As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, the drama series "Fahd Al-Batal" has emerged as the most viewed program on television, capturing the attention of audiences across the region. According to a report by AIM Technologies published on March 26, 2025, the series achieved a remarkable viewership rate of 54% among 3,000 participants surveyed. Following closely behind was "Al-Atwola 2," which garnered a 53% viewership, while "Ashghal Shqa Jeddah" came in third with 48%. The rankings continued with "Ish Ish" and "Al-Maddah..Ostorat Al-Ahed," both of which also attracted significant viewership of 48% and 47%, respectively.
The report, which AIM Technologies has released for the fifth consecutive year, indicates a significant trend in Ramadan viewership. Approximately 70% of the audience is engaging with Ramadan content, whether by watching full episodes or short clips on digital platforms and social media. The peak viewing time occurs after the Taraweeh prayers, with an average daily consumption time of around four hours.
In parallel to the television ratings, social media interactions have been particularly vibrant this Ramadan. Vodafone Egypt has taken the lead in advertising campaigns, achieving the highest engagement on social media platforms during the first 15 days of the month. A notable post featuring Liverpool player Mohamed Salah and his daughter, Mecca, on TikTok received around 1.2 million interactions, showcasing the power of celebrity endorsements in capturing public interest.
Meanwhile, Orange has also made headlines with its general interaction campaign on Facebook, which generated a staggering 470 million interactions. Their campaign has been particularly effective in utilizing various audio clips for posts on Instagram and TikTok, further amplifying its reach.
In the banking sector, Banque Misr has emerged as one of the top three Ramadan campaigns in terms of memorability and admiration, earning the title of "Most Admired" in its category. The "Fresh" campaign, notable for being the only non-telecommunications campaign in the top three, has also resonated well with audiences, while the Al-Ahly club recorded the highest number of comments on a Facebook post, totaling 25,000.
AIM Technologies has utilized social listening technology, relying on smart algorithms to analyze interactions, comments, shares, and views across major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube. This year, the company processed approximately 3 billion interactions, including likes, comments, shares, and views, using advanced AI technologies to gather and refine data. This meticulous approach allows for the extraction of precise insights into audience behavior and trends.
As Ramadan progresses, the excitement surrounding both television and social media campaigns continues to grow, reflecting the cultural significance of this month. The combination of engaging content and interactive advertising has created a dynamic environment where viewers are not only consuming media but also participating in the conversation.
On a different note, those observing Ramadan in Cairo will find that the timing for Suhoor on Thursday, March 27, 2025, which corresponds to the 27th of Ramadan in the year 1446 AH, is set for 2:03 AM, with the Fajr prayer scheduled for 4:23 AM. This year, the fasting hours will vary, with the first day of Ramadan being the shortest at 13 hours and 20 minutes, while the last day will extend to 14 hours and 12 minutes.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims as it is a time for reflection, prayer, and community. It is also an essential pillar of Islam, as emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad, who stated, "Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, establishing prayer, giving zakat, performing pilgrimage, and fasting during Ramadan."
Historically, the lunar calendar has been pivotal in marking the months, with the Islamic or Hijri calendar being established during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. The calendar is based on the moon's cycle, which is why Ramadan shifts annually on the Gregorian calendar. The significance of this month extends beyond fasting; it is a time for spiritual growth and community bonding.
As the month progresses, the anticipation for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, builds. This festive occasion is celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, and giving to those in need, embodying the spirit of charity that is so integral to the month of Ramadan. The intertwining of media engagement and religious observance this Ramadan illustrates the evolving landscape of cultural practices in the digital age.
In conclusion, the combination of compelling television series and dynamic social media campaigns has set a lively tone for this year's Ramadan, reflecting both the entertainment and spiritual dimensions of the month. As viewers continue to engage with their favorite shows and brands, the essence of community and celebration remains at the forefront of this special time.