With the approach of Ramadan, the holy month observed by millions of Muslims around the world, communities are gearing up for the festivities rich with tradition, spirituality, and family bonding. Ramadan, which is observed through fasting during the daylight hours and increased prayers, offers opportunities for reflection, self-improvement, and social gatherings.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, Ramadan’s start is predicted to be observed on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, which corresponds to the 29th of Sha’ban 1446 AH on the Hijri calendar. The crescent moon, when sighted, will signal the beginning of this sacred month. Daily life during Ramadan will be shaped by the timings for Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the meal to break the fast).
The significance of Ramadan extends beyond fasting, symbolizing compassion and community through shared meals. Various countries celebrate uniquely; for example, in Saudi Arabia, Iftar is likely to start at around 5:50 PM, preceded by specific prayer timings, allowing families to observe these rituals together.
Efforts to create inclusive environments for children during Ramadan are also evident. Many families engage their children with themed decorations, storytelling, and kindness challenges. Zarah Bello, a London mother, emphasizes the importance of fostering community during Ramadan: “Every week, we invite different friends and neighbors for iftar; it keeps excitement alive,” she shares. By integrating activities like Ramadan tree decorations or kindness challenges, families can make the month meaningful for their children.
Hotels and restaurants across the Middle East transform their offerings to celebrate Ramadan, catering to the hunger and emotional connection of the season. The Sheraton Grand Doha has launched remarkable dining experiences, featuring Iftar buffets from sunset and special family packages, invoking the rich culinary heritage of the region. This includes the popular Layali Sheraton souq-style experience and live cooking stations, where patrons can immerse themselves fully.
Meanwhile, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas promotes its “The Magic of Togetherness” campaign, highlighting gatherings under twinkling fairy lights paired with traditional dishes. Such dining experiences serve as communal therapy during Ramadan, enriching family bonds and emphasizing the collective spirit of the month.
Qatar showcases its traditions through communal activities and decorations like lanterns known as fanoos. The ringing of festive colors enhances the atmosphere, making the experience visually spectacular. During Ramadan, cultural practices include charitable acts, wherein communities prepare platters of traditional meals to share with neighbors, underscoring the importance of togetherness.
Children particularly look forward to celebrations like Garangao, where they sing door-to-door, receiving treats—designs such as crescent moon and star decorations adorn homes to mark these joyful occasions. Through these practices, families are reminded of the month’s spirit of sharing and joy.
Both Türkiye and Qatar see extensive preparations leading up to Ramadan, with cleanliness initiatives underway at mosques and community centers to accommodate increased attendance during this period. These efforts include deep cleanings to welcome worshippers to sacred spaces such as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the Bursa Grand Mosque.
With special attention to high-traffic prayer areas, municipalities aim to create serene atmospheres for prayer, enabling worshippers to engage deeply with their spirituality. Fatih Mayor Mehmet Ergün Turan noted, “Ramadan should be special, and cleaning our mosques is part of honoring these traditions.”
The observance of Salat al-Tarawih, special nightly prayers during the month, is pivotal for enhancing the sense of community among worshippers, and often leads to deepening one's connection with God.
Through every sunset marking the end of daily fasting, the firing of cannons stands as a cultural icon, signaling the commencement of Iftar for crowded streets and homes alike, with places like Souq Waqif and Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Grand Mosque becoming hubs for collective celebration.
Global hotel chains like Hyatt are also adapting their offerings to showcase festive dining experiences. Between February 28 and March 10, 2025, guests can enjoy lavish Iftar buffets, with options at Park Hyatt Doha featuring stunning views of the Doha Corniche, and Grand Hyatt Doha offering themed entertainment along with food.
With Ramadan encouraging the virtues of sharing and community support, initiatives aiming to support those less fortunate are emphasized throughout the month. Charitable acts like the distribution of basic needs continue to play an important role, particularly at mosques and community centers.
At its core, Ramadan symbolizes hope, humility, and harmony throughout the various customs observed by Muslims worldwide, from the suhoor gatherings before dawn to heartfelt Iftar celebrations at sunset. The month serves not only as a time of fasting and prayer but also as one rich with community involvement, familial connection, and cultural expressions unique to each region.
The culmination of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting and inviting joy, gratitude, and family gatherings, allowing everyone to express thanks for the strength shown throughout the observance.