Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Being aware of what to expect for Ramadan as an ex-pat living in Saudi Arabia is not only important for those who are not Muslims but even for Muslims like me coming from other countries who may find that there are huge differences in the way Ramadan is celebrated here compared to how the month passes in their home countries (this is very true for me coming from the UK at least). I thought it would be useful to collate some of the things that I have learned about Ramadan in Saudi Arabia over the last few years.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a month in the Islamic calendar, the 9th month to be precise. It has religious significance to Muslims all over the world since it was the month when the first revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was made. During this month, Muslims fast between dawn and dusk if they are able to and spend the month doing extra acts of worship such as reading the Quran and long prayers at night called tarawih prayers. Giving charity is a huge part of the month including feeding people less fortunate as is building bonds with family and community through gifting food and inviting others together to break the fast (iftar). You don't need to be Muslim to take part in some of these wonderful activities of course. Ramadan can be a time for anyone to reflect, give, and build the foundations for some great habits in life.

Ramadan is a Whole Vibe Here

This is something new to me coming from the UK, that we can celebrate loud and proud and hang the lights and banners out front of the house if we want to. Ramadan in Saudi is a festival in itself. I never had Ramadan decorations in the UK but here you can get everything from Ramadan decor to dinner sets to soft furnishings and of course everywhere gets lights, and stores advertise Ramadan deals so as you would expect, you really can't miss the fact that it is Ramadan here and it feels amazing to be a part of it. If you are able to get out at night and experience an area decorated for Ramadan or bustling with restaurants and cafes then it's worth the effort.

Changes in Shops and Services

Due to arriving in time for covid and lockdown Ramadans, I'm yet to see what is the norm for malls and restaurants, however, most malls and services, even hospitals will change their working hours and are likely to start later and finish early and then open again at night. Malls and restaurants will often open right through to 3 am or later (even the children's play facilities which always amuses me as someone who can't imagine anything less appealing than taking my three kids to Billy Beez at 2 am!). Check the opening times before you go so that you don't waste a trip.

Amazing Iftars

In the UK we used to feel blessed to get in one or two invites due to the long fasting hours. Here the fast is so much shorter than it was in the UK and Muslims and non-Muslims alike can enjoy amazing iftar options. Invites to people's homes or work and social club iftar parties are common. There are lavish iftar and suhoor buffets put on in hotels and restaurants. Some take-out restaurants will do iftar boxes which are super cute and have lots of little dishes like soup, salad, the main dessert, drink, coffee, and dates. Eating in a restaurant at iftar time you can usually expect that they will provide dates for breaking your fast. Saudi has a big family and picnic culture and people continue to meet and eat together in the evenings throughout Ramadan. Restaurants will likely be closed during daylight hours but open late, approximately 5pm until 2 am or even later and they get busy. Again, check timings and whether a booking is required during this time to avoid disappointment.

Changes to Working and School Hours

In many sectors, Muslims will have shorter working hours to support their fasts and school timings will change. Saudi is a very family-orientated place to live and these changes mean that the whole family can prioritize the extra worship and festivities of the month which is a really beautiful thing.

Etiquette and Empathy

An important point to consider is that eating and drinking in public during Ramadan are not permitted as far as I am aware, so be discreet and take this into account when planning your activities, particularly in hot weather. Also recognize that people are fasting in the hot weather and therefore make it easy for people, if some extra work can wait until after Ramadan for your Gardner or a supermarket attendant makes a mistake please, remember that kindness always goes a long way but could bring some much-needed relief during this month.

Gargee'an Celebration

This was something I had never heard of until I came to the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

I believe that this is a very old tradition specific to the eastern parts of the region intended to spread love and kindness. It is celebrated on the 15th night of Ramadan and children dress up and collect sweets from their neighbors and they may beat a drum or sing traditional songs.

What else have you noticed about Saudi during Ramadan? How has Ramadan been for you? Please let me know in the comments or over on Instagram, I would love to hear from you.