U.S., British Troops Warned to Follow Strict Saudi Rules on Ramadan

DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia â€”  American and British commanders Friday warned soldiers not to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight when the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan begins Sunday.

“Guests in the kingdom are expected to be aware of Ramadan, respect the feelings of fasting people and conduct themselves accordingly,� said a memorandum issued to U.S. personnel by the Central Command in Riyadh.

The memo warned personnel not to publicly eat, smoke or drink anything, even water and coffee, and even when inside cars, after the fasting month begins.

The fast will end 28 days later when a crescent moon is sighted, signaling the beginning of a three-day feast called Eid al Fitr.

Britain’s Royal Air Force counseled its officers to be especially aware of Muslim feelings during Ramadan and even warned of possible extra dangers they might face on the roads.

“All personnel should be aware of the effects of fasting: in particular, driving tends to become erratic, especially in the late afternoon period!� warned Group Capt. C.R. Spink, commander of the British Royal Air Force detachment in Dhahran.

Muslim drivers sometimes cause accidents because they are hurrying to get home in time for dusk, when the fast is broken with an evening meal.

Spink, in routine orders to officers, also warned women in the air force that the standard advice to wear long, loose clothing in Saudi Arabia “may not suffice� during Ramadan: They should also carry a scarf to cover their hair if necessary.

For non-Muslims, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is an austere experience. Restaurants close during the day. Office hours are curtailed. Life slows down, and fasting workers can get short-tempered from lack of food and drink during the day. To avaoid these problems, many foreigners leave the country on vacation.