As Nanny Jobs in the Middle East are a popular choice for those considering working as a Nanny or Governess internationally, most people are now familiar with the basic behaviours required when visiting a Muslim country. During the Holy month of Ramadan, it is worth noting that there are a few extra steps to be taken to ensure that you are being respectful and informed.
Firstly, what is Ramadan?
Ramadan remembers the month the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and takes place on the 9th month of the Lunar calendar starting when the new moon first appears in the night sky, full moon marks the middle of Ramadan and as the moon wanes to the other side Ramadan finishes. For those who follow Islam it is a month of spiritual development, worship, service, communal gathering and fasting between sunrise & sunset.
What to expect and what is expected of you if you are a Nanny in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi and other gulf countries during Ramadan?
Assuming you are working as a Nanny or Governess for a Muslim family, most adults will be fasting; the families daily schedule will change during the month of Ramadan. Wake up and go to bed times are adjusted, work and school days are shorter and some extracurricular activities that the children may usually attend such as social outings and sports clubs and classes may be paused during this period. Younger children especially those under six years of age do not participate in fasting and are fed as usual, pre-teens (7 yrs-12 yrs) may observe a shorter fast and generally by 13 years they fully participate.
Generally, in most Nanny /Governess positions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other middle East countries the nanny will eat with the children as normal during Ramadan, as their eating schedule will not change and you are not expected to join in with the fasting. However, it is imperative that you show respect through your conduct, by not eating, chewing gum and drinking in front of a fasting adult or in public during daylight hours.
Outside of work between sunrise and sunset there are establishments for example in the UAE where you are still able to obtain food and drink such as hotels and shopping malls (this wasn’t always the case) but walking around eating and drinking in public between sunrise and sunset is socially unacceptable, and in some middle eastern countries it is illegal.
Ramadan isn’t just about fasting it is also a time for spiritual reflection. Non-Muslims are expected to avoid engaging in behaviour that may offend their Muslim hosts, such as playing loud music or wearing inappropriate clothing. During Ramadan certain countries which are usually more tolerant of western attire require that clothing be more modest during the holy month, and of course being kind and tolerant of others who are fasting, which may be more difficult for some people than others and can cause irritability.
What are often busy household take on a more tranquil, subdued atmosphere. Your employers may be more absent during daylight hours deferring to you to navigate the children’s daily schedule. Given that the children’s waking hours routines don’t change too dramatically, you need to ensure that they are entertained and occupied as there is just less going on than usual & parents may be sleeping, studying the Quran or praying and need to do this undisturbed.
Take a flexible approach, and proactively plan activities that keep the children engaged, focused and occupied. Instructions and plans for later in the day may not be as forthcoming as you would like. For example, the driver may be attending prayer time at the usual time he would pick you up to take you back to your apartment, or you may attend a family gathering with the children to break the fast and your work day runs slightly over.
SUNSET- Iftar
During the month of Ramadan, which ever city you are in may seem pretty quiet during the day, but they certainly come alive at night, it is not uncommon for families to come together after sunset when the fast is broken (Iftar) with lavish feast. You will notice that during the Holy month the cities and its inhabitants take on an all-night culture, where a buzzing vibe prevails after dark with many shops & restaurants swapping day time opening hours to night time opening hours! It is an incredibly unique experience to join in with Iftar celebrations so if invited to partake do take advantage of the opportunity.
