• A man prays at a mosque on the first day of Ramadan in Tunis. Tunisia is set to mark its second Ramadan of the pandemic. Reuters
    A man prays at a mosque on the first day of Ramadan in Tunis. Tunisia is set to mark its second Ramadan of the pandemic. Reuters
  • A Tunisian vendor, wearing a protective mask, weighs vegetables at a stall, during the first day of Ramadan, in 2020. Ramadan will most likely start on April 12, 2021, but the final date has not yet been confirmed. AFP
    A Tunisian vendor, wearing a protective mask, weighs vegetables at a stall, during the first day of Ramadan, in 2020. Ramadan will most likely start on April 12, 2021, but the final date has not yet been confirmed. AFP
  • A deserted alley near the Zitouna mosque in Tunis, on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Unlike last year, when Tunisia was in complete lockdown for Ramadan, this year restrictions have been eased. AFP
    A deserted alley near the Zitouna mosque in Tunis, on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Unlike last year, when Tunisia was in complete lockdown for Ramadan, this year restrictions have been eased. AFP
  • Shoppers at the central market in Tunis. Tunisia is a more secular Muslim country, and the spectrum of Ramadan observance varies widely. AFP
    Shoppers at the central market in Tunis. Tunisia is a more secular Muslim country, and the spectrum of Ramadan observance varies widely. AFP
  • Volunteers distribute free Iftar meals on May 7, 2020 in Ariana, near Tunis, during Ramadan. AFP
    Volunteers distribute free Iftar meals on May 7, 2020 in Ariana, near Tunis, during Ramadan. AFP
  • Government offices operate from morning until noon during Ramadan in Tunisia, and many businesses shift their working hours to be open late in the evening. AFP
    Government offices operate from morning until noon during Ramadan in Tunisia, and many businesses shift their working hours to be open late in the evening. AFP

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

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

How tumultuous protests grew
  • A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
  • Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved 
  • Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
  • At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
  • Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars 
  • Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
  • An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital 
Gifts exchanged
  • King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
  • Queen Camilla -  Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
  • Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
  • Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eamana%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Farra%20and%20Ziad%20Aboujeb%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERegulator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDFSA%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinancial%20services%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E85%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESelf-funded%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The Meg
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Starring:   
Two stars

Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

A cheaper choice

Vanuatu: $130,000

Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.

Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.

Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.

Benefits:  No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.

Quick%20facts
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
Remaining fixtures

Third-place-play-off: Portugal v Mexico, 4pm on Sunday

Final: Chile v Germany, 10pm on Sunday

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Kill%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nikhil%20Nagesh%20Bhat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Lakshya%2C%20Tanya%20Maniktala%2C%20Ashish%20Vidyarthi%2C%20Harsh%20Chhaya%2C%20Raghav%20Juyal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A