Calm and peaceful but yet so elegantly festive. That sums up the mood of non-Muslims in the UAE as the nation embraces a spiritual mode marking the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Holy Month is that period of time when fasting, prayer, charity and all such great human values get added significance.

For the non-Muslims, the month offers a golden opportunity to have a taste of rich Arab hospitality, culture and heritage.

The spirit of unity that binds the varied nationalities during Ramadan undoubtedly adds glitter to the country's glory.

The Gulf Today spoke to a group of non-Muslims about their attitude during the month.

Chandrima Chatterjee This is my first year of experiencing Ramadan in the most beautiful city in the world - Dubai! What is most inspiring is that it blends sacrifice with celebration and unites people towards a common goal of discipline and compassion for others. My children are learning the importance of tolerance and the spirit of giving at a very young age through this Holy Month of Ramadan.

Ajay Jha On the first day of my first Ramadan in Dubai, I walked into a prominent shopping mall and the food court was put under screens with boards written boldly that only non-Muslims and children are allowed as also not to take out food or eat anywhere else inside the mall. Hats off to the UAE authorities for this liberty. As a non-Muslim, all that is expected is to respect local sentiments.

Johan D'souza I was raised in this city, and have fond memories of Iftar with my Muslim friends and their families. Not just for the feast, but more for the unity that comes about after a diligent and sincere duration of observing fast. The city somehow begins to take on a completely different shade - as you look around, you automatically begin to tune in to the spirit of the city, as it develops itself into something more righteous and reverential. I feel the nobility to withdraw from one's daily routines to food and water particularly, extremely venerable. The very mindfulness this special month offers is meaningful in every sense. I have had the privilege to be here, and witness with such close proximity the essence of Ramadan, and feel nothing less than honoured.

Sheila Tobias Respect is key. Ramadan or not, I believe that expats should respect the beliefs and traditions of the host country. In addition to reading the rules, we also have to be sensitive enough to be able to gauge what we can do or not. For example, in some offices, even if fasting colleagues do not mind if you eat in front of them, we do want them to see us happily munching chips or smell a freshly brewed coffee on your desk - we can do that in the pantry. We also need to be mindful of what we wear - cover up for a month. Be modest. Even on social media, be mindful as there are those who are fasting and scrolling Instagram too.

Valentine J.Antony Living in Dubai for the past 13 years, I have observed this time to be one of the most exciting as it is this time of the year where we notice the most eventful places of the city so calm and peaceful but yet so elegantly festive. This season surely brings in some rare advantages with it. As this is the time I love shopping and there is no limit on the exciting deals, activities and the late night outings of festive food and fun with our loved ones. It also gives us an opportunity for us to learn about the rich Arab hospitality, culture and heritage. This is the season for great city tour as the landmarks of the city can be experienced and enjoyed without any rush. It is one occasion to be loved, celebrated and be cherished upon with friends and family.

Nayanatara Jacob: My knowledge about Ramadan is limited to what I've learned in school, been told by my friends or read/heard about on various forms of mass media. Something we all know is that Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn till dusk. During Ramadan, whether one practices Islam or not, you learn to be patient and wait till one gets home to consume something, to try to get some insight into the Holy Month and Islam as a whole. And, of course, the added bonuses are schools and work places end early and great food is served at Iftar. Ramadan Kareem! Clement Dean I've been living in the UAE for the last 35 years and was in fact born in this wonderful country and have had the privilege to see it grow and develop to what it is today.

Having said that, Dubai is such a diverse hub with different cultures and ethnicities where people of many religions come together. What this has taught us over the course of time is to listen, observe and understand, but most importantly, respect each other's' religion.

We all would agree that we love Ramadan season as we get to leave work early, there are various Ramadan promotions and sales which come along each year for shoppers, but what I personally also love is that it's the best time to experience Arabic hospitality and join friends in Iftar or Suhoor.

Ramadan is also a time of giving back, hence we do often try to contribute in charity events or simply do a good deed in our own little way.

y message to all is to respect those who are fasting by taking their food discreetly in closed-off areas and be patient and respectful with those fasting.

Disha Bhatia Ramadan is the time where we, non-Muslims, also learn to be patient and spiritual by observing the Muslim community. The Holy Month unites people from all religions as they gather together during Iftar. It's during Ramadan when we understand the greater outlook beyond fasting (ie) the importance of giving to the ones in need without expectations. This inculcates a sense of peace and harmony within ourselves.

Source :WAM