Ramadan In KSA: New Rules With a List Of Dos And Don'ts!

by Iffat Nawaz

Ramadan In KSA: New Rules With a List Of Dos And Don'ts!

5 Mar 2025

Photo: Asep Rendi

Ramadan is a month of profound spiritual significance for Muslims globally. Ramadan 2025 is poised to bring a period of reflection, discipline, and communal devotion. For those in Saudi Arabia, whether long-term residents or first-time visitors, understanding the nuanced etiquette of this holy month is crucial. Beyond the daily fast from dawn to dusk, Ramadan is a time for deep introspection and heightened spiritual awareness.

As an expat navigating life in a Muslim majority country or a traveller experiencing the Kingdom's unique Ramadan atmosphere, grasping the cultural and religious context is essential. As the sacred month of fasting approaches, it is vital to educate yourself not only on the practical aspects of fasting but also on the broader spiritual goals of Ramadan.

The Sandy Times will help you navigate the new rules and customary etiquette, ensuring a respectful and fulfilling Ramadan experience in the heart of Saudi Arabia.

New rules officially announced

For Ramadan 2025, Saudi Arabia has implemented precise adjustments to working hours across various sectors to accommodate the holy month's observances. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has mandated a five hour workday for the public sector, specifically from 10 am to 3 pm.

In the private sector, Saudi Labor Law dictates a maximum of six working hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees, ensuring they can fulfil their religious duties while maintaining productivity. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has made an official statement indicating that banks will serve for public access from 10 am to 4 pm during this blessed month.

Additionally, financial transfer centres and payment service providers will work from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, offering six flexible hours each day. These changes, applicable to onsite, hybrid and remote work models are designed to balance religious obligations, personal needs, and professional responsibilities, prompting employers to implement flexible schedules and supportive work environments during Ramadan.

Photo: Nina Zeynep Güler

Respecting regulations and culture

Saudi Arabia has specific rules during Ramadan to uphold the month's sanctity. Sticking to these regulations shows respect for local culture and religion. It is important to stay updated on any new government guidelines.

Do:

Prioritise staying updated on any official announcements related to Ramadan regulations. This will mandate changes to business hours and establish clear restrictions.
Engage with local residents respectfully, showing genuine interest in their traditions and customs.

Don’t:

Disregard local customs or attempt to circumvent established rules. This can lead to misunderstandings and offence.

Modest dress

Modesty in attire is a basic aspect of Ramadan observance in Saudi Arabia. While there is no single, universally mandated Ramadan dress code, adhering to conservative clothing standards is necessary.

Do:

Opt for loose and suitable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. This applies to both men and women.
Consider wearing traditional Saudi attire, such as a thobe for men and an abaya for women, as a gesture of cultural appreciation.
Research exact dress codes for locations you plan to visit, as some venues may have stricter requirements during Ramadan.

Don’t:

Wear revealing or tight-fitting clothing. This can be seen as disrespectful, particularly during this holy month.

Photo: Ahmet Kurt

Eating and drinking etiquette

During fasting, Muslims abstain from food, drinking, smoking and anything taken orally from dawn until sunset. This practice is central to the month's observance, and visitors are expected to respect it.

Do:

Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and vaping in public spaces during daylight hours. This includes streets, parks, and shopping malls.
Plan your meals around Iftar and Suhoor.
Make reservations for Iftar and Suhoor meals, especially at popular hotels, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Familiarise yourself with Iftar and Suhoor timings, which vary depending on the location and day.

Don’t:

Eat or drink openly in front of those who are fasting.
Offer food or drinks to those who are fasting during daylight hours.

Cultural interactions

This holy month is a time for community, reflection and goodwill. Connecting with locals in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner is crucial.

Do:

Greet people with Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, which are traditional Ramadan greetings.
Be mindful of your behaviour in public spaces, maintaining a calm and respectful demeanour.
Educate yourself about the importance of Suhoor and Iftar and the spiritual significance of Ramadan.

Don’t:

Play loud music or behave boisterously in public spaces.
Engage in public displays of affection, which is considered inappropriate, especially during Ramadan.
Photograph people without their explicit permission. Respect their privacy.

Photo: Behnam Norouzi

Navigating iftar and suhoor

Iftar and Suhoor are central to the Ramadan experience. Understanding their significance and how to participate respectfully is important.

Do:

Consider experiencing an Iftar meal at a traditional Saudi restaurant or family gathering. You will have a memorable cultural experience.
Be prepared for restaurants to be crowded during Iftar and Suhoor.
Familiarise yourself with traditional Saudi dishes served during Ramadan, such as dates, hummus, kabsa and harees.

Don’t:

Arrive late for Iftar reservations, as this can disrupt the flow of the meal.

Key considerations for Ramadan 2025

Stay updated about any particular announcements. Check official government websites and reliable news sources for the latest information.

Ramadan dates shift yearly, so confirm the precise sunrise and sunset timings for 2025. Consider the weather conditions, as Ramadan can fall during different seasons, impacting daily life.

Plan for traffic congestion during Iftar and Suhoor times. By following these dos and don'ts, travellers can ensure a respectful and enriching Ramadan 2025 experience in Saudi Arabia, fostering understanding and appreciation for the Kingdom's rich cultural traditions.

by Iffat Nawaz