As one of the most sacred and important times of the year for Muslims, Ramadan in Jeddah witnesses joyous street scenes and a plethora of festive events all over the city. Marking the first revelation of the holy Quran to Prophet Mohammad, this month-long fast makes the cosmopolitan city of Jeddah come alive with light and colour. During Ramadan, both locals and tourists in Jeddah indulge in joyous celebrations and spiritual contemplation.
The holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is celebrated with great fervour in Jeddah, which is one of the world’s most prominent Islamic cities. According to historical sources, over a century ago, Jeddah drew in Egyptians, Syrians and Jordanian on their way to perform Umrah or Hajj in Mecca. Today, the celebration of Ramadan in Jeddah beautifully portrays the blend of the city’s history, traditions and culture. The month-long festival is one of Jeddah’s biggest and most awaited annual attractions.
How Is Ramadan Celebrated In Jeddah?
During the holy month of Ramadan, festivals and night-time activities reach an all-time high in the city of Jeddah.
Ramadan in Jeddah : Fasting & Festivities
- As people observe a fast from dawn until dusk, the majority of the city’s shops, cafes and restaurants stay closed during daylight. But, during the evenings, the city is beautifully decorated with intricate lights and adornments, making it come alive.
- The streets are lined with numerous food stalls referred to as Bastas. Traders wearing the traditional Hijazi turbans set up hundreds of pop-up kiosks after the final prayer of the day called Isha. These traders can be heard singing songs to promote the region’s popular recipes. Many of these chefs serving delicious street food appear only during Ramadan and are quite popular amongst the locals of Jeddah.
- The locals don new and beautiful dresses and robes. They prepare delicious feasts, which include many mouth-watering desserts such as date-stuffed mamouls, sweet dumplings called lugaymat, kunafa pastries and cream-filled gatayef pancakes that are mostly served only during Ramadan.
- People visit their friends and families. Children receive Eid money and/or gifts from relatives visiting their homes. Kids can be seen emptying their pockets on stalls selling popcorn, candy, toys and traditional games.
- Many shopping malls in Jeddah, including Roshan Mall, Mall of Arabia and Red Sea Mall, show the contemporary aspect of the city’s Ramadan culture. Offering hundreds of drinking, dining and shopping options, these malls become a popular hangout spot during this time of the year.
- Flaunting lilting music and spectacular fireworks, Jeddah’s corniche transforms into another hotspot for Ramadan celebrations. Many families get together at Jeddah’s seafront, where they break their fast with the evening Iftar meal.
- Also, in the downtown area, volunteers congregate at the stop signs and hand out dates, water, buttermilk and hot meals to passers-by and cars in order to ensure that everyone can break the fast on time.
Suggested Read: Types Of Umrah: Differences, Rules And Guidelines
What To Do In Jeddah During Ramadan?
The city of Jeddah wholeheartedly celebrates the sacred month of Ramadan. With so many events, celebrations and activities taking places all through Ramadan, there is a myriad of interesting things that one can enjoy during the holy month in Jeddah, including:
1. Visit Al Balad
Experience the Hijazi region’s long standing Ramadan traditions by paying a visit to Al Balad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Serving as the heart of Jeddah, Al Balad is a historic centre that is beautifully decorated during Ramadan.
2. Savor Local Food
Treat yourself to the delicious street food and local dishes served at the food stalls called Bastas. Some of the most popular dishes served in the city during Ramadan include kibdah (fried liver), baleelah (boiled chickpeas served with pickles), and zabeeb (raisins and mint).
3. Go To The Charity Bazaars
Witness the generosity of the people in Jeddah at the several seasonal charity bazaars that crop up during Ramadan all through the city. Typically, these bazaars involve locals selling handicrafts or offering free clothing to the poor. One of the most famous bazaars is Bisat Al Reeh at the Jeddah International Exhibition Centre that involves established brands giving proceeds to local charities.
4. Enjoy The Drone Light Show
The 300-drone light show at Jeddah’s corniche is a spectacular sight. Locals and pilgrims gather here in huge crowds to watch the swarm of drones light up the sky.
5. Join The Fun At Jeddah’s Seafront
Join the local families who come to the beach to break their fast while enjoying the brilliant fireworks. The festive spirits, cool beach breeze, the fireworks, delicious food – everything together makes it a great way to have a joyful iftar meal.
6. Dine In Top Jeddah Restaurants
Just like all other parts of the city, Jeddah’s five star hotels also offer a delightful Ramadan experience to their guests. Stay and dine at any of the hotels to enjoy festive celebrations and feasts.
Ramadan festivities in Jeddah are as delightful as Ramadan in Makkah, Madinah and any other Saudi city. If you are here in the holy month, it will be a memorable Ramadan for sure.
Suggested Read : Dhul Hijjah Fasting: Significance, Benefits, Praying Guide
Ramadan In Jeddah FAQs
How is Ramadan observed In Jeddah?
During the sacred month of Ramadan, celebrations and evening exercises arrive with an unsurpassed high in the city of Jeddah. As individuals notice a quick from daybreak until nightfall, most of the city shops, bistros, and cafés stay shut during sunshine.
What is the meaning of Al Balad during Ramadan?
Al Balad (which means the town) stays the thumping heart of the city. During Ramadan and Eid festivities, its intricate balconies overlook exuberant scenes, thanks to Jeddah eminent Ramadan feature; road food slows down known as bastas.
How are the Ramadan fasting & festivities observed in Jeddah?
As individuals notice a quick from sunrise until sunset, most of the city shops, bistros, and eateries stay shut during light. In any case, during the nights, the city is delightfully embellished with complex lights and decorations, making it wake up.
What are the famous dishes served during Ramadan in Jeddah?
A few of the most famous dishes served in the city during Ramadan incorporate kibdah (singed liver), baleelah (bubbled chickpeas presented with pickles) and zabeeb (raisins and mint).
Where does the Drone Light Show take place in Jeddah?
The 300-drone light show at Jeddah corniche is a spectacular sight. Locals and pilgrims gather here in huge crowds to watch the swarm of drones light up the sky.
