Oman removes Ramadan ban

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The Radisson SAS Hotel Muscat will be serving alcohol during Ramadan.

The Omani government has lifted its ban on alcohol consumption for the month of Ramadan, set to commence in mid-September.

Tourists staying at selected hotels will be permitted to consume alcohol after sunset between 7pm and 2am.

Christopher Pike, general manager of the Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat, said the move - which is happening for the first time - is expected to have a positive impact on business at hotels, as: "The vast proportion of leisure guests expects to be able to enjoy hard beverages during their vacations."

"I'm sure the Government's decision to ease previous restrictions has not been taken lightly, and I feel it is now in the hands of us hoteliers to act responsibly, and to prove that it was a wise decision and one which will only lead to positive results," commented Pike.

One such positive result could be Pike's prediction of additional beverage revenues, and an increase in room revenues, comprising both corporate and leisure guests.

Pike said the property's inclusion in the list of properties free to sell alcohol during the selected time period is, however, subject to further conditions. Service will be sanctioned at one restaurant, and will be limited to in-house guests, so the move is unlikely to require an increase in staffing from previous years.

Alain Briere, area director of marketing for Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, said a rise in international meetings taking place at the property is expected, which otherwise would have been held in another country.

"We are very pleased to see that the Omani authorities understand the needs for worldwide tourism development, and moreover we want to express that we fully respect the Holy month of Ramadan and shall make sure that serving alcohol is only obtainable in restricted areas and after sunset," he commented.

Briere added that the hotel, which opened in December last year plans to host Iftar, Suhour and Eid celebrations every night, and will also offer alcohol though room service . Other selected properties for the lifting of the ban include The Chedi Muscat and Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Good To Be Tolerant
Posted by AA, Mukalla, Yemen on Sunday 23 August 2009 at 13:17 UAE time


Sri, You said it! an unnecessary DISTRACTION and let life continue NORMALLY! then why do we need it at all, i believe tourists can live without it for the 10 days to 2 weeks duration of their stay in the region.... therefore it could as well be banned for the other 11 months of the year without affecting tourism and/or hotels' revenue.

Alcohol
Posted by NA, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 23 August 2009 at 12:41 UAE time


It is true that most western countries have allowed Muslims to practice their religion, but in having done so, they did not give up any of their religious values or beliefs. In Islam, alcohol is considered “The mother of sins”. It is known in the teaching of Islam that Allah cursed alcohol, the person who drinks it, sells it, carries it, and those involved in producing it or benefit from the money. When God curses the person who drinks alcohol, then imagine the public reaction when alcohol is allowed, and worst of all, in the holy month of Ramadan.

Ban lifted
Posted by Dutch, Bahrain on Sunday 23 August 2009 at 12:00 UAE time


This is clearly for foreigners, and being a foreigner myself in the GCC I wonder why can't we just respect the traditions and religion for 1 month year? Are we so dependant on alcohol?

2007 article????????
Posted by BNK on Sunday 23 August 2009 at 11:32 UAE time


I think AB readers are addicted to comment on anything, everything and no matter which date as well.

GENTLE MAN / WOMAN: THIS ARTICLE WAS FROM JULY 2007,

AB, HATS OFF TO YOU, SOME HOW YOU CREATE READERSHIP AMONG THE DESPERATE PEOPLE OF UAE.

GOOD JOB.

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