5 tips for a memorable Ramadan

21/03/2024

Discover 5 Unique Ways to Experience Ramadan in the Middle East

21/03/2024

Monday 11th March 2024 marked the first day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar Hijri calendar, in which Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk. Ramadan is a time of worship, togetherness, and building good habits, and the most beloved month of the year for many.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia holds its unique charm and significance, as work slows down during the day and night time comes alive with prayers, socialising, and dining. Whether it’s your first Ramadan in the country or you’re a seasoned social butterfly, here are five quick tips to make this month both memorable and productive.

1. Ramadan is a month of friendships

Iftar, the sundown meal in which people come together to break their fast, is the most important time of day during this month. It’s a time to spend with family and friends, and to share a homemade meal or snack with your neighbours. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends if you’re new to the city. Share a packed meal with a neighbour or invite a colleague to a restaurant for iftar. It may spark a conversation and the beginning of a lasting friendship.

[Saudi women celebrating Suhor meal. file / Visit Saudi]

[Young volunteers from Al Ihsan Charity Association distributing Iftar packs to motorists at a traffic signal near City Walk. Virendra Saklani/Gulf News]
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2. Ramadan is a month of giving

This month brings the country’s largest donation campaigns and charity drives, as people come together to donate to different causes. Ramadan is also a time to reflect over which of our belongings continue to spark joy in our lives, and which ones could find a new home elsewhere. Donations can be monetary through platforms such as Ehsan, or items such as pre-loved clothes and toys through Kiswat Farah.

[Young volunteers from Al Ihsan Charity Association distributing Iftar packs to motorists at a traffic signal near City Walk. Virendra Saklani/Gulf News]

3. Ramadan is a month of using days productively

If you’re fasting, every task looks daunting and difficult without your usual dose of caffeine. It’s easy to postpone everything to after Iftar, or even after Ramadan. While this is tempting, it can lead to an overwhelming amount of work in the evening, in addition to the usual prayers and socialising. A far better option is to maintain good sleep hygiene, a wholesome pre-dawn meal or suhoor, and a slow but steady work day.

[Ramadan market in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia – Commercial scene / Ministry of Culture]

[Saudi man pouring Saudi Coffee for guest - File/ Arabian Business]
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4. Ramadan is a month of building sustainable habits

Just like working, it’s tempting to put off exercise, healthy eating or any other new or existing goals until the end of the month. Utilising empty pockets of time to read and learn is very doable, and cooler evenings make walks around your city’s parks and walkways easy and enjoyable. If you have an existing routine try your best to keep it in place, and if you’re looking for change then Ramadan is a wonderful time to begin.

[Saudi man pouring Saudi Coffee for guest – File/ Arabian Business]

5. Ramadan is a month of discovery

This month is the perfect time to explore Saudi Arabia’s unforgettable Ramadan vibes and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy Iftar at Bujairi Terrace or Albalad, Jeddah’s Historical District, or experience one of the many events at Ramadan Season.

[1 Ramadan Season Location. 2 Al Thuraya Dining Ramadan Iftar and Suhoor experience. 3.UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif. SPA]

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