Ramadan in Saudi Arabia 2025: A Celebration of Faith and Traditions
Ramadan is around the corner, a month of great spiritual and cultural significance for Muslims around the world. During this holy month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs.
As the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is marked with spirituality and celebration. Although Muslims dedicate most of their time to prayer and worship, they observe the holy month with a unique blend of social and cultural practices.
Ramadan Preparations
Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is celebrated with prayer and devotion to Allah, charity, family gatherings, and delicious food. Saudis prepare for Ramadan well in advance, with each region having its own distinct customs and traditions.
The Supreme Court has urged Muslims in Saudi Arabia to sight the crescent moon signaling the arrival of Ramadan on Friday, February 28, 2025 (Shabaan 29, 1446 AH). Sighting the crescent moon on Friday evening means that Ramadan will start on March 1. If not seen, Ramadan will begin on March 2.
In an effort to avoid congestion in the Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah authorities will launch a shuttle bus service, starting on March 1, 2025, to make movement easier for visitors and worshippers during Ramadan.
Ramadan Spiritual Significance
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims engage in prayers and Quran reading, giving them the opportunity to experience spirituality, self-discipline and reflection.
Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, and obligatory for all adult Muslims in good health. The objective of fasting is not only to refrain from worldly pleasures, but also to foster empathy towards the less fortunate.
Charitable Work
Ramadan is also marked with charity, as people engage in charitable initiatives. In the light of this, Saudi Arabia encourages citizens to volunteer in charitable work through the National Volunteer portal.
One form of charity in Ramadan is hosting Iftar tables at mosques and community centers, where people contribute with dates, water, various dishes, and meals to complete the tables for those in need. This also breaks barriers and fosters community bonds.
New Rules for Iftar
In the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Iftar turns into grand banquets, featuring a diverse array of delicious dishes provided by charities and volunteers.
This Ramadan, Saudi authorities introduced new guidelines requiring low-calorie Iftar meals at the Grand Mosque to ensure a healthier fasting experience for people with chronic diseases. Under the new measures, 20% of meals from individual benefactors and 30% from charitable groups must cater to diabetics and those with chronic diseases.
Moreover, Saudi authorities directed Iftar Providers at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to add two items to the basic menu. In addition to dates, bread, yogurt, wrapped tissues and water, Iftar meal should include nuts, cupcakes, a pie, maamoul (a filled cookie), cream or stuffed dates.
Family Gatherings
During Ramadan, family and friends exchange visits and gather for Iftar and Suhoor, maintaining family bonds and celebrating the festive atmosphere of the holy month. Moreover, neighbors share their tables and delicious dishes, in a unique expression of generosity and hospitality.
Homes, streets, and public spaces are adorned with special decorations and lights for Ramadan, including lanterns and crescent moons. Furthermore, Ramadan enhances the spirit of togetherness with a variety of cultural events that take place during the month, and the Taraweeh night prayers.
Culinary Feast
Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Thus, Iftar is a significant meal that features a variety of traditional dishes showcasing the culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Although each Saudi region has its own traditions for Iftar, dates are a staple on every Saudi table, following the tradition of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) who broke his fast with dates and water. Being one of the world’s top producers, Saudi Arabia boasts some of the finest varieties of dates.
Saudi tables also feature some common items, including soup and Samboosa (a fried or baked stuffed pastry). Moreover, flavorful traditional dishes adorn Iftar tables, including Jareesh, Marqouq and meat stews. Traditional desserts, such as Kunafa, Qatayef, and Loqaimat, are among the most favorite delights in Ramadan.
In terms of beverages, Iftar in most Saudi regions starts with Zamzam water or Sobia. Meanwhile, Saudi coffee is an essential beverage during Ramadan, featuring daily on Iftar table across the Kingdom. This aromatic drink helps people regain their energy after a long day of fasting.
Before dawn, people have the Suhoor meal and drink a plenty of water. Suhoor is a main meal that is often delayed until just before dawn to help people maintain their physical health and energy while fasting.
One of the ancient traditions associated with Ramadan and Suhoor is Al-Musaharati, a person walking around neighborhoods beating a drum to wake people and remind them of Suhoor.
Ramadan Activities
Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is distinguished with unique vibes, as streets bustle with life after Iftar. Many restaurants and food courts provide diverse options for Iftar and Suhoor meals.
Furthermore, most cities host community-inspired events and activities during the holy month, most notably educational, comical, or business-focused events.
Moreover, the month offers a distinct opportunity for shopping, with night markets and festive stalls offering traditional souvenirs, clothing, and other items. Malls and markets also offer special discounts for Ramadan for a unique shopping experience.
