Ramadan 2021 in Tunisia: Everything you need to know about the holy month during Covid-19


Erin Clare Brown
  • English
  • Arabic

Muslims in Tunisia are preparing to observe Ramadan for a second time during the coronavirus pandemic.

But unlike last year, when Tunisia was under complete lockdown for the holy month, this year restrictions have been eased and for many Tunisians daily life has almost returned to normal.

Health experts in the country warned, however, that a dangerous third wave of the virus was coming as cases of the UK Covid-19 variant surge. The outbreak may be accelerated by large gatherings for iftars, prayers at mosques, and celebrations.

The country's curfew will remain from 10 pm to 5 am throughout the holy month, as Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi  urged Tunisians to be more vigilant about physical distancing and wearing masks.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ramadan 2021:

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. It is also believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Many Muslims in Tunisia fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month. For those who do not fast, Ramadan is still a time for family and enjoying the evening iftar meal together.

As well as abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran.

When does Ramadan begin?

Ramadan will most likely start on April 13, but the final date will be confirmed closer to the time.

While many countries follow Saudi Arabia’s lead on marking the start of the holy month, Tunisia relies on local astronomers at the historic Zitouna mosque in the medina, or old city, of Tunis.

The astronomers typically convene after sunset prayers on the 29th day of Sha’ban to look for the new crescent moon. If they spot it, Ramadan begins the following day. If not, Sha'ban will last 30 days and Ramadan will begin thereafter.

What are the Covid-19 rules in Tunisia during Ramadan?

Tunisia’s government has yet to outline specific restrictions around Ramadan but, with a third wave of Covid-19 infections looming, new restrictions could be put in place.

Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi said a complete lockdown was unlikely, as it would do little to stem the spread of infection.

Mosques are open, with no limit on capacity for worshippers.

The government has not put restrictions on gathering for group iftars speficially during Ramadan this year, but private and public gatherings remain banned.

Will restaurants in Tunisia be open during Ramadan?

Tunisia’s Ministry of Interior prohibits cafes from operating during fasting hours, but many operate clandestinely.

In areas popular with tourists or expats, more shops and restaurants are open during the day, though many close in the afternoon so people can prepare their iftar meals.

It is illegal to sell liquor during Ramadan in Tunisia, so many bars close for the month and grocery stores cordon off their alcohol selection.

What are the working hours in Tunisia during Ramadan? 

Government offices operate from morning until noon during the month of Ramadan, and many businesses shift their working hours to be open late in the evening.

Ramadan 2021 and Covid-19 restrictions: All you need to know by country

Ramadan 2021 in the UK
Ramadan 2021 in West Bank, Gaza and Israel

The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3

Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)

Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)

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The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

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1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:

  • 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
  • 150 tonnes to landfill
  • 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal

800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal

Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year

25 staff on site

 

The biog

Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi

Favourite TV show: That 70s Show

Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving

Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can

Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home

Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
'My Son'

Director: Christian Carion

Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis

Rating: 2/5

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

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  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

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Price: From Dh590,000

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