By annabelkantaria, mytelegraph

When visiting a foreign country, to what extent should you go to fit in with that country’s way of life? I pose the question as the Holy month of Ramadan begins across the Muslim world and, with it, comes a debate provoked by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

Ramadan is one of the most important times of the year for Muslims, who spend the month practicing humility and benevolence through self-control, fasting and prayer. Many UAE nationals will have returned home from their summer holidays in order celebrate the Holy month with family and close friends within the supportive environment of the UAE.
But, while most people know that Muslims aren’t allowed to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours in Ramadan, many tourists – especially non-Muslims – fail to realise that, in the UAE, the law applies to them, too. In July, Dubai Police warned non-Muslims that they’ll be granted just one warning before charges will be pressed if they’re caught eating, drinking or smoking in public. It’s an offence that garners fines up to AED 2,000 (£335) or a jail term.

And it’s not just about eating. Everyone in the UAE is expected, during Ramadan, to dress more demurely than usual, to refrain from partying or playing loud music where it can be heard in public, to act with more decorum than usual, and to be tolerant of those fasting. This year, with Ramadan falling at the height of summer, fasting times will be up to 14 hours long, in temperatures up to 48˚C.

Last week, however, ABTA issued a statement saying that “Dubai authorities should use ‘discretion’ in tackling British tourists that breach the laws” [relating to Ramadan]. read more