While not required to fast during Ramadan, in Bahrain, Americans can be fined or detained by local authorities for eating, drinking or smoking in public when off-base during daylight hours.
Navy officials are requiring U.S. personnel to dress more conservatively off-base during Ramadan. Although not a requirement by Bahraini authorities, the Navy is demanding that men wear long-sleeved shirts and women wear sleeved blouses that cover their elbows. Also, men must wear long trousers, and women should wear pants or skirts that cover the knees.
Things to Know During Ramadan
Eating, drinking, chewing and smoking in public are civil offenses in some Islamic countries.
Men should wear long sleeves and pants. Women’s sleeves should extend below the elbow and pants or skirts should cover the knees.
Avoid critical remarks about fasting or any religious practice.
Most restaurants will be closed except those in 4- and 5-star hotels.
Businesses alter and reduce hours during the day; some open at night until early morning hours.
Arabs are good hosts and may offer you food or refreshments during daylight hours. Such offers should be declined.
All consumption of alcohol by U.S. military personnel is prohibited at any off base public venue in the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility during Ramadan.
It’s customary to say ‘Ramadan Kareem’ during Ramadan.
