Key facts for Mauritania
Christmas is not a business occasion in Mauritania.
How companies in Mauritania give year-end gifts
Mauritania is an Islamic Republic with an almost entirely Muslim population, and business gifting follows religious holidays. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha (Tabaski), are the occasions when gifts and greetings are exchanged, often sweets, tea, dates or practical household items. International companies, particularly in mining, fisheries and energy, may send New Year greetings to local partners, but Christmas-themed gifts are not appropriate. Tea plays a central role in hospitality, so quality tea makes a well-judged gift. Arabic is the official language and French remains common in business; bilingual cards are a safe choice. Gifts are given to known contacts and are best handed over personally. Alcohol is prohibited and must not be included. Allow ample time for customs clearance.
Gift occasions in Mauritania
Ramadan
hampers and sweets sent before or during Ramadan are common; avoid daytime food tastings
Eid al-Fitr
end of Ramadan; the most widely used occasion for client and staff gifts, often sweets, dates or hampers
Eid al-Adha
major family holiday; greetings and gifts to close contacts
New Year
neutral greetings for international partners
Good practice
- Tea is a well-received gift given its role in hospitality
- Use Arabic or French on cards
- Lead with New Year or 'Season's Greetings' wording rather than Christmas imagery
- Choose halal-friendly food: no alcohol-filled chocolates or gelatin-based sweets
- Order early: international courier transit plus customs clearance can take one to two weeks or more
Avoid
- Don't include alcohol or pork-derived ingredients
- Don't rely on Santa or nativity imagery for Muslim recipients
Design and wording
Use neutral 'Season's Greetings' or New Year designs; Christmas imagery suits only Christian or expatriate recipients.
Delivery to Mauritania
Ships from Poland by international courier; import duties and local VAT or sales taxes are normally charged on arrival and can be quoted in advance, and customs clearance adds time. Courier coverage outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou is limited. Alcohol is prohibited.
Planning dates for Mauritania
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Mauritania
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in Mauritania?
No. Christmas is not a public holiday in Mauritania.
Can we send chocolate gifts to Mauritania?
Usually yes, as a gift shipment by courier, but import duties and taxes may apply and customs can request product details. Allow extra time for customs clearance.
What gift suits Mauritanian partners?
Quality tea or a halal-friendly hamper, sent with neutral greetings for the New Year or, better, before Eid.