a bite to eat is going to be easy enough (schedules mean I end up doing this a few times on most of my trips) but having a job that involves talking a lot (and having a voice that goes collapses pretty quickly), I'm more worried about how the locals might react to the occasional discreet sip of water.
Also, how does Ramadan affect nightlife in Muscat. On my last trip there, the beer (and stronger stuff) flowed freely into the night at my hotel. Can I expect restrictions?
Also, how does Ramadan affect nightlife in Muscat. On my last trip there, the beer (and stronger stuff) flowed freely into the night at my hotel. Can I expect restrictions?
Jul 10, 2012, 12:42 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: EY Platinum
Posts: 1,609
Not sure about Ramadan, but during the Eids the country goes dry. For more "on the ground" responses, try a post in http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=60&
Jul 10, 2012, 8:24 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,060
No eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Most offices will have a room for non-Muslims to eat or drink.
Usually, all hotel and bars shut at the beginning of Ramadan. After a few days, things may ease depending on the hotel. Eg restaurant may serve wine, or a bar is opened; in both cases for residents only.
Usually, all hotel and bars shut at the beginning of Ramadan. After a few days, things may ease depending on the hotel. Eg restaurant may serve wine, or a bar is opened; in both cases for residents only.
Jul 11, 2012, 1:22 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: West Africa
Programs: Flying Blue, Mileage Plus
Posts: 204
If you're interested in the culture, it's a great time of year to enjoy the Ramadan nightlife, without alcohol. Get invited to an iftar or sahoor, enjoy some of the late night people watching, etc.