Experiencing Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: What to Expect

Because of the wide range of activities available during the month of Ramadan, religious tourism in Saudi Arabia is a truly unique experience. This trip is rich and special because it includes the two most significant cities for Muslims. For Muslims worldwide, Mecca is the most popular city for religious travel. The next city after it is Medinah.

These two cities are home to the most significant Islamic monuments from the time of Islam's founding. 

Mecca and Medinah are only two of Saudi Arabia's distinctive and significant locations. From Riyadh to Jeddah to Taif and the eastern region, most Saudi cities extend a warm welcome to you and promise you an experience that will last a lifetime.

The month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia offers many more things than any other country in the world, especially the opportunity to conduct Umrah in Mecca, the most sacred place for Muslims worldwide.

What Is Ramadan In Saudi Arabia?

As the most important month in terms of religion, Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijiri) calendar. Muslims are required to abstain from all food and liquids from sunrise to sunset, which is when the morning and evening prayers are held. Along with avoiding food and beverages, devotees are urged to enhance their charitable giving and engage in introspection.

In the same way that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast with water and a date, most people do the same before having a small meal.

In the same way that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast with water and a date, most people do the same before having a small meal.

Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijiri) calendar

When is Ramadan in 2025?

An expert-led moon sighting committee decides the precise date of Ramadan and it fluctuates somewhat every year.

Depending on the moon sighting, Ramadan is anticipated to start this year on Friday, February 28, or Saturday, March 1, 2025, and end of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, March 30, 2025, or Monday, March 31, 2025.

Is Ramadan a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is among the countries having the fewest public holidays around the world. The beginning of Ramadan is not a public holiday, in contrast to the practices of many other Islamic nations. It is a working day. In Saudi Arabia, the majority of businesses have regular hours of operation.

Ramadan Time In Saudi Arabia

Ramadan 2025 may start from February 28, 2025 and the first Ramadan in Saudi Arabia will be on Saturday, 1446 Hijri time.

The schedule for the Sehri and Iftars in the cities will be made public by Saudi Arabia's Ramadan calendar for 2025. Geographical variations cause these timeframes to differ between cities. Ramadan time in Riyadh and other major cities such as Makkah, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Khobar, Al Madina, Al Jubail, Al Khobar, Tabuk, Al Kharj, and Hofuf are quite similar. All of these cities observe Sehri at the same time as Fajar, while Iftar falls at the same time as Muslims break their fast at sunset during Maghrib prayer.

Ramadan time in Riyadh and other major cities are quite similar

Key of Traditions and Customs:

Traditional practices during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is highly spiritual, family-centered, and socially engaged. Some of the most prominent traditions include:

• Iftar Gatherings: As night begins to set in, families and communities sit to iftar, that meal that breaks one's fast. Arabic coffee and dates are typically served first, followed by a full meal. Most mosques and charitable centers distribute iftar meals for free.
• Taraweeh Prayers: The special night prayers are recited after the last obligatory prayer of the day. Mosques in Medina and Makkah get filled to capacity with supplicants eager to be spiritually satiated.
• Recitation of the Quran: The majority of people take a challenge to recite the whole of Quran in Ramadan, either individually or in group gatherings.
• Acts of Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Giving to the less fortunate is one of the basic aspects of Ramadan. People provide money, food, and garments to those in need.

Celebrations and festivals during Ramadan time in Saudi Arabia

Although Ramadan is a time of spiritual observance and fasting, it is also a time of celebration and socializing, marked by distinct gatherings and celebrations. Some of the most notable events are:

• Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree): This is considered to be the holiest night of the year, when it is believed that the Quran was first revealed. It is in the last ten days of Ramadan and is a time of intense prayer and worship.
• Cultural Night Markets: In Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam cities, night markets that sell decorations, sweets, handicrafts, and dates occur during Ramadan.
• The End of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia - Eid al-Fitr: The festival of joy that is Eid al-Fitr is celebrated when Ramadan finally reaches its end. The day is observed with a special prayer, followed by a sumptuous feast, visiting relatives, and gift distribution. Streets are decorated, and there is a wonderful feeling of togetherness in the air.

Respect The Hours Of Fasting In Saudi Arabia

Ramadan is the ninth month of fasting in Islam. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during the day. As a result, people can refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking midday. You need to observe these hours and refrain from eating even if you are a traveler. In order to fast during the holy month, many Muslims purchase Ramadan Umrah packages in the UK.

Don't eat or drink in public

Fasting in Saudi Arabia is not required, but you must avoid eating or drinking in public places during the day. Those who have chosen to fast for a set period of time or who are currently fasting may find this annoying. Most hotels and other establishments, however, would arrange their private areas to serve food and beverages.

Meal Timing

The meal served to break the fast at sunset is called iftar. It is customary to start with water and dates. You can get to know more folks and enjoy their hospitality if you are asked to an iftar dinner. Choose eateries that serve meals that people who do not fast eat all day long if you are hungry and want to dine out.

The meal served to break the fast at sunset is called iftar

Be Mindful Of Prayer Times

According to Islamic traditions, the kingdom holds five daily prayers, each at a different hour. During the holy month of Ramadan, when people fast, prayers are extremely essential. Business openings and closings may be delayed as a result of the five prayers. particularly during the fasting breakfast times of iftar and suhoor.

During these times of prayer, certain stores and companies may temporarily close. Breaks often last ten to fifteen minutes. Making plans for these breaks is also a smart idea, particularly while you are shopping or taking in the sights. Consider ordinary establishments and services, like banks and stores, which would shut down entirely during important prayers.

Throughout the whole lunar month of Ramadan, additional prayers known as Taraweeh prayers are offered at night. All mosques in Saudi Arabia do the isha (night) prayer before these prayers. Keep in mind that these prayers may require several hours. The mosque will be crowed at this time.

Best Places In Saudi Arabia For Religious Tourism During Ramadan

There are a lot of religious tourism attractions in Saudi Arabia, particularly in places where the Islamic call first emerged or was introduced and propagated.  The most significant of these locations will be discussed here, though it should be noted that Saudi Arabia has many more religious places than we will list:

The Holy Kaaba

Visiting Mecca during Ramadan is an especially memorable experience. All Muslims worldwide travel The Holy Kaaba because it is the most significant Islamic religious site. During the Hajj season, Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj, and throughout the rest of the year, they also perform Umrah there. The holy month of Ramadan is the most crucial time to do Umrah since it is during this time that spirituality is enhanced by being in this sacred location. 

The Prophet’s mosque

The second most significant site for Muslims worldwide is the Prophet's mosque. Because the religious legacy claims that prayer is doubled and has greater rewards during the month of Ramadan, some people choose to remain in Medina and worship at the Prophet's mosque every day. 

The Prophet's mosque is conveniently located near a wide variety of hotels, making transportation there quick and simple. Additionally, numerous well-known marketplaces in the surrounding areas will make visitors' stay in Medinsh comfortable and beautiful.

The second most significant site for Muslims worldwide is the Prophet's mosque

Quba Mosque

The Quba Mosque has the advantage of being the first mosque constructed in Islam. And there is a dreadful yet lovely sense when you visit this mosque. Together with his early companions, the prophet of Islam constructed this mosque. 

The Prophet's mosque is around 3.5 kilometers from Quba Mosque. The capacity of this magnificent old mosque has grown to accommodate over 20,000 worshippers following its modernization and enlargement.

The Quba Mosque has the advantage of being the first mosque constructed in Islam

Mada’in Saleh

Madain Saleh is the first Saudi Arabian site to be registered on the World Heritage List, having been added in 2008. One of the most significant Nabataean sites after their city, Petra, in Jordan, this location is around midway between Petra and Mecca.

City House Museum

The Dar Al-Madina museum is located in Medinah, and it contains treasures from the history of Islam in that special spot that is dear to every Muslim.

The museum's extensive collection of artifacts conveys a vivid image of Medina's historical sites, particularly those related to its Islamic past.

The Dar Al-Madina museum is located in Medinah

Conclusion

Experience Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, when people fast, is such a valuable thing to do. Being kind to the natives and taking in the joyful atmosphere will teach you a lot about the kingdom. You can also comprehend the importance of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. Your vacation will be much more memorable if you decide to visit at this time.

To experience Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, travelers will need a visa. You can apply for an e-visa for tourism that allows stays of up to 90 days and is valid for multiple entries throughout the year. At Saudi Arabia Immigration Services, we provide a simplified, easy-to-use process with assistance at every stage. By guaranteeing that your application is correct and comprehensive, our platform reduces delays and increases the likelihood that it will be accepted. Apply for your e-visa with us now to begin your trip to Saudi Arabia with confidence!