Category · Culture
Culture
What foreign residents should know about living in a Muslim country that's also one of the world's most multicultural.
88%
Foreign-born population
Sat-Sun
Weekend
1-2days
Lunar-calendar slack
English
De-facto working language
Week 1
Learn basic greetings
As-salaam alaikum · shukran
Month 1
Dress norms by venue
Government offices · mosques
~ Feb–Mar
First Ramadan
Watch public-eating rules
Annual
Eid cycle rhythm
Eid Al Fitr · Al Adha
WarningNo public eating, drinking, or smoking during Ramadan daylight
Applies to everyone regardless of religion. Violations carry fines or warnings. Children, pregnant women, and patients are exempt from fasting but public-decorum rules still apply.
Info"Insha'allah" is not a confirmation
When a plan comes with "insha'allah", read it as "maybe / if granted". If you need certainty, re-confirm by email or phone the day before.
Business meeting
Are there Muslim attendees?
Yes, during Ramadan
No daytime meals or drinksSchedule around iftar
Yes, outside Ramadan
No pork, no alcoholHandshake as first greeting
No
Standard etiquetteRespect the multicultural setting