Lots of trouble getting this post on the blog, so sorry it is all out of order. At least I have in now in some form of english and the pictures are here now.
Our Iftar dinner and lecture held at the Heritage Village. Hosted by the journalist Ali Al Saloom, and several of his Emirates friends, we partook in a traditional Iftar dinner. Is was a very informative and enjoyable evening (except for the 3 hours sitting on the floor, & food that I had NO idea what it was) ok they told us but eew. These Posters are on display in the malls, and I found the translations quote interesting. 
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.So for the rest of us non-muslims, we must abide by the guidelines above "while in public" for it is actually illegal to eat, drink, chew gum, play joyful music, and show any form of PDA. Everything changes here, the business hours are shortened about 2-4 hours a day, and many businesses close from 1-8pm, then remain open until 1-2am. Most restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries all close during the day and only open again once fast (itfar) has been broken. Those that stay open to provide a service must blacken or drape the windows and partition the doors so for those fasting, they will not see others eating and drinking.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.So for the rest of us non-muslims, we must abide by the guidelines above "while in public" for it is actually illegal to eat, drink, chew gum, play joyful music, and show any form of PDA. Everything changes here, the business hours are shortened about 2-4 hours a day, and many businesses close from 1-8pm, then remain open until 1-2am. Most restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries all close during the day and only open again once fast (itfar) has been broken. Those that stay open to provide a service must blacken or drape the windows and partition the doors so for those fasting, they will not see others eating and drinking.
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