Qatar

Ramadan Kareem - the month of fasting

 The ninth month of the Islamic calendar when muslim people refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn until sunset - it requires really strong self-control as sometimes 34 degrees Celsius can be felt 49 degrees Celsius ( with 84% humidity) - at evening

Doha, Qatar

20 July 2012

Closed shops in a shopping center

On the first day of Ramadan all shops were closed during daytime - regardless that it was Friday, the only day off during the week - most people in Qatar work six days a week and only relax on Friday

During the day Recitation of the Holy Quran could be heard through the loudspeakers
Shops in this shopping center are open 8.00-13.00 and 20.00-01.00 during the month

Governmental and many other offices' working hours have been reduced to 4-6 hours, that means many people work from 8.00-13.00 or 9.00-15.00 during Ramadan

Doha, Qatar

20 July 2012

Food court in lunch time

Normally it is very difficult to find a seat during lunch time 

Fast food chains are closed, only some of them open for take away. Tradition and religion play a lot more important role than economy or consumption. 

Non muslims are also prohibited to eat or drink in public -if they are seen, police can be called and they can be arrested.

After sunset (18.26) and prayer people appeared very quickly and started to have their dinner

Doha, Qatar

20 July 2012