We do not celebrate birthdays the way they do in western countries anyway, but especially during Ramadan you will notice hardly any celebrations at all, whether for birthdays or weddings other than iftar events, of course. Even bars and clubs curtail loud music and (sometimes) alcohol during the holy month. I believe this is a sign of respect to the modesty of our culture and our religious values. It also encourages more locals to go out, because they know there won't be alcohol out in the open.
This voluntary birthday-party ban is equal opportunity. Thanks to our lunar calendar, Ramadan rotates every year. In two years my August 9 birthday falls during the holy month, which means no celebration for my 32nd year on Earth. My next birthday during Ramadan? In 2043; I'll be 64 then, insh'allah.
