Current Time in Garowe
Somali culture regarding time
Somali culture regarding time
Prayer time is the axis of the day
In Somalia, where many people believe in Islam, five prayers a day are the basis of time, and the rhythm of life is structured along these lines.
Life with awareness of sunrise and sunset
Because the daytime heat is intense, activity tends to be concentrated around sunrise and after dusk, and it is common for people to start early in the morning and settle down relatively early in the evening.
Emphasis on flexibility over official schedules
Although there is an official time setting, actual meeting times and starting times are relaxed, and it is not uncommon for events to start later than scheduled.
Somali values regarding time
Emphasis on relationships with people over time
There is a cultural background in which interpersonal relationships and harmony in human relationships are emphasized more than punctuality, and even a little lateness is not considered a problem.
Community-based sense of time
Life is centered on family and local community, and in many cases group activities and customs are followed rather than individual schedules.
Strong sense of coexistence with nature
Many livelihoods depend on nature, such as agriculture and fishing, so daily time may be adjusted according to the weather and seasonal cycles.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Somalia
Meeting and appointment times should be considered as a guideline
Meetings are not always held at the appointed time, and may start 30 minutes to an hour late. It is safe to have some leeway in your schedule.
Scheduling to avoid prayer times is necessary
When holding business meetings or going out, care should be taken to avoid overlapping with prayer times. Many stores and institutions may be temporarily closed during prayers.
Public transportation and government services also have a wide range of hours
There may be delays in transportation and long wait times for government procedures, so it is realistic to act without expecting things to proceed on time.
Interesting trivia about time in Somalia
Day and night activity is reversed during Ramadan
During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, people tend to become more active in the evenings and hold more meetings and events at night to avoid eating and drinking during the day.
The 12-hour system is the mainstream for local time notation
Many people perceive time in terms of morning and afternoon, and many rely on the position of the sun and their sense of nature rather than digital clocks.
There is a difference in the sense of time between urban and rural areas
While awareness of time is gradually increasing in urban areas, traditional ways of perceiving time are still deeply rooted in rural areas.