Here in the UAE, we are in the middle of Ramadan, the Holy month. As an expat you don’t get much choice about it, Islamic Country, therefore everywhere adheres. No exceptions.
What does it mean for your normal day, well we have shorter working hours, coffee shops, restaurants and cafes are shut until around7pm, there maybe a few open. Some of the smaller coffee shops maybe open, but any eating/ drinking has to be done completely out of sight of the public, so blacked out windows are the order of the day. Eating and Drinking is prohibited in any public place by ANY person during the period, unless working outdoors or exercising.
For me, the most striking part is the silence. The roads are quiet, you have less people around due to fasting, loud music is generally not acceptable – it is truly a remarkable noise, Silence – the crazy world of the Emirate is almost switched off for the month – that is until everyone has had Iftar – then it goes back to normal for a few hours each day.
Its just a shame its in July, the heat and humidity means you cant really enjoy the shorter hours or peace. Give it a couple of years, it will be in May and then much more enjoyable (beach time!)
Cycling is incredibly challenging in the heat at this time of year, added in the fact that you cannot guarantee that you can get water from a shop whilst out riding, makes it even more so. Worse is the fact that this is the off season – so you should be training more! It’s just not possible. The heat means anymore than 3hrs training is extremely dangerous, with exposure a real possibility.
Looking forward a bit, a new Team for next year is on the cards – more details as they are announced, just means I’m going to have to train properly (first time in 10yrs!) rather than just ride my bike.
And finally Le Tour de France is in full swing, absolutely cracking race, I believe in Team Sky after being around the British Cycling and the way of doing things, it’s just a shame that the rest of Europe is struggling to come to terms with a new world order. Doping is not the answer – hard work and different approaches are.
Life in the U.A.E and a bit of cycling 