The Qatar Calendar House, collaborating with the Al-Ajari Scientific Center from Kuwait, has officially announced the start date for Ramadan 2025, confirming it will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This declaration is rooted in precise astronomical calculations conducted by specialists, aligning the lunar observations with the traditions of the region.
According to the joint statement released by the Qatar Calendar House and the Al-Ajari Scientific Center, the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan is expected to appear on the evening of February 28, at 3:45 AM Doha and Kuwait time, corresponding to 12:45 AM Universal Time. The potential sighting of the moon will allow the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to make the final determinations based on local sightings.
Engineer Faisal Al Ansari, Executive Director of the Qatar Calendar House, explained the significance of local observations, noting, "The legal decision... remains within the jurisdiction of the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.” This emphasizes the blend of scientific and traditional methods used to confirm the lunar calendar's progress.
Adding to the sense of community, the Crescent Sighting Committee has actively called on all Muslims residing within Qatar to participate in observing the crescent moon and to report their sightings to the Ministry headquarters located in Dafna. Upon the announcement, it became clear many neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, also intend to mark March 1 as the beginning of Ramadan, creating what has been described as "a unified start to Ramadan across much of the Arab world."
With the arrival of Ramadan, Qatar undergoes notable transformations. Supermarkets, shopping malls, and retail outlets initiate traditional promotions aimed at meeting the soaring demand for consumer goods. Major retailers roll out special offers on various household essentials and Ramadan-themed products.
Concurrently, the Qatari General Department of Endowments has announced it will establish numerous Ramadan tents and Iftar distribution points around the country, significantly broadening their reach and offerings from previous years. This annual tradition involves the distribution of Iftar meals to individuals fasting, fostering both community spirit and generosity during the holy month.
Ramadan life takes on its unique rhythm, beginning each day with Suhoor—the pre-dawn meal—and concluding with fast-breaking at sunset, traditionally signaled by the firing of the Ramadan cannon. This unique event draws crowds as it is broadcast live on Qatar TV from notable locations, including Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village.
After sunset, families gather for Iftar, sharing meals filled with cultural flavors. Typical dishes include Harees (a combination of mashed meat with wheat, olive oil, and cinnamon), Thareed (crispy flatbread served with meat soup), and Luqaimat (fried dough balls drizzled with sugar syrup). This diverse food culture exemplifies the rich heritage Qatar brings to Ramadan celebrations.
On the 14th day of Ramadan, children participate in the Garangao tradition, receiving colorful bags filled with sweets and nuts accompanied by traditional songs echoing through neighborhoods, which serves as another means of cementing community bonds.
Post-Iftar, the city awakens; shops, restaurants, and cultural venues come alive after their daytime closures. Special Taraweeh prayers are held across Qatar's more than 2,000 mosques, aimed at completing the entire Quran by month's end, contributing to the overall atmosphere of devotion and reflection.
With its predominantly Muslim populace, Qatar observes Ramadan with deep respect and reverence. This sacred month invites all Muslims to partake in the practices of fasting, charitable giving, and enhancing their faith, forging stronger connections within communities.
With the announcement of Ramadan's start on March 1, 2025, the anticipation for this cherished month is already building, set to be filled with spirituality, community, and cultural richness as Qatar joins the wider Arab world to embrace this time of reflection and celebration.