Ramadan Festival

Ramadan is approaching, and the UAE has announced its forecast timing for this year’s Ramadan. According to UAE astronomers, from an astronomical point of view, Ramadan will begin on Thursday, March 23, 2023, Eid is likely to take place on Friday, April 21, while Ramadan lasts only 29 days. The fasting time will reach about 14 hours, with a variation of about 40 minutes from the beginning of the month to the end of the month.

Ramadan is not only the most important festival for Muslims, but also the peak consumption period for the global Ramadan market. According to the 2022 edition of the annual Ramadan e-commerce report released by RedSeer Consulting, total Ramadan e-commerce sales in the MENA region alone amounted to around $6.2 billion in 2022, accounting for about 16% of total e-commerce market activity for the year, compared to about 34% on Black Friday.

NO.1 One month before Ramadan

Typically, people shop a month in advance to prepare for food/clothing/shelter and activities during Ramadan. People want to be beautiful from the inside out, to be well prepared for this holy festival, plus most people cook mainly at home. Therefore, food & beverages, cookware, FMCG products (care products/beauty products/toiletries), home decoration, and fine clothing are the most popular goods in demand before Ramadan.

In the UAE, the eighth month of the Islamic year, one month before Ramadan, there is a traditional custom called ‘Haq Al Laila’ on the 15th day of the Hijri calendar in Shabaan. Children in the UAE put on their best clothes and go to houses in neighboring areas to recite songs and poems. Neighbors welcomed them with sweets and nuts, and children collected them with traditional cloth bags. Most families gather to visit other relatives and friends and congratulate each other on this happy day.

This traditional practice is also celebrated in the surrounding Arab countries. In Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, it is called Gargean, in Qatar, it is called Garangao, in Bahrain, the celebration is called Gergaoon, and in Oman, it is called Garangesho / Qarnqashouh.

NO.2 During Ramadan

Fasting and working fewer hours

During this period, people will reduce their entertainment and working hours, fast during the day to experience the mind and purify the soul, and the sun will set before people eat. In the UAE, under labor laws, workers in the private sector typically need to work eight hours a day, with one hour spent on lunch. During Ramadan, all employees work two hours less. Those working in federal entities are expected to work Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during Ramadan.

NO.3 How people spend their leisure time during Ramadan

During Ramadan, in addition to fasting and praying, fewer hours are worked and schools are closed, and people spend more time at home cooking, eating, visiting friends and relatives, cooking drama and swiping mobile phones.

The survey found that in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, people browse social media apps, shop online and chat with family and friends during Ramadan. While home entertainment, home appliances, games and gaming equipment, toys, financial service providers, and specialty restaurants ranked Ramadan menus as their most searched products and services.

NO.4 Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, a three- to four-day event, usually begins with a pilgrimage called salat al-eid at a mosque or other venue, where people gather in the evening to enjoy delicious food and exchange gifts.

According to the Emirates Astronomy Society, Ramadan will astronomically begin on Thursday, March 23, 2023.Eid Al Fitr will most likely fall on Friday, April 21, with Ramadan only lasting for 29 days.The fasting hours will reach approximately 14 hours, and vary about 40 minutes from the beginning of the month to the end.

Happy Ramadan Festival !