Ramadan: Cultural Intelligence, Workplace Respect & The Spirit of Reflection
- Pooja Sharma Kautia
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Each year, Ramadan transforms the rhythm of life across the UAE, the Middle East, and Muslim communities worldwide. It is more than a religious observance - it is a deeply spiritual, cultural, and social experience that influences how people live, work, connect, and reflect.
For global businesses, leaders, and retail professionals, understanding Ramadan is not just courteous - it is an essential expression of cultural intelligence.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is regarded as the holiest month in Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and fasting during this month is an act of worship, discipline, and spiritual purification.
From dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), Muslims abstain from:
Food
Drink (including water)
Smoking
Negative speech and behaviour
The purpose is not merely physical restraint. Ramadan strengthens patience, humility, gratitude, empathy, and self-awareness. Beyond fasting, it is a month of character refinement and community connection.
It is a time to cultivate:
Patience
Gratitude
Generosity
Self-control
Spiritual reflection
Suhoor & Iftar: Moments of Meaning and Connection
Suhoor – The Pre-Dawn Gathering
Suhoor is the meal consumed before dawn, before the fast begins. It is often a quiet, reflective time shared with family - a moment of intention before the day unfolds.
Across the GCC, Suhoor has also become a meaningful social and corporate gathering.
It is very common for luxury brands, hotels, and premium retailers to organise Suhoor evenings for:
VIP Clients
Top Customers
Brand Ambassadors
Leadership Teams
Store Teams
These gatherings typically take place late in the evening and extend into the night, reflecting the adjusted social rhythm of Ramadan.
For luxury brands, Suhoor events are not simply hospitality moments - they are relationship-building experiences rooted in cultural respect. They signal awareness, inclusion, and appreciation.
When thoughtfully curated, Suhoor becomes:
An Intimate Brand Experience
A Gesture of Gratitude
A Platform for Deeper Client Connection
A Celebration of Community
Iftar - Breaking the Fast Together
At sunset, Muslims break their fast with Iftar - traditionally beginning with dates and water, followed by a shared meal.
Iftar embodies:
Gratitude
Togetherness
Generosity
Community
Across the GCC, it is common to see:
Luxury stores hosting private Iftar experiences for clients
Brands organising team Iftars to foster unity
Organisations offering complimentary Iftar meals to staff as a gesture of appreciation
Companies arranging catered meals so fasting employees can break their fast comfortably after work
Providing Iftar for staff during Ramadan is widely viewed as a meaningful act of care and respect. It acknowledges the discipline required to fast and reinforces a culture of appreciation.
In luxury retail environments, hosting Iftar for VIP clients also reflects cultural alignment. It demonstrates that a brand understands not only the calendar — but the deeper significance of the month.
Ramadan in the GCC: Etiquette, Public Conduct & Everyday Life
Ramadan brings a distinct rhythm to life across the GCC — from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Oman. While legal rules may vary slightly between countries and emirates, shared cultural expectations are widely respected throughout the region.
Public Behaviour & Respect
Eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful to those fasting and may be legally restricted in certain GCC countries. At minimum, discretion and sensitivity are expected from everyone, regardless of faith.
Restaurants and cafés generally remain open in major cities to serve residents and visitors. In some locations, dining areas may operate in designated or discreet spaces during daylight hours.
Children and individuals with medical conditions are exempt from fasting; however, cultural norms still encourage private and discreet consumption in public settings.
Dress, Music & Public Courtesy
Modest attire is encouraged in public places throughout Ramadan.
Loud music and overly boisterous behaviour are discouraged during daylight hours, as the month carries a quieter, reflective tone.
Public displays of affection and confrontational behaviour should be avoided, as Ramadan emphasises patience, compassion, and restraint.
Work & Business Adjustments
Working hours are commonly reduced across the GCC during Ramadan, supporting employees in balancing professional responsibilities with fasting, prayer, and family commitments.
Many organisations adapt meeting schedules to earlier hours of the day and demonstrate flexibility where possible.
Sunset & Social Life
Daily routines shift towards evening activity after Iftar, when families and communities gather.
Night markets, cultural events, retail activity, and hospitality experiences become vibrant and community-focused.
Workplace & Retail Etiquette During Ramadan
For organisations and client-facing teams, small gestures carry significant meaning.
1. Demonstrate Consideration
Avoid eating or drinking openly in front of fasting colleagues
Use designated areas where available
Maintain respectful tone and patience in communication
2. Adjust Operational Awareness
Schedule demanding discussions earlier in the day
Be mindful of energy levels
Offer flexibility where possible
3. Elevate Hospitality Thoughtfully
Luxury brands can reflect Ramadan values through:
Curated Suhoor and Iftar experiences
Thoughtful gifting aligned with generosity
Softer in-store ambience
Extended evening service hours
Warm greetings such as “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak”
Ramadan is not merely a commercial season - it is a cultural moment. Authenticity and sensitivity matter.
A Time for Reflection & Refinement
At its core, Ramadan is about self-reflection.
It is a month of:
Slowing down
Reassessing priorities
Strengthening family bonds
Increasing charitable giving
Practicing empathy
For many, it is a time of peaceful evenings, shared meals, quiet conversations, and spiritual clarity.
The values of Ramadan - respect, discipline, generosity, and compassion — resonate deeply within leadership and service excellence.
Why Cultural Intelligence Matters
In global luxury and retail environments, awareness of Ramadan is not optional - it is essential.
Understanding the rhythm of the month enables:
Better leadership
Stronger client relationships
Inclusive team cultures
Elevated service standards
Cultural intelligence remains one of the most powerful forms of professional refinement.
Ramadan is not simply about abstaining from food and drink. It is about refining behaviour, intention, and awareness.
Whether you are observing Ramadan or supporting those who are, may this month bring peace, patience, and meaningful human connection.
Ramadan Mubarak.
- The Luxury Learnings Team
Very nicely explained Pooja