Ramadan Kareem

We are now pretty much in the middle of Ramadan out here and for all concerned it is fairly tedious. For the people fasting, (which means consuming no food or drink during daylight hours and then stuff yourself silly at nightime) I can see it must be particularly demanding this year as the event falls over the hotest time of the year. While pregnant ladies, the infirm and young children and a couple of special categories are exempt they are the few exceptions. Anyone of any background seen eating or drinking in public is liable for an instant £200 fine from the police. You have to feel a bit sorry for the building workers out in the heat all day though it is suspected they soak their face scarves in water at any opportunity to give a little respite.
For the rest of us it is difficult to find food and drink before darkness falls. All restaurants and cafes shut down and only in the Gulf hotel is there one rerstaurant open which is hidden away behind leather shutters to prevent any passing Muslim being offended or getting jealous. I had an 'All-Day' breakfast this morning just because I could. It is not served all-day but does take all day to consume - and why not as there is stuff all else to do in this period.
Even though the rules on clothing are more thoroughly enforced over Ramadan there is fortunately no ban on using the swimming pool so that is where I am heading next