Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan is the holiest of holy months for Muslims and begins on the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar following the sighting of the new moon. Last night, the astronomers saw the new moon and Ramadan officially began today. Holidays like Ramadan remind us of our family and friends and signify that another year has past. It's hard for us to believe that this is our third Ramadan and that we've been living in Abu Dhabi for 2 years, 3 months.

For the next 30 days, we'll have reduced work hours of 9 AM to 3 PM and will publicly observe the day long fast from food and water. Notice I said publicly. Non-Muslims are asked to not drink, eat, or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset. Imagine, no water for 13.5 hours in temperatures peaking at 111 degrees. The purpose of the abstinence from food and water during the day is for Muslim's to diminish their dependence on material goods, purify their hearts and to establish solidarity with the poor in hopes of encouraging charitable work during the year. While we won't be fasting, we will be respectful of the culture and avoid consuming water and food in the presence of Muslims.

Ramadan Mubarak to all our Muslim friends!!!