WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN VISITING THE MALDIVES DURING RAMADAN?

Ramadan falls in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar which in 2026 begins on the 18th February. Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, smoking and other physical needs during daylight hours. It is not just a time to purify the soul and refocus attention on God. It is a time of reflection and consideration to give thanks for what you have in your life. It is also an important time to think of others and perform good deeds. This observance is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.

Guests visiting Maldives’ resorts during the holy month are unlikely to be ‘inconvenienced’ by Ramadan, however, for those visiting local islands the following will assist you to make the most of your holiday and plan accordingly.

• Local cafes and restaurants are closed during daylight hours until sunset at approx. 18:15.
• Guesthouses and hotels that have in house restaurants however, offer food and beverages to both in house and non resident guests. In Male , Seahouse, Barcello, Seagull, Hotel Jen and at the airport Hulhule Airport Hotel discreetly serve tourists and expartitaes.
• Cafés and restaurants can stay open until 3am. Shops must close at 1am before reopening at 5:30am. The extended hours remain in effect for the first seven days of Shawwal which immediately follow EID.
• Public bus and ferry services do not operate between 17:30 and 19:00. Some ferry and speedboat timetables may change to take this into account and ensure their crew are able to break fast and attend prayers.
• Public service companies such as banks and the post office open only between 09:00-13:00.
• Most shops close at 18:00 for Iftar and Taravees prayer and re-open between 20:30 and 21:00.

The first day of Ramadan is always given a public holiday, so make sure you check the ferry and public speedboat timetable as services may be altered if you are planning to travel on this day.

Whilst there are no rules and regulations for non-Muslims in the Maldives during Ramadan, it is courteous and respectful to refrain from consuming food and drink and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Respecting local customs  such as this during Ramadan is essential for ethical travel as it demonstrates cultural sensitivity, fosters mutual understanding, and promotes a positive exchange that values and honors the traditions of the host community.

This year the Ministry of Tourism and Environment issued a statement urging service providers on inhabited islands to ensure that food and drink services for tourists are arranged out of public view, and in a manner that respects Islamic traditions. The ministry asked that tourists be informed of expected conduct during Ramadan and called on councils to monitor compliance. “We urge all those providing services to tourists on inhabited islands during the blessed month of Ramadan to pay special attention to these matters, and for councils to be vigilant,” the statement said.

In general it a period of time when life on local islands during the day is quieter and the pace of life a lot slower, but isn’t that what holidays are about?

Whilst some may find visiting the Maldives a challenge during this time for others it provides the perfect opportunity to gain a unique insight into the faith and culture of maldives.