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What’s Ramadan Like in Bahrain?

Bahrain, being one of the many oil-rich countries in the Middle East, is also predominantly a Muslim nation. Therefore, it pays to know about the basics of Muslim culture if you’re planning on visiting this country anytime soon or in the future.

ALSO READ: 5 Tips when Travelling to the Middle East During Ramadan

This is particularly important if you happen (or plan) to visit during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Because as you can imagine, there are various customary events that only happen during Ramadan, and we shall take a look at them especially in the context of Bahrain in this post.

[GUIDE] What to Expect During Ramadan in Bahrain

A few things worth noting: During the month of Ramadan, Muslims wake up before sunrise to have “suhoor,” a pre-fast meal. After which, they no longer partake of any eating, drinking, smoking, and even chewing gum for the rest of the day. But when the sun sets, Muslims take part in a public meal known as “iftar”.

That being said, expats are not necessarily obliged to perform these rituals, but do note that food items and supplies will be scarce during this period so it’s important to take note a few things to be prepared for your stay during this time in Bahrain:

Most businesses and public offices will have shorter operating hours during this time (usually from 8am to 2 pm only).
Several shops won’t be open during the day, but will be open at night until early morning.
Also, food spots such as cafes and restaurants won’t be operational during the day.
Meanwhile, licensed restaurants will not be serving alcohol. Also, don’t expect these places to play music or offer entertainment during the whole month.

The following is a set of guidelines on how to behave during Ramadan:

Dress modestly and appropriately. Remember to cover up your shoulders and knees, especially for the ladies. Men are expected to wear long trousers and clothes with long sleeves when out in public.
Greet the people you get to cross paths with. Basic greetings such as “Ramadan Kareem” and “Ramadan Mubarak” speak of blessings and good will to the recipient.
Be willing to donate or share food, money, or clothes to charity. Organized charity work is promoted during Ramadan. Also, almsgiving is widely practised during this time, as well.
Be willing to accept invitations to iftar. Whether it be your host or a couple of friends from work, it’s a good social response to join Muslims at iftar where you can share good stories and experiences about Muslim culture, and to make new friends or connections.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or even chew gum in public. Understand that fasting is difficult as it is, and you wouldn’t want other people to give you mean looks when you fail to remember this.
Avoid public displays of affection such as hugging or kissing in public, even if you are with your spouse or lover, as this is deemed inappropriate in social settings in Muslim countries, more so during Ramadan.
Avoid using offensive words or gestures, or causing loud noise. As proper decorum and right conduct warrant this, speaking ill or acting offensively towards others, as well as creating a distraction are widely condemned during Ramadan.

The idea during Ramadan is for everyone to exercise respect and discipline towards the long-standing traditions of the people and the land. And while expats are not obliged to take part in any of these activities, knowing how to behave accordingly is a good first step to showing your respect towards the people and their beliefs.

Things to Know When Applying for Alcohol License in Qatar

As you know, being a country in the Middle East, Qatar also follows Islamic rules, and therefore has a unique set of rules and laws regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

As an expat, this is very important to understand, because the only way to purchase and consume alcohol in Qatar is by applying for a liquor permit. This permit is required to purchase several kinds of alcoholic beverages, but with discretion — as purchased liquor cannot be seen in public. Furthermore, a person can only purchase a certain amount of alcohol based on their monthly salary.

How to Apply for Alcohol License in Qatar

To know more about the guidelines and laws about alcohol in Qatar, continue to read below…

Laws Governing Alcohol Purchase and Consumption

It is illegal to import liquor into the country. All luggage is screened and inspected at the arrivals hall of Doha Airport.
Consuming alcohol in public or getting drunk is considered an offense. Those who will be caught doing either of these can be subject to deportation, fine, or imprisonment, whereas corporal punishment may be given to Muslims caught violating this law.
Transporting alcohol within the country is also prohibited, except for bringing it home after purchasing from the warehouse on the same day it was bought.
Offering alcohol to Muslims and minors is considered a crime.
Unauthorized selling or donating and sharing of alcohol is also not allowed.
OFWs based in Qatar can only get a hand on alcoholic beverages via a permit system. Licensed restaurants and hotels may sell alcohol to non-Muslim adult customers in restricted areas.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime punishable by law in Qatar. If caught by authorities, the violator may be detained for a month up to 3 years or be given a hefty fine or both. The offender may also be subject to deportation depending on the severity of the case. Those with existing charges under this law will not be allowed to leave the country until the case has been resolved.

Applying for an Alcohol Permit

The Qatar Distribution Company issues alcohol permits and application forms can be requested and filed in their shop. However, in order to enter the shop, a permit will be required. To file an application for the permit, you should provide a written letter which must be signed and stamped by an authorized person within your company or by your employer, and addressed to the Qatar Ditribution Company with the following information:

Your current position in the company
Your current basic salary. The minimum basic salary to be issued a permit is QAR 4,000 (or about USD 1,100).
Your place of accommodation, whether rented or freely sponsored
Your place of marriage (where applicable) and religion

Note: After filling out the application form, you will be required to settle a returnable deposit.

The following requirements may also be requested:

Your passport or any equivalent identification document (photocopy is accepted)
Your residence permit (photocopy is accepted).

As in the case of living elsewhere in the world, certain rules and specific customs have to be observed by both locals as well as foreign nationals living there. As expats, it is also our responsibility to know and follow these rules in order to avoid getting into trouble with the law.

[Guide] Applying for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

For the longest time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been among the top destinations for work among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and expats alike. This is due to the fact that the country has offered plenty of high-paying jobs across various sectors on top of tax-free revenue.

ALSO READ: Keeping an Employee’s Passport is Against the Law

And for those who are interested in working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it’s important to note that one of the first requirements that you need to secure is a working visa.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

Applying for a work visa is typically done through a recruitment agency as well as an employer. This means that even before you secure a visa, you will first have to look for an employer who can assist with the processing of your work papers, including your work visa before you could fly out to Saudi Arabia.

This being the case, interested applicants should always and only consider job orders posted by authorized recruitment agencies through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), so as not to fall victim to scammers and illegal recruiters.

Upon getting a job offer, it’s important to remember to review the content of your contract as well the documents provided in your “employment packet” which should include the job contract, medical report, embassy authorization memo, and other important documents.

Here are the following requirements you will need to secure when applying for a work visa in Saudi Arabia:

A duly filled out Visa Application Form
A valid passport (validity must be at least two years)
Two (2) pieces of identical passport photos (4×6 cm, must be in white background)
A letter from your sponsor/employer in Saudi Arabia
A copy of the employment contract (must bear both the signature of the employer and the applicant)
Transcript of Records (must be certified/ notarized by the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Consulate of Saudi Embassy)
Medical Certificate (bearing the dry seal of a hospital accredited by the Consulate of Saudi Arabia)
Training Certificate (for skilled or technical workers)
OMA Certificate (for Muslim workers)
Driver’s License (for all drivers)
NBI Clearance
PRC License (where applicable)
Additional: Release Letter (for those who have previously worked in Saudi Arabia).

Note: The working visa fee costs PHP 850. And as mentioned earlier, since your visa application will be processed in coordination with your recruitment agency as well as your prospective employer, make sure to follow all instructions and requirements such as the medical examinations, which should be performed at any hospital or clinic accredited by the Saudi Embassy.

Other Important Visa Application Reminders:

The minimum age for work application in Saudi Arabia is 18 years old while the maximum age for work application is 55 years old. However, a sponsor/employer may still opt to hire someone beyond the age of 55, as long as they are able to secure a special permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For anyone who is interested in working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, be sure to review and understand all the requirements and be sure to check the background of your recruitment agency so as to avoid being duped or taken advantage of while overseas.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this article is published for information-sharing purposes only. To know more about the specifics of working and applying for a work visa in Saudi Arabia, you may visit the official websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Ministry of Labour and Social Development.

Qatar Do’s and Don’ts

They say the best way to show respect to another person or group is not to be simply accepting of their customs and traditions, but to also do what they do on regular days, most especially when you’ve decided to live in their country – whether for work or other personal reasons.

ALSO READ: Things to Avoid and Social Media Etiquette in Qatar

That being said, our focus will be on Qatar, which you may know by now is a Muslim country located in the Middle East. You might want to hold onto some of the things you may have heard about Muslim culture, but keep an open mind to learn a new thing or two, if not a lot from this brief post.

[Guide] Social Etiquette in Qatar

The main thing here is to exercise respect and understanding as to why certain groups of people or individuals act or behave the way they do. As we know, each of us has unique personalities, habits, temperaments, as well as beliefs. In order to understand our Qatari brothers better, here is a short list of the things to do and avoid (especially in public):

Things to Do:

Generally speaking, any form of courtesy is a sign of respect anywhere in the world. Greet people and address them accordingly when engaging them in conversation.
Dress modestly and cover up especially in public areas such as marketplaces, souqs, as well as worship temples or mosques.
Take cabs such as Karwa, Al Million and Alijarah turquoise taxis, which are safe, clean, and metered when getting around the city. Majority of the drivers can speak English. Also when booking a taxi by phone, be sure to allot ample time as there can be delays to the pick-up and arrival.
Haggling in shops and at souqs or marketplaces is common across the region. Remember to counter an item’s original price below the amount for which you are willing to spend and slowly work your way to this amount.
Pay attention to separate counters and sections designated for women in banks and utilities.
Take in the Qatari nightlife as it is one of the safest places in the world. During the summer and Ramadan, it’s common to see people around town up until the early hours in the morning.
Remember to drink lots of water and other beverages, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius. You will need to drink at least two litres a day under this kind of temperature. Deep yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.
Also, remember to apply sunblock on all exposed skin throughout the year. Wear closed footwear, as well. Children and fair-skinned people also need a hat or cap.

Things to Avoid:

Do not look or stare intently at people no matter how fascinated you are with their clothing. This is considered rude in a society where dressing up modestly and behaving conservatively is mandatory.
Do not ask an Arab lady for directions if you are a man. Take note that some Arab ladies are private people in public places. Since they are more than willing to help other women, if you are in a mixed group, it’s best to have the ladies do the talking.
Do not take it personally if a Muslim refuses to accept your handshake. This is mostly common among Muslims of the opposite sex. This is considered a religious prohibition rather than a personal preference.
Do not take photographs of other people especially Muslims (as well as the police or armed forces) and sensitive locations without asking for consent.
Do not use your left hand when feeding among Muslims. The right hand must be used for feeding because the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene.
Do not sit with the soles of your feet facing towards your Qatari hosts as this is considered an insult. Also, do not sit with your back facing other guests.
Do not drink too much alcohol that your behaviour would be affected in public. Consumption of alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated, and there is zero tolerance for drunkenness, rowdy behaviour, and most especially drunk driving.
Do not walk barefoot at the beach or while swimming at sea as you may step on a poisonous stonefish hiding underneath the sand. Also, watch out for jellyfish attacks, particularly during the summer months.

This simple guide should help you maximize your experience while exploring Qatar, or even as a resident living in the country. There is still much to be discovered that only you can find out for yourself as you begin to see life through the eyes of the locals and other expats living in Qatar. But the most important thing is to exercise respect for the people and their culture.

Things to Avoid and Social Media Etiquette in Qatar

In many parts of the world, we learn that various rules and regulations apply concerning behaviour and social conduct. And as the world moves progressively forward, we should also understand that values such as respect and tolerance of one another must still prevail amid the bold changes that come with the modern ages.

ALSO READ: Social Media Usage in UAE – Penalties and Fines

And being an Islamic nation, Qatar is one of those countries that strictly adhere to the principles and teachings of their religion as seen in their culture and way of life. Understanding these things is an important step in living harmoniously with the people, who come from various walks of life, convictions and principles.

Social Media in Qatar: Things to Avoid

And as connectivity has become a way of life for many of us, those who wish to build a life in Qatar, or any country in the Middle East, for that matter, must understand that there are certain laws that apply as to how people can share information over social media or through the internet.

To help us understand the specifics of what this entails, continue to read on below:

With the signing of an Emirati law that protects the citizens from being attacked and abused online, it’s important that we become acquainted of the law’s provisions and what this means for us as residents of Qatar, as well:

On spreading fake news:

Content that would pose a threat to national safety, sovereignty of the state, public order, as well as international peace shared over the internet may be fined by up to QAR 500,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of three years’ imprisonment.

On sharing or creating pornographic content:

Any media or material containing pornographic content involving a child shared over the internet may be fined by up to QAR 500,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of five years’ prison term.

On violation of social values and principles:

Posting materials with information of another private entity such as news, pictures, or videos, and their family member(s) without their consent may be fined by up to QAR 100,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of three years’ imprisonment.

On slander or threatening a person online:

Any form of malicious attacks on a person’s privacy and dignity online in the form of blackmailing, bullying, or sending threats in exchange for a favour may be fined by up to QAR 100,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of three years’ prison term.

It’s imperative that we exercise discipline and critical thinking whenever we use social media, even if we only choose to express our personal opinions to a certain group of people or audience.

And since the use of information technology and social media in countries such as Qatar among others is sanctioned by the state, everyone should treat this as a privilege and to exercise conscientious decision-making at all times to avoid getting into trouble with the law.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

[GUIDE] Riding Public Buses in Bahrain Using a GO Card

When visiting a country such as Bahrain for the first time, one of the first things you need to figure out (especially when you’re on a budget) is how to use the city’s public transportation (e.g. buses and trains), if there’s any.

The good thing is, many countries have invested in their public transport system, and many are already using automated or electronic transactions for payment and fare pricing. And when you’re in Bahrain, you’d realize that the country is not any different from those with this kind of system, since they have the GO Card for public bus use.

How to Use a GO Card to Ride Public Buses in Bahrain

If you’ve never heard or seen a GO Card before, it’s basically a stored value card that you can use to ride public buses in Bahrain. To use the GO card, all you have to do is to check-in through the machines on-board, and the exact fare amount will be deducted automatically from your credit.

As you can imagine, this makes boarding and getting a ride much more convenient since all you have to do is to tap your card on the electronic card reader as you board the bus, wait for the machine to charge you a base fare of 250 fils for a single journey ride, and find a comfortable seat for the trip.

Also, take note that once your total fare reaches the daily cap of 600 fils, you will no longer be required to pay extra for the rest of the day.

If you’re planning to stay on longer in the country, you might want to get a Monthly Pass instead. This is worth BD 14, and it will allow you to travel as many times as you want for a month. This would prove to be a good investment if you plan to take the bus every day, say, for work, among others.

Of course, a good question you’d probably have in your mind right now is where to buy/reload GO Cards.

You can get your GO card at any of the ticket offices in Manama, Muharraq, as well as in Isa Town.

Alternatively, you can purchase GO cards at ticket vending machines located in bus terminals or at the Bahrain International Airport and the University of Bahrain.

The first time you purchase a GO card, it would cost you 500 fils. After that, you can top up your credits with any amount, up to a maximum of BD 50. Similarly, you can reload your card at any of the provided options where you can buy a card as mentioned above.

With a GO Card, you can:

Conveniently take public buses, find a sure seat, and reach your destination comfortably.
Forget about carrying the exact change to pay for your fare.
Easily transfer from one bus to another and save money, since “end-to-end” trips cost less.

To find out more about GO cards, bus routes and schedules, and road updates, you can check out the Bahrain Public Transport website.

Depending on your travel itinerary and length of stay in the country, you can take advantage of the city’s public transportation system – and a good way to start is be getting a GO Card to take care of your payment transactions.

[GUIDE] Understanding the Dress Code in Qatar

First and foremost, for anyone who plans to visit any Muslim country, such as Qatar and other countries in the Middle East, you have to recognize that Islamic laws and Muslim culture are very conservative. This easily translates to the people’s way of thinking, behaviour, and even dressing up in public.

ALSO READ: Qatar Do’s and Don’ts

On that note, we must all learn to respect the locals’ values and culture, so as not to cause any form of misunderstanding, or worse — even, get into trouble with the law. Yes, this could really happen so beware!

[Culture] Respect the Qatari People’s Dress Code

Figuring out what’s allowed and what isn’t is quite simple, since the government has consciously launched initiatives on a regular basis to help other nationalities and tourists understand the local culture, and also to guide them accordingly.

For a time, the government even had a slogan which said, ‘Reflect your Respect’ in an effort to educate tourists on what types of clothing are allowed and those that are not.

Under the campaign of Qatar’s Islamic Culture Centre, leaflets that share the message: “If you are in Qatar, you are one of us. Help us preserve Qatar’s culture and values; please dress modestly in public places” were distributed to foreigners and tourists to help them become aware of the dress code.

The campaign, which had been launched in 2014, has taken on various forms and approach in instilling the acceptable way of dressing up in the country.

Understanding the Dress Code Based on the Law

Despite being a country of multinational colours, Article 57 of Qatari Law clearly stipulates that compliance with the laws issued by Public Authorities, abiding by the requirements of public order and public decorum, as well as the observance of national traditions and deep-rooted customs are duties of everyone residing in the State of Qatar or entering its territory.

And while some foreigners may view Qatari laws as too stringent, even oppressive to outsiders, it has always been this way since Qataris adhere to the Sharia law, and they do not wish for their children to become exposed to what they consider as immodest clothing.

Figuring out what is acceptable from what is not in terms of clothing is simply a matter of decency (meaning – the lesser skin revealed, the better).

With that, revealing clothes that expose the knees and shoulders such as short dresses, mini-skirts, cropped tops and sleeveless tops are not allowed for women. Also, women should try to avoid wearing tight-hugging clothes (even leggings/“jeggings”), as well as those that cover too little of the legs down to the knees. Needless to say, see-through clothes are out of the question.

On the other hand, men are also prohibited from wearing shorts (knees exposed), as well as vest tops that expose the chest.

If you’d like to avoid receiving unnecessary attention especially from the police, it would be best to comply with the dress code in the country.

To be on the safe side: Wear clothes with decent necklines and regular sleeves. Also, remember to keep your legs and knees covered.

As much as the locals make an effort to be warm and welcoming, tourists and expats are also expected to comply with the host nation’s laws and customs. This is a very important sign of respect, not only to the people but more importantly to their culture.

6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

For most of us living outside of the region, the Middle East can seem like an intimidating, dark place to visit at any point in our lives.

ALSO READ: 5 Tips when Travelling to the Middle East during Ramadan

But the fact is, many people from all over the world visit the Middle East for any number of reasons including family visits, business engagements, as well as heritage to religion. While some would just like to explore what the region has to offer; others target to work and relocate in the region, after realizing a single visit is just not enough to see the potential of what this amazing part of the world has to offer.

6 Tips for Traveling in the Middle East

So whether you’ve heard of harsh stories of political dissent, religious conflicts, human rights oppression, terrible climates, and outright cultural difference – many countries in the Middle East are great places to visit in their own right, what with the warmth of the people – many of whom are welcoming and more than happy to showcase their homelands to those who are willing to experience their culture and learn more about it.

And on that note, here are a few reminders and/or tips to take note of before your visit in any of the countries in the Middle East:

Each country has its own unique ‘colours’ and identity.

First up on this list, is that we have to dismiss the idea of the Middle East as one chunk of land with one culture that is all the same. Remember, there are several countries in the region with their own unique history, culture, and often, with their own religious practices (if not distinct variations to them), and languages as well.

Dress appropriately (if not more on the conservative side).

And while no two countries in the Middle East are one and the same, as a form of respect to their local culture, it’s important that we always keep in mind to dress conservatively. Of course, for non-Muslims, this does not mean wearing a hijab or abaya, or other specific types of clothing for men and women, but it does emphasize the need to cover up. For example, low-hanging jeans that slide down when you sit or bend over are definitely unacceptable for both men and women in the region, as do wearing sleeveless tops. Shorts, especially for women are out of the discussion, as well. While it may be hot, but these pieces of clothing will surely be frowned upon in terms of social expectations for dressing up, so we must be careful at all times an avoid committing these mistakes.

In relation to this, it would be good to note that women are not forced to cover up, as this still falls entirely on the woman’s discretion, and is often done as a form of respect for the local culture.

Do not refuse coffee.

This is especially true when you’re out shopping and are already queuing up to purchase a transaction, as refusing the offer is considered incredibly rude, almost forbidden throughout the Middle East. The simple offer is one of the many ways locals show their hospitality, especially to patrons and new guests.

Pork and Alcohol are off-limits!

This has much to do with Islamic laws which govern the land and the people. The tenets of Islam strictly forbid the preparation and consumption of pork, as well as the selling and consumption of alcohol, especially in public.

Therefore, do not be surprised to not find anything on your menu with these products in most eateries or restaurants in the region.

Do not be afraid to Haggle for your Purchases.

Visiting marketplaces and bazaars in the region can be tricky, especially for first-time visitors in the Middle East. Unlike in Western countries where people simply pay the prices set by the store, most if not all of the locals tend to get on a bit of haggling for the best price. This way of doing business in the region is also seen as a way of building social relations, and thus takes time.

Note: This skill is particularly useful not only for in-store shopping, but also for more practical matters like cab fares, among others.

Baksheesh is Expected.

For the uninitiated, there are certain money customs in the Middle East which seem to be similar in the West, but they are really not. Such is the case of baksheesh (or the Western counterpart of “tipping”). What’s quite strange about this practice in the Middle East is that anyone can ask for a tip for just about any kind of service, whether it was necessary or not. While in most parts of the Middle East, customers get to decide whether or not they want to tip, but tipping is almost expected by workers in the hospitality industry, including hotel maids, bellhops, valets, and restaurant staff. This is mainly due to the fact that these service jobs are typically low-paying, and that baksheesh make up a large portion of these workers’ income. Otherwise, for other services, there isn’t a need to tip everyone, especially if you didn’t like the service provided!

Travelling in the Middle East should be an exciting endeavour, so much so when you’re prepared to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of their culture, customs, as well as the local traditions of the people.

Visiting the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai

Visiting a different country is all about learning a new culture. By seeing other people’s way of life, we gain new experiences and expand our way of thinking.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Remember when Visiting the Middle East

When we mean to learn about a new culture, we should take into account all aspects of this experience, and that involves a whole lot of things: gaining insight of their language, foods, social customs, as well as their religion. As the UAE is composed of various emirates and embraces a number of nationalities, visiting this country is kind of like being everywhere in just one spot. So if you’re looking to make the best of your trip here, you should look closely at what the Emirati way of life is all about. And a good place to start is the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai.

Plan a Trip at the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai. The mosque has adopted an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, which practically welcomes all types of visitors of all faiths to experience and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, as well as learn about the local culture and Islam.

But don’t worry, as the place is welcoming to guests of all faith, respect is widely observed in this important landmark for the people of Dubai. So, remember to keep an open mind when visiting this place to maximize your stay in the UAE.

What to Expect

A 75-minute guided tour is offered by representatives from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which aims to offer visitors an opportunity to understand the Emirati way of life and religion.

During the tour, guests will gain valuable insights on Islamic holidays, rituals, traditions, customs, as well as cuisines. There is also much to be learned about the fasting month of Ramadan in this one-of-a-kind tour.

As the tour aims to have a welcoming and educational atmosphere, guests are also encouraged to ask questions, join the discussion, and take photos while inside the mosque. Guests can even try out a number of traditional Arabic light refreshments such as coffee, dates, and other varieties of food.

The tour is not only for adults, as there are special age-appropriate programs offered for children, as well. Along with this, guests are expected to act and dress appropriately. Traditional attire is available to borrow on-site. Women will be asked to wear a scarf over their head within the building premises, ensuring that their shoulders are well-covered.

Visiting the Jumairah Mosque

Members of the public can visit the mosque either in the morning or in the afternoon. Booking is not required but participants are expected to come at least 30 minutes before the session to register at the majlis just across the mosque.

The standard entrance fee into the mosque is AED 25 for both the morning and afternoon session. Children below 12 years are free of charge.

Mosque Visit Schedule:

The mosque is open for public visits daily except Fridays.

The morning tour begins at 10 am, and registration starts at 9:30 am.

The afternoon session begins at 2:00 pm, and registration starts at 1:30 pm.

And to make the trip more memorable, guests can drop by the gift shop inside the Jumeirah Mosque Majlis where they can shop for items such as traditional clothing for men and women, as well as for small gift items, trinkets, and choice souvenirs.

The gift shop is open daily (except Fridays) from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

To know more about the Jumeirah Mosque, you can check out their website here, or you may reach them through the following:

Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tel No: +971 4 353 6666

E-mail: https://[email protected]

Here is the Google Map Location of the Jumeirah Mosque:

Qasr Al Watan Presidential Library in Abu Dhabi: A Journey into the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has taken pride of its rich cultural history, diversity, and unique journey into getting where it is today.

As there are far too many beautiful places to visit in the country, visitors starting this year can list a new itinerary they can explore (perhaps) for the first time in the UAE with the opening of the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Library.

Here’s What You Need to Know about Qasr Al Watan Presidential Library in Abu Dhabi

With its recent opening last March 11^th, the Qasr Al Watan Library has become the latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s major cultural and tourism assets.

What’s also amazing about the grand public library, is the fact that it is housed in the centre of the Presidential Palace, which is now among the few open-to-public presidential palaces in the whole world. Wow!

If you’ve been to any countries in the Middle East and have seen their mosques, or important places of worship, you can expect that the Presidential Palace would not be any lower in terms of structural standard and quality.

Inside the palace, you will be welcomed into a library which features a whopping collection of at least 50,000 titles on different branches of science, as well as a wide range of literature regarding the UAE, which have all been curated for 35 years until now.

The library also provides access to reference materials on historical and geographic topics, as well as to the UAE’s social, political, cultural, and economic development of today.

Of note, guests can also get access to the government’s extensive collection of legislative material, official and historical documents, as well as on the history of the Middle East.

The library also offers an integrated reading experience, as materials are offered in both Arabic and English, as well as other languages.

Through a membership programme, members can borrow copied materials and other resources, for which titles can be found online on the Qasr Al Watan’s official website.

Other than the library, guests can go on a tour, dine, and purchase souvenir items at the Visitor Centre, as well as enjoy a light and sound show at the Presidential Palace.

The Palace is open daily, from 10 am to 8 pm. Guests can opt for a Garden Ticket only, which would allow you entry to the Palace Garden and Visitor Centre only, OR a Palace and Garden Ticket, for which you get additional access to the Main Palace, exhibits, public areas, and all zones within the premise.

Here are the ticket prices for each adult or junior visitor:

Garden Only Ticket: AED 25 (Adult) / AED 12 (Junior)
Palace and Garden Ticket: AED 60 (Adult) / AED 30 (Junior)

Moreover, guests can opt to upgrade their Palace and Garden Ticket with a Guided Tour, for an additional standard fee. Guided tours are directed every 30 minutes by an in-house Palace tour guide.

Prices are as follows:

Standard Guided Tour (English/Arabic): AED 30
Private Guided Tour (English/Arabic): AED 600

For more information on promotions and special offers, you may refer to the following information:

QASR AL WATAN

Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi
PO Box 128717
United Arab Emirates

Here is a Google Map location for your reference:

Contact Details

Tel No: +971 600 544442

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://qasralwatan.ae/

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Other than witnessing one of the UAE’s monumental landmark buildings, a trip to the Qasr Al Qatan Library will also give visitors an insight into the country’s rich historical and political heritage, that, in itself, is an experience surely not to be missed!