Expats share experiences of observing Ramadan in the Kingdom
Foreign residents, non-Muslims partake in the holy month alongside their Saudi friends
The holy month of Ramadan is marked annually by people across Saudi Arabia, including expats and non-Muslims.
Croatian designer Tina Sablic, experiencing her first Ramadan, told Arab News that though not Muslim herself, the holy month is a time of self-reflection, self-awareness and self-discipline.
“Since it is my first time experiencing Ramadan in Riyadh, I’m expecting to see vibrant night atmospheres with all of the festive lights, beautifully decorated streets and mosques and sounds of evening prayers,” she said.
“Sharing iftar meals with friends and other expats will hopefully become a cherished tradition.” Pakistani resident Ifrah Mahmood said Ramadan is a symbol of peace, tranquility, and a way to grow closer to Allah.
“I have been celebrating Ramadan in Saudi Arabia for many years now. Ramadan here is like nowhere else. Everyone is kinder, the mosques are always open … night prayers and festivities make it so special,” she said.
French expat Cecilia Pitre, meanwhile, plans to fast alongside her Muslim friends and neighbors this year for the first time.
“As a foreigner and a non-Muslim, I’m taking the Ramadan period to actually learn more about the religion, read more about Islam, and understand what the fasting process is and what it brings to the people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim,” she said.
“I’m trying to follow Ramadan at my speed, which is also something I think we should do more often.” With invitations from those around her to share iftar and sahoor in no short supply, Pitre plans to take the opportunity to indulge further into the culture and understand the significance of the dining practices in her host nation.
“If there’s any place to spend Ramadan in, it’s definitely Saudi Arabia, which I consider my second home,” she said.
As a foreigner and a non-Muslim, I’m taking the Ramadan period to actually learn more about the religion, read more about Islam, and understand what the fasting process is.