June 30, 2014

US Military in Bahrain, Required To Observe Ramadan


[From article]
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.
Base cultural advisers have spent the last few weeks conducting Ramadan briefs to educate Americans about the holy month. Ali Hassan briefed about 150 personnel Tuesday about Islam, the lunar calendar and customs and traditions during Ramadan.
[. . .]
Most restaurants will be closed except those in 4- and 5-star hotels.
[. . .]
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.

http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-personnel-in-bahrain-prepare-for-ramadan-1.290721

US personnel in Bahrain prepare for Ramadan
By Hendrick Simoes
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 26, 2014

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