Ramadan is a season steeped in spiritual significance and communal harmony. For travellers to Saudi Arabia, this period offers cultural immersion and opportunities to partake in authentic Saudi traditions.
Ramadan is celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2024, this coincides with 10 March – 9 April. During this sacred month, Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to dusk, a practice that is intended to provide time for inner reflection, devotion to God and self-discipline.
In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is not just a religious observance but a cultural phenomenon, reflected by acts of spirituality and communal bonding. The streets, homes and mosques echo with prayers and recitations of the Quran, enveloping the entire nation in a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere.
EXO’s ‘Beauty of Ramadan’ journey combines some of these unique experiences with visits to Saudi Arabia’s diverse sites. Read on to learn more about what awaits during this special time of year.
Visitors are often struck by the warm hospitality of the locals, who are more than willing to share the joy and blessings of Ramadan.
Due to fasting during Ramadan, locals adjust their schedules to wake early for a pre-sunrise meal and stay late to break the fast with family and friends. While the days might be quieter, after the sun sets the country awakens in a carnival of colours and activities.
Visitors are often struck by the warm hospitality of the locals, who are more than willing to share the joy and blessings of Ramadan. It’s an opportunity to partake in authentic Saudi traditions, from the breaking of the fast with dates and coffee to the celebratory iftar meal that follows.
Adjusting to the Ramadan schedule allows travellers to experience the vibrant nightlife and the spiritual essence of this holy month. EXO provides later starts to the day, giving time to rest in the morning so that travellers can enjoy the evening celebrations when the streets brim with cultural events, traditional music, and arts.
Observing this scene, a blend of generosity and brotherhood, is a heartwarming testament to the spirit of Ramadan.
Among the many highlights of visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, EXO recommends the following:
Medina: Iftar Like No Other
Medina, one of the two holiest cities in Islam, becomes a focal point during Ramadan. At Medina’s main mosque, Masjid an Nabawi, the iftar takes on a monumental scale with massive tables laden with an array of foods, where people from all walks of life, irrespective of their social status, sit side by side to break their fast.
Observing this scene, a blend of generosity and brotherhood, is a heartwarming testament to the spirit of Ramadan.
Vendors dress in traditional Jeddah attire and sing Shabi songs from Saudi heritage, providing visitors with an authentic taste of local food and traditional customs.
Jeddah’s Al Balad: celebrating culture and community
During Ramadan, Jeddha’s Al Balad area is bustling with traditional events and stalls known as Bastat, offering a variety of Ramadan dishes and a fun games. Vendors dress in traditional Jeddah attire and sing Shabi songs from Saudi heritage, providing visitors with an authentic taste of local food and traditional customs.
Iftar in vibrant Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s modern capital, is home to the country’s best restaurants. The city’s atmospheric Bujairi Terrace, with its restored mudbrick buildings and vibrant dining scene, is an ideal place to enjoy an elevated iftar meal. Alongside locals and international visitors, feast on an array of delicious Saudi dishes accompanied by traditional music and performances.
Experiencing Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the cultural and spiritual ethos of this land, making it a truly unique and enriching travel experience. Reach out to EXO for more details!
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