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Ramadan 2019

May 2, 2019

Ramadan is considered as the holiest season in the Islamic year and is observed by millions of Muslims across the globe as a month of fasting and devotion. Many Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. In 2019 Ramadan will begin on Sunday, May 6 and end on Tuesday, June 4. The dates may vary slightly as per the geographic locations. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, will tentatively be on Wednesday, June 5 depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon.

See below the anticipated Ramadan celebration dates for the upcoming three years.

  • 2019 – May 6 through June 4
  • 2020 – April 24 through May 23
  • 2021 – April 13 through May 12

If traveling abroad during Ramadan, consider the following recommendations.

Prepare for your trip

If observing Ramadan

  • Good sleep hygiene and strategic rest throughout the day are key to maintaining your alertness, positive mood, and energy levels.
  • Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.  Due to fasting and the potentially hot climate at your destination, you will need to plan your liquids intake and add water rich foods and fruits that can give you a hydration boost.  Water is your best option, consume sugary or caffeinated drinks in moderation.
  • Avoid excesses after a full day of fasting.  Eat slowly and with measure.  Avoid caffeine at night, and excess of salt, fats, and sugars.
  • Eat well balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, high-fiber foods, protein-rich foods, and  fruits.  Avoid deep fried foods.
  • Do not skip either the Suhoor (morning) or Iftar (evening) meals.
  • Do not work out during your fasting hours.  When working out, replenish the water you lost through dehydration.  If you will work out in the evening, give yourself a couple of hours after Iftar to start exercising.
  • If you are dealing with a chronic illness, or are pregnant, consult with your doctor on how to best manage your condition and medications while fasting.

Not observing Ramadan, but in a location that observes it

  • Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during the fasting hours.  You can eat your regular meals at designated places or in the privacy of your own quarters.
  • Dress modestly, be cordial, and keep a low profile.
  • Ramadan encourages generosity, accept gifts given in that spirit, and don’t hesitate to accept an invitation to join someone at Iftar.

 

Other considerations

  • Road safety may be impacted as fasting can make people more irritable, tired, and less attentive to the road conditions.  Be alert and keep yourself and others safe be that as a pedestrian, bike riding, or driving.
  • Ramadan falls on long and hot days.  Stay as much as possible in cool shaded places, especially during the middle of the day when temperatures are high.
  • Work hours and services change during Ramadan, plan ahead.  Office hours are reduced.  Some restaurants may only be open for the evening meals, and many taxi drivers will be breaking their fast as well.  This may require you to reserve a table or book a cab ahead of time.
  • Be aware there is low tolerance for beggars in some countries.  In the UAE, begging for alms is a crime and people are discouraged from engaging with beggars due to safety concerns such as falling victim of a scam.
  • Terrorists continue to carry out attacks worldwide.  Extremists, regardless of ideology, may attack soft targets such as places of worship, holiday events, and celebratory gatherings. Maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness.

General health before, during and after your trip

Sources

The risk information in this report is retrieved from official sources as listed. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.