During the holy month of Ramzan, life adjustments significantly for Muslims and throughout the Islamic world. For centuries, Muslims have noticed a quick from dawn to sundown during the holy month, giving rise to a number of traditions round mealtimes, social gatherings and serving to these in want. In Dubai, Jeddah and Sarajevo, as an example, canons are fired to mark the tip of the day’s quick. In Iraq, Egypt and Morocco, folks play the flute or bang drums as they stroll via neighbourhoods to wake folks for suhoor, the pre-fast meal. From Bahrain to Indonesia and Malaysia, neighbourhoods come alive with night time markets. Everywhere, travellers will discover themselves being invited to affix communal tables. They say night time turns into day in Ramzan. And if you’re not fasting, you’re feasting.
When Ramzan falls in 2026 will rely upon the normal moon sighting. Current predictions present Ramzan 2026 will start from the night of Wednesday, 18 February. The holy month will run for 29 or 30 days, ending with Eid al-Fitr, at present predicted to start round Friday, 20 March 2026.
All of this makes for an enriching journey expertise – offered you realize what to anticipate. Here are some essential factors to remember when visiting Muslim-majority international locations during the month of Ramzan.
1. Learn the that means of Ramzan
Ramzan is essentially the most religious time of 12 months for Muslims. It runs to both 29 or 30 days – relying on when the moon is sighted – and emphasises self-discipline, religious reflection and acts of kindness and charity. Besides abstaining from food and drinks during daytime, Muslims additionally keep away from smoking and cursing. It’s additionally a time to donate to charity and help the much less lucky – you’ll usually discover folks handing out meals to the underprivileged, for instance.
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2. Don’t eat, drink or smoke in public
Out of respect for many who are fasting during daytime, chorus from consuming, drinking or smoking in public areas. In some international locations, it’s in opposition to the regulation to take action – though chances are you’ll usually see meals on sale during fasting hours. It’s even clever to keep away from chewing gum publicly. Non-Muslims will discover there are designated areas, together with meals courts and eating places, which can be open to them during fasting hours. Small kids can eat or drink in public – nevertheless it’s at all times clever to be discreet.
3. Learn the native legal guidelines
Some international locations might have particular rules relating to public behaviour and adherence to spiritual practices, in order at all times, familiarise your self with native legal guidelines and laws. That’s a golden rule for travellers going anyplace, nevertheless it’s significantly related during Ramzan. Ramzan in Dubai, for instance, is a bit more relaxed than Ramzan in Riyadh.
4. Understand Ramzan has a unique rhythm
Fasting is compulsory for all practising Muslims as soon as they’ve reached puberty. Accordingly, you’ll discover that Muslim-majority cities or international locations function to a slower and sleepier schedule during the holy month. Public and private-sector places of work sometimes function shorting working hours as Muslims usually keep up later at night time for particular prayers or to learn the Qu’ran. This varies by vacation spot, nevertheless it’s price checking prematurely if tourist sights, authorities places of work and even outlets and eating places have modified working hours. In many instances, you’ll discover that some institutions might shut during the day and reopen later within the night. So when you have your coronary heart set on visitng a sure restaurant or attraction, plan accordingly.
5. Dress for the season
How you gown performs a giant function right here. While modesty is the norm in most Islamic-majority international locations all 12 months spherical, cultural sensitivity is anticipated in (*12*). Men and girls alike are suggested to cowl their shoulders and keep away from revealing and tight clothes. Swimsuits are tremendous at your resort pool or at a public seashore – until there’s an indication saying in any other case. At the identical time, iftar and suhoor are sometimes seen as events to decorate up, with many individuals choosing embellished abayas and conventional gown.