Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (Offshore Operations).: Ramadhan: Its Background and Implications. Personnel Circular No. 008/87.

Qatar: Qatar General Petroleum Corporation,, 1987. Advice on how to behave during Ramadan Very scarce internal memo, dated 25 April 1987, written by personnel manager J. I. A. Al-Buainain and addressed to all expatriate employees and families. The document provides guidance for the corporation's non-Muslim employees on behaviour during Ramadan, providing a summary of the fast's origin and significance, its place in the Muslim calendar, Eid al Fitr, and emphasizing the respect and discretion required during it. The principal aim of the memo is to warn personnel that they should behave considerately and avoid causing offence: "As guests in the State of Qatar, the expatriate community must at all times respect the customs and expectations of their Hosts". The corporation raises special concerns about dress and behaviour: "During Ramadhan in particular the appearance of women in public places in sleeveless dresses, miniskirts, shorts and tight jeans should be avoided and men should be properly dressed". The document also advises employees to avoid ostentatious flouting of the fast in public: "All non-fasting persons should demonstrate the necessary courtesy in refraining from smoking, eating or drinking in public and in the presence of those who are fasting". It is suggested that greater sensitivity is needed from non-Muslims because "the month of Ramadhan, being essentially a spiritual exercise in endurance and self-discipline, imposes considerable physical strain on those who fast". Copy of typescript printed on 2 pages, rectos only, stapled at top left corner. Light creasing, otherwise in very good condition.