Page 4 - Al-Rashed Newsletter May 19

R A M A D A N & S H I P P I N G
I N D U S T R Y

Ramadan is considered as the holy month for the Muslims and while we are at the close of the holy month
with just a few more days left for EID to set its foot upon the sight of the full moon.

The shipping industry in the Middle East comprises of more than 70% of the workforce as expats and
cultural awareness of your local area is mandatory for you to thrive in your local market and shipping
industry.

As we all know this is a month when Muslims are on fast from dawn to dusk and this is a period which can
have its impact personally and professionally for the majority of the population.

The reduced working hours during the Ramadan period is indeed a challenge and officially a race against
time with so much to do with so less time in hand. Personally, it has given me an insight on the importance
of time management and to distinguish the priorities at work and how to handle your mails basis
importance rather than the popular FIFO (First in First Out) basis which many follow during our usual
working days.

I may be late to include this write up as we are almost at the end of Ramadan, however any useful
information if delayed is still better than no information.

- Morning, the Best Time: Usually our Muslim friends would be lesser tired in the morning and they would
be able to give more focus on the meeting and hence always suggest you keep your paper works and
report for the latter part of the day and go ahead to meet people (if required)

- Avoid Eating and Drinking: Follow the law of the land you are in. Your beliefs matter but at the end of
the day, the land that hosts matters the most. If the rule says do not eat or drink in public, ensure that you
honour the rule. I would like to cite a personal experience during which I was offered coffee by a Muslim
client during our official meeting. To respect their culture and faith, in spite of his open-mindedness, he
offered to take me to the pantry so that I may appease my thirst, which I cordially refused. Always respect
all faiths and cultures- this makes an inclusive and global citizen.

- Greet People: It is customary to extend greetings of the season and in the corporate world, we always
ensure to gift our clients and business associates with gift baskets usually DATES, CHOCOLATES or
Traditional sweets. It is also appropriate to use RAMADAN GREETINGS as a signature in all your Emails.

- IFTARS & SUHOORS: Iftar is when the Muslims break their fast and Suhoor is when they have the first
meal of the day before Sunrise. Being invited for any one of them is a display of honour the Muslim friend
has bestowed upon you and NEVER avoid attending the same. Organizing an Iftar party with your
colleagues is a good idea to foster openness and as a team-bonding.