How far away the time seems when this ninth month of the year of the Hegira resulted in a significant drop in tourist flows in the land of Islam, when only travelers who were flexible enough to accommodate themselves ventured there. a scarcity of places to eat during the day, and hours and services with variable geometry.
Today “
traveling during Ramadan is becoming more and more of a non-event
,” believes Bruce McNamara, production director of Beachcomber Tours, a specialist in particular in trips to the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan and Morocco.
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Relieving constraints
“
Most countries have made efforts to reconcile the demands of religion and the needs of tourism, particularly the United Arab Emirates
,” which translates into easing constraints for non-Muslims.
In Dubai as in Abu Dhabi, no more curtains obscuring the consumption of food and drinks during the day: most restaurants now remain open under usual conditions during the holy month.
And Marrakech, where sitting in the sun during Ramadan outside the hotel clubs was a real challenge a few years ago, is now full of places where you can have lunch, drink a coffee, sip an aperitif or dance under the stars after dark .
“
Most countries have made efforts to reconcile the demands of religion and the needs of tourism, particularly the United Arab Emirates”
Show flexibility
Although it stands out less and less, this period which again this year coincides with the high tourist season around Easter still involves some changes requiring adaptation efforts.
Not drinking, eating or smoking in public places during the day and wearing “proper” clothing out of respect for your guests are some of the basic reflexes to adopt.
Just like the kindness towards possible inconveniences (traffic jams especially before breaking the fast, slow service, early closing of shops and museums in the afternoon, and restaurants or cafes in less touristy areas, staggered opening hours for excursions, etc.).
“
You have to know how to be flexible, the responsiveness of the service is sometimes not the same.
If the fast is broken at the time of the tourists' meal, for example, there may be a moment of uncertainty
, notes Raouf Benslimane, president of Ô Voyages.
But the services are not affected, our satisfaction questionnaires carried out each month have never shown a peak in dissatisfaction during Ramadan
.”
Learn about culture and gastronomy
In Morocco, gastronomy is more important than ever.
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If it's not a bad idea to travel to a Muslim country during Ramadan, is it a good idea?
“
It’s a very good time to travel with special offers in the hotel industry
,” notes Adeline Kurban Fiani, CEO of the KTS France group and TO Aya Désirs d’Orient / Aya Désirs du Monde, with minimum discounts of up to 25 %.
Added to this, in certain countries such as Jordan, there is less attendance at cultural sites.
Beyond that, Ramadan is also a period of celebration, and a special time to discover the customs of the host country.
For this, an imperative, live in the time of the inhabitants in other words at night when the streets light up!
In the United Arab Emirates, tourist offices no longer hesitate to highlight opportunities for discovery around culture.
Gargantuan iftars
(meals to break the fast) or
suhur
(meals before dawn) in the shade of festive tents set up in the streets or in hotels, street food tours around emblematic Ramadan dishes such as thareed
(
meat stew). and vegetables), gourmet poetry readings in the arty district of Al Serkal Avenue in Dubai, or gaming tournaments in the museum setting of Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dahbi…
Street food tours around the emblematic dishes of Ramadan
So many experiences allowing you to participate in the general jubilation and to discover "
the joyful side of this religious rite which is not as strict as one might think
", notes Raouf Benslimane for whom the restrictions are "
largely compensated by popular festivities
.
In Morocco, gastronomy is more important than ever, with refined buffets in hotels and it is not uncommon to be invited to families for the
ftour
ceremony , a long succession of delights, harira, soup served with dates, with long-simmered tagines.
A unique culinary experience, and above all an authentic moment of sharing!
Read alsoRamadan: good behaviors to adopt when you are a tourist in a Muslim country