a. If the moon is sighted on 17 February, the first day of Ramadhan will be Wednesday 18 February 2026.
b. If the moon is not sighted on 17 February, the first day of Ramadhan will be Thursday 19 February 2026.
RAMADHAN CONSIDERATIONS
1. The following are some key considerations to keep in mind for good working practice during the month of Ramadhan:
a. Schedule meetings in the morning. Try to conduct meetings or calls earlier in the day to maximise productivity whilst being considerate to your client or colleagues daily routines whilst observing Ramadhan.
b. Avoid lunch and coffee meetings. While non-Muslims are not required to fast during Ramadhan, it’s culturally sensitive to refrain from eating or drinking in front of someone who is fasting. This includes turning down a drink if offered a Muslim colleague or client. Whilst in public, no food or drink should be consumed.
c. Provide a separate space for non-fasting colleagues to eat. Just as many restaurants and cafes have a separate area for those who are not fasting, you should provide a separate space in your office for non-fasting colleagues to eat. This way, you can enjoy your meal without tempting those who are observing Ramadhan.
d. Dress and behave modestly. During Ramadhan, it’s important to dress and behave modestly as a sign of respect for the holy month. Women should wear high necklines and avoid short skirts and shorts, and sleeveless attire. Playing loud music in public spaces should be avoided and it’s also considerate to wait for a Muslim colleague or client to initiate a handshake.
e. Extend greetings of the season. Take the opportunity to extend greetings of the season to your Muslim colleagues and clients during Ramadhan. Remember to wish ‘Ramadhan Mubarak’ to your network.
f. Join Iftars and Suhoors if asked. Being invited to attend an Ifar or Suhoor is an honour and a sign of trust and respect. Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast at the end of the day, while Suhoor is a pre-dawn meal consumed before starting the day's fast. These meals are often used by corporate professionals as an opportunity to build relationships and increase
awareness. If invited, be sure to accept and enjoy the experience.
1. The following are some key considerations to keep in mind for good working practice during the month of Ramadhan:
a. Schedule meetings in the morning. Try to conduct meetings or calls earlier in the day to maximise productivity whilst being considerate to your client or colleagues daily routines whilst observing Ramadhan.
b. Avoid lunch and coffee meetings. While non-Muslims are not required to fast during Ramadhan, it’s culturally sensitive to refrain from eating or drinking in front of someone who is fasting. This includes turning down a drink if offered a Muslim colleague or client. Whilst in public, no food or drink should be consumed.
c. Provide a separate space for non-fasting colleagues to eat. Just as many restaurants and cafes have a separate area for those who are not fasting, you should provide a separate space in your office for non-fasting colleagues to eat. This way, you can enjoy your meal without tempting those who are observing Ramadhan.
d. Dress and behave modestly. During Ramadhan, it’s important to dress and behave modestly as a sign of respect for the holy month. Women should wear high necklines and avoid short skirts and shorts, and sleeveless attire. Playing loud music in public spaces should be avoided and it’s also considerate to wait for a Muslim colleague or client to initiate a handshake.
e. Extend greetings of the season. Take the opportunity to extend greetings of the season to your Muslim colleagues and clients during Ramadhan. Remember to wish ‘Ramadhan Mubarak’ to your network.
f. Join Iftars and Suhoors if asked. Being invited to attend an Ifar or Suhoor is an honour and a sign of trust and respect. Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast at the end of the day, while Suhoor is a pre-dawn meal consumed before starting the day's fast. These meals are often used by corporate professionals as an opportunity to build relationships and increase
awareness. If invited, be sure to accept and enjoy the experience.
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
