The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of 28th February and end on the evening of Sunday 30th March. During this time, Muslims will take time out for spiritual reflection and fasting. As such, it does have implications for leisure and business travel. Here, Walid Haji of Rooh Travel shares his top five considerations for those holidaying during Ramadan, or organising holidays or business trips for those who observe Ramadan:
- If you travel to a Muslim-majority destination during Ramadan expect most dining establishments close during daylight hours, and nightlife typically shuts down for the month. In tourist areas like Dubai, restaurants and cafes generally remain open—except in local neighbourhoods such as Deira and Old Dubai. Hotels, however, operate as usual and are typically exempt from these restrictions.
- If you are arranging business travel for Muslim employees, try and avoid the Ramadan period. This is because those observing Ramadan will be focusing on acts of kindness (charity and helping those in need), prayer (including increased mosque attendance), and family time.
- However, if you do have to arrange business travel for a Muslim employee during Ramadan, try to schedule meetings and activities outside of fasting hours and allow flexibility for prayer breaks and iftar. Ensure accommodations provide halal dining options and access to nearby mosques or quiet spaces for prayer.
- When Ramadan ends, it is a time of celebration, and as such it is the perfect time to either enjoy a well-earned holiday, or plan a big trip. For this reason, the months after Ramadan are a popular honeymoon time for Muslim couples.
- Finally, Walid reveals his fifth tip for those that wish to be mindful of those observing Ramadan: “For travel and hospitality brands, being mindful of your Muslim guests during Ramadan is crucial. Adjusting meal times to align with suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (fast-breaking meal) can make a world of difference, ensuring your guests feel supported and valued.”
To find out more about Rooh Travel, visit www.roohtravel.com.
