Ramadan, Saudi-Style: When the Community Gathers, the Nights’ Awaken, and Culture Comes Alive!

During Ramadan, Saudi Arabia moves to a different rhythm. Days are calm and slow, but once the sun sets, the city transforms. Lights come on, streets fill, and the capital turns into a lively social space shaped by food, conversation, and shared moments.

Everything starts with iftar. In Saudi, breaking the fast is never rushed. Tables fill with soups, salads, rice dishes, grilled meats, and fresh bread, all meant to be shared. Then come the sweets — luqaimat, qatayef, kunafa — followed by Saudi coffee and tea that keep conversations going late into the night.

After that, the city truly wakes up. Areas like KAFD glow after dark, with cafés and restaurants buzzing well past midnight. Ramadan tents appear across the city, offering cozy, beautifully designed spaces where tradition meets modern Riyadh life. People move from place to place, meeting friends, family, and sometimes strangers who quickly feel familiar.

For a quieter but equally magical experience, Diriyah offers a different side of Ramadan. Lantern-lit pathways, Najdi-inspired settings, and open-air gatherings create nights filled with culture and calm. Walking through Diriyah during Ramadan feels like stepping into a softer, more reflective version of the city.

What makes Ramadan in Saudi Arabia special isn’t just the food or the places, it’s the sense of togetherness. The country feels open, welcoming, and deeply human.

Visit the Ramadan section on our website for more!