Ramadan 2025 has unfolded across the Middle East, ushering in both sacred observance and cultural festivity. The holy month, which began on March 1, 2025, is marked by fasting during daylight hours, shorter work schedules, and the communal joy of nightly iftar meals as the sun sets. Throughout the region, from the Gulf states to the Gaza Strip, traditions and social dynamics have been brought to the forefront as Muslims engage deeply with their faith.
After opening the year with dynamic business events—including LEAP 2025, IDEX, and the Web Summit held across Saudi Arabia and the UAE—the region now experiences a slow-down as organizations adapt to the observance. Shortened office schedules are the norm as companies adjust their operations during the year’s holiest month. For many businesses, alternate work-from-home arrangements are now the standard. International conferences may be scarce, but one notable exception is the Forbes 30/50 Summit, kicking off on March 5 and lasting for four days, aimed at empowering women leaders.
This summit, chaired by Mika Brzezinski of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, features influential speakers including Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs; Dr. Farah Sarraj, Chief Corporate Officer of Al-Futtaim School Management Company; and Sherrese Clarke, Founder & CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners. Acknowledging the significance of the holy month, Forbes has made provisions for attendees, prominently featuring their "Ramadan Considerations" section on the event page. It includes accommodations such as prayer rooms and designated prayer breaks throughout the day, along with nightly iftar meals.
Meanwhile, across the Gulf region, life perks up significantly after dark as families and friends gather to break the fast together. Streets and homes become vibrant with lights and decorations, characterizing the joy and warmth of Ramadan evenings. The Riyadh Metro, for example, is operating until 2 AM every night, facilitating the late-night travel needs of those participating in Ramadan festivities, with city buses extending their service to 3 AM.
Notably, the observance of Ramadan takes on distinct poignancy within war-affected areas such as the Gaza Strip. Children there are celebrating the holy month amid the shadows cast by destruction from the Israel-Hamas conflict. A powerful image emerges from Khan Yunis, where young Palestinians are seen holding crude but brightly decorated lanterns, embodying the enduring spirit and cultural richness of their traditions, even amid ruins.
“Palestinian children hold traditional Ramadan lanterns as they celebrate the arrival of the holy month amid the ruins of destroyed buildings,” reported by Axios, capturing the juxtaposition of joy and hardship. Despite the heavy toll of war, the sense of community and resilience permeates the celebrations. This year’s observances occur against the backdrop of a ceasefire deal and recent truces, which serve to soften some immediate tensions, encouraging public gatherings and communal prayers.
The first tarawih prayers of the month have commenced within mosques around Gaza, bringing together families for collective observation, reflecting both hope and unity. Traditionally, these prayers are pivotal during Ramadan, especially on initial nights as many aim to engage with their faith more deeply.
Celebrations are taking on varied forms across different geographical contexts. Children across the region have adorned their homes with colorful lights, creating festive atmospheres reminiscent of past years. Vendors are seen selling dry fruits and Ramadan-specific delicacies, catering to the increased demand for traditional foods during this period. The arrival of iftar marks not just the end of fasting but also the moment for families to share meals and the collective experience of breaking the fast.
Beyond the physical and metaphorical gathering of loved ones around the dinner table, Ramadan remains the pinnacle of community bonding. From grand hotels filling reservations for iftar events to street markets opening their stalls for late-night shoppers, the festivities encapsulate the essence of togetherness and gratitude.
Aerial views of cities like Damascus showcase the vibrant spirit of the holy month, with Umayyad Square adorned with lights symbolizing Ramadan, creating rural celebrations infused with smiles, laughter, and shared prayers. The community lives on, where families in the region, from Syria to the UAE, unite and cherish their traditions.
Yet, as with all festive occasions, Ramadan also serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by many, especially those impacted by conflict. The juxtaposition of diversity within celebrations and the realities faced by war-torn areas amplifies the importance of remembering those less fortunate.
Despite challenges, the call of prayer and the communal gatherings of Ramadan continue to assert themselves. The peaceful evenings spent with family, the rituals of prayer, and the shared breaking of fast are imbued with perspectives of peace, renewal, and collective joy amid adversities.