Ramadan Kareem!

"Ramadan Kareem': Blessed Ramadan is on everybody's lips these days and like every festive season, it brings a joyful flair with it. 

The moon- sighting committee of the UAE had gathered on Monday evening to sight the crescent moon and determine the exact beginning of Ramadan. It was announced that the holy month of fasting was to begin today, Tuesday. But Ramadan has been in the air already the last week. Lamps, crescent moons and green plants have been put out as decoration, the offering of Iftar buffets in restaurants don't know any limit, regulations and does and don'ts have been communicated at least for a week, opening times for authorities and school schedules are adjusted from today on. 

I enjoy thoroughly being guest in a country and have the roles changed: now I am in the minority and get to experience Ramadan in a society in which it is the norm. So I keenly look for any opportunity to wish "Ramadan Kareem", just as I like to wish and hear "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter" when I am celebrating these holidays. 

There are by the way nine catholic churches in Dubai with the oldest being established in 1967 (I am catholic, albeit not practicing). Other religions that are being practiced here In Dubai with their own places of worship are Hinduism (by far the biggest religious group after Muslims), Sikhism, Buddhism and even Judaism with a synagogue in Dubai.