Conducting Business During Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar; a time when Muslims increase their focus on spirituality and decrease their focus on materialism. The practices associated with the holiday alter the daily norms of people living and working within Islamic countries, but they also have a significant impact on those doing business with these countries. Gaining cultural awareness is wise whenever conducting business outside of a person’s home country. Understanding Ramadan is essential for companies that employ Muslim staff members or that conduct business with clients or offices in predominantly Islamic countries.

What happens during Ramadan?

Typically, Ramadan is associated with:  

Fasting: While all Muslims are obligated to refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight hours for Ramadan, an exception is made for children under the age of 12, women who are pregnant or nursing, individuals who are sick, and the elderly.  Typically, a light meal (Suhoor) is eaten before sunrise. At sunset, the fast is broken with dates and water. An evening meal (Iftar) is then shared with family or friends before an evening of prayers. The fast is intended to foster self-discipline and self-control; nothing should pass the lips between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.

Contemplation and acts of generosity: During the month of Ramadan, most Muslims will spend more time than usual in prayer or contemplation. They are also encouraged to perform acts of generosity for others and to empathize with those who are less fortunate.

Reduced work hours: In predominantly Islamic countries, since employees will be staying up late to break their fasts and getting up early so they can eat before the break of day, office hours are usually reduced during the month of Ramadan. UAE labor laws enforce this practice. As a result, many employees work a six-hour work day or, in some cases, a day that ends as early as 2pm.  Government institutions and organizations within the public sector of the UAE may shut down for the entire month and private organizations often delay important decisions until offices are back to operating under a normal schedule.

Because these norms impact the daily functions of Muslim employees for a significant period all around the world, there are some considerations to observe that will make doing business during this time more effective.   

Business Considerations During the Month of Ramadan

When conducting business with colleagues or clients in predominantly Islamic countries, stakeholders should be encouraged to: 

• Communicate with any operation or organization you do regularly do business with: Since hours of operation in Islamic countries will vary, check in to find out what hours your associates and clients intend to keep during Ramadan.  

• Schedule important meetings or calls in the morning: By scheduling meetings or calls during the early part of the day, you can be more certain of catching the people you need while they’re in the office. Additionally, your Muslim colleagues and clients will be better nourished and alert, having eaten their morning Suhoor.    

If you’re visiting or conducting business in an Islamic country during Ramadan:

• Remember to dress and behave modestly: During Ramadan, it is especially important to dress and behave modestly. Men and women both should avoid shorts, low necklines or sleeveless clothing. Loud music (including any sounds emanating from headphones) is frowned upon and eating or drinking in public are unacceptable during the holiday. 

When working with Muslim colleagues in a location that’s not predominantly Islamic:

• Be culturally sensitive: If you’re not fasting, it’s considerate to not eat, drink, or smoke in front of someone who is. Many Muslims might offer you a drink or snack during a meeting to be polite; do keep in mind that it’s also polite to decline out of respect for your colleague’s fast. 

• Spend your lunch time away from your desk: In an effort to be considerate, avoid eating snacks and lunches at your desk. By eating in your office’s cafeteria or kitchen, you’ll avoid tempting a colleague who may be avoiding those areas because s/he is fasting.  

For companies in non-Islamic countries with Muslim staff or clients:

 • Provide a temporary break room for Muslim staff members who are fasting: If any of your staff members are Muslim, consider setting up a room or area, away from the kitchen or cafeteria where others will be eating. By providing a temporary space, Muslim employees will not only be free from the temptation in this area, they’ll also have access to a quiet room for the contemplation that Ramadan encourages. 

• Extend Ramadan greetings: As a significant holiday on the Islamic calendar, it’s considerate to acknowledge its celebration for staff members or clients. Consider sending a gift basket, traditional sweets or a card or social post wishing a “Ramadan Mubarak” – a common greeting that expresses wishes for a generous holiday.  

And finally, wherever you live and work, if asked to attend an Iftar – the evening meal that breaks a daily fast – be sure to accept. In addition to being an honor and sign of trust and respect, it’s a great opportunity to sample traditional foods, build relationships with your Muslim colleagues and clients, and increase your knowledge about a culture other than your own. If possible, businesses with Muslim employees might ask them to arrange a Suhoor and invite non-Muslim employees to attend before the work day begins. This, too, supports workplace diversity and inclusion among diverse employee populations.

Beyond Ramadan

Immediately following Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. After a month of sacrifice, Eid is a time for abundance: of food and of gifts, usually given to children. Depending on the country, Eid can last three to ten days. During this time, it’s important for company stakeholders to expect delays and, in some cases, full-blown shutdowns when it comes to business.  

In short, while Muslim employees typically do work during Ramadan, expectations should be managed during this time due to shorter work days and the challenges that necessarily occur due to typical observances. Stakeholders shouldn’t expect to make major decisions during this time but, rather, use the time for other pursuits, such as research and development, strategic planning, employee growth or training, etc. – and be ready to jump back into business with their Muslim colleagues and clients at full force after the conclusion of Eid.