Ramadan is a family affair driven by values of giving and cooperation, as well as great optimism by merchants and consumers alike in terms of economic revival, especially in the post-Coronavirus recovery period.
Entrepreneurs and small companies, in particular, prepare for the holy month by enhancing their presence on social media and digital platforms, as this period is considered one of the most important for brand marketing in the Middle East.
Small companies prepare their marketing strategies weeks and months before the beginning of the holy month in order to meet the needs of their customers. Companies conduct a review of their best products to adjust to the significant change in consumer behavior during this month, whether online or in shopping malls, as changes take place in their working and sleeping times, according to GoDaddy’s General Manager, Middle East and North Africa, Selina Bieber.
Pepper offers a set of practical and quick tips to help owners of small businesses and entrepreneurs wishing to launch their projects, most notably: enhancing presence on social media, creating content for the blessed month, and giving gifts.
Ramadan working hours
It should be noted that the number of working hours in Ramadan differs in the Arab and Islamic countries from the rest of the year during the blessed month of Ramadan. After the start of the holy month is announced, the government and the private sectors reduce working hours. All shopping destinations and entertainment facilities follow in sync to suit the schedule of fasting people and the nature of life in this month.
Ramadan Events 2022
On the other hand, Ramadan is characterized by many recreational, cultural and spiritual activities that in turn work to revitalize the economy.
UAE
The UAE is one of the countries certainly worth visiting during the month of Ramadan, as it mixes many events to celebrate this month.
One of the most prominent Ramadan activities in Dubai is the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, which is held annually, in which Quran memorizers from all over the world compete.
The Dubai annual calendar for the retail sector 2022 also includes a number of festivals and events during the month, including “Ramadan in Dubai” and “Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr” from April 2 to May 8 next.
As part of its cultural agenda throughout the year, Ramadan activities in Dubai include a number of diverse cultural activities, the most important of which are the activities of the “Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding”, which introduce visitors to Dubai’s culture and customs.
Saudi Arabia
As for Saudi Arabia, precautionary and preventive measures related to combating the Corona pandemic were lifted, and distancing measures in the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and other mosques were removed, while masks are still obligatory.
It is expected that the General Entertainment Authority will announce in the coming days and weeks a variety of activities.
The capital, Riyadh, is characterized by varied suhur tables and preparing for breakfast early. One of the beloved habits of the people of Riyadh is that their breakfast begins with Zamzam water, dates, yogurt, and Arabic coffee, then they pray Morocco, and complete their breakfast with the family gathering, where popular Ramadan dishes dominate the breakfast tables.
Bahrain
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority revealed new projects that it will implement for the first time in the coming period, including organizing the “Manama Gold” event in Manama Souq during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, in addition to launching tours there.
The aim is to revive this ancient place rich in its cultural, civil, religious, and commercial heritage that attracts visitors and tourists, as well as celebrate “Ramadan Nights” events.
Kuwait
During the holy month of Ramadan, Kuwait lives in a special spiritual atmosphere that is dominated by feelings of love, friendliness, and brotherhood.
Among the most prominent features of Kuwait in the holy month are the following:
Al Mubarakiya is one of the old traditional markets, and it is located in the heart of Kuwait City. Visitors find essential and heritage goods, gifts, antiques, jewelry, and food of all kinds.
In addition, the “Ramadan Ghabga” is one of the ancient and traditional customs, and it is only associated with the month of Ramadan. It strengthens bonds among the members of society, consists of huge parties held after Tarawih prayers in hotels and luxury halls, and offers special dishes known as “Ghabga”.
Sultanate of Oman
The Sultanate of Oman celebrates the holy month throughout the days and nights of the holy month. In the last days of the month, the “Habatat” market is held, which is an open market in which all the needs for Eid al-Fitr are presented.
Qatar
Most activities in Qatar during Ramadan are for families and some special events are held for children. On the 14th night of Ramadan, Qatari children participate in the Garangao, a Middle Eastern celebration in which children dress in traditional clothes and go around the neighborhood singing Garangao and collecting sweets and nuts from neighbors.
Families can also watch the daily firing of the traditional cannon outside the Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque to announce the time for iftar.
The Katara Cultural Village also annually hosts the Ramadan Festival with a set of events, exhibitions, workshops and lectures that continue during the holy month, in addition to the Garangao event. Also, the Aspire Zone will host the Ramadan Sports Festival to encourage sports fans.
