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The company has compiled the following tips to promote the understanding of local customs and religious practices that commonly cause confusion for expatriates doing business during Ramadan.
-Avoid Late Afternoon Meetings:
Be considerate of those fasting and avoid scheduling a meeting after 3pm, when people will begin to be drained from energy. The best time to schedule a meeting is late morning (around 10am or 11am) - this is when people will be most alert.-Don't Make Assumptions:
Not all Muslims cover and not all wear national dress. It's perfectly fine to ask a client and/or co-worker if they are Muslim and if they are fasting. If they are not fasting - don't pry - it's likely for a personal health reason.-RSVP 'Yes':
If you are invited to an Iftar, go. To be invited to a private Iftar is a hospitable gesture and should not be missed. It is a fantastic, often once-in-a-lifetime experience of traditional Muslim and Emirati culture. If you'd like to hold a corporate meal, try hosting a Suhoor instead of an Iftar. Many people are inundated with Iftar invitations, so a Suhoor is a better option and more unique than other invitations.-Stay Focused:
Ramadan is the ideal time for internal business activities to take place. Use this time to brainstorm with employees, plan, and assess company progress. If you have existing clients, use this time to bond with them and strengthen your working relationship. Ramadan is also a time for your company to give back to the community by participating in charitable and community activities.-Be Patient and Respectful:
It's hot out, people are tired. Try to avoid losing your temper and be patient with those fasting. Don't expect people fasting to be in the right frame of mind to make major decisions or implement new activities.Eton unveils Ramadan app
Further guidance aimed at taking the mystery out of Ramadan has been developed by Eton Institute, the largest language training and professional development centre in the UAE. Eton has created a free application for iPhone and IPad users to help them in understanding Ramadan, the customs, and the do's and don'ts during the Holy month. The app provides daily phrases with Arabic translation and transliteration, useful cultural and Ramadan tips and a glossary of terms that are commonly used during the Holy month.
"With such a huge expat community it was inevitable for us to come out with an application that would help and educate expats about the Arabic culture and Ramadan. We are extremely excited to be the first to come out with such an application for IPhone and IPad users. The demand is huge to learn more about the Arabic culture and this application would be the perfect and most handy start to educating one's self," explained Moaz Khan, Marketing Manager at Eton.
The Free Expat Ramadan Guide can be downloaded from the iTunes store by entering "Expat Ramadan Guide" in the search field.
