Preparing for Ramadan & Hajj Seasons as an Expat in Saudi Arabia

For new expats in Saudi Arabia, the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Hajj season are the most culturally significant times of the year. The rhythm of the entire country changes.

Day turns into night. Traffic patterns flip. The malls are open until 2:00 AM. And for the unprepared, it can be a confusing time of closed shops, strict public laws, and disrupted schedules.

Whether you are a Muslim expat planning your pilgrimage or a non-Muslim expat looking to navigate the cultural shift, this guide covers everything you need to know for the 2025/1446 AH seasons.

📅 Key Dates for 2025 (Save to Calendar)

Mark these dates. Note that exact start days depend on moon sightings and may shift by one day.

Event	Predicted Date (2025)	Significance
Ramadan Starts	~ Feb 18 / March 19	Fasting begins. Work hours shorten.
Gargee'an	~ March 13-15	Mid-Ramadan festival for kids.
Eid al-Fitr	~ March 20	3-5 days holiday (End of Ramadan).
Hajj Season	~ May 26 – May 29	Pilgrimage. Makkah becomes busy.
Eid al-Adha	~ June 30	3-5 days holiday (Festival of Sacrifice).

Weather Forecast:

Ramadan (March): Pleasant. Evenings will be cool and breezy, perfect for outdoor markets.
Hajj (May): Mild Heat. Expect daytime highs of 42°C - 40°C in Makkah. Preparation is key.

🌙 Part 1: Ramadan Survival Guide for Expats

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). In Saudi Arabia, this is not just a personal choice; it is the law of the land.

1. The "Public Eating" Rule (Strict Enforcement)

It is illegal to eat, drink (even water), or smoke in public during daylight hours.

The Law: Penalties can range from fines to deportation for flagrant violations.
The Workplace: Most multinational companies provide a "break room" with blacked-out windows where non-Muslim staff can eat.
The Car: Do not drink water while driving. Police officers at checkpoints can fine you for this.

2. Working Hours (The "Short Day")

The Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) mandates reduced hours:

Muslim Employees: Maximum 6 hours per day (usually 10 AM – 4 PM).
Non-Muslim Employees: Legally, you may be asked to work standard hours, but many companies reduce hours for everyone to maintain a single schedule.
(Confused about your contract rights? Check our [Saudi Labor Law Guide for Expats]).

3. The "Night Owl" Lifestyle Shift

Everything shifts to the night.

Malls & Shops: Often close from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Iftar time). They reopen after Ishaa prayer and stay open until 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM.
Gyms: Most gyms are empty during the day but packed from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Rush Hour: The streets are dangerous from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (just before Iftar) as people rush home to break their fast. Avoid driving then. Speeding and reckless driving spike during this "Hangry" hour.
(Driving can be chaotic. Read our [Safety Guide: Driving in Saudi Arabia]).

🎉 Part 2: Cultural Events You Can't Miss

Ramadan isn't just about fasting; it's about community.

1. Gargee'an (The "Halloween" of the Gulf)

Around the 13th, 14th, and 15th nights of Ramadan, you will see children dressing in traditional costumes and singing songs while knocking on neighbors' doors for candy.

Where: It is huge in the Eastern Province (Al Khobar, Dammam, Al Ahsa) but celebrated everywhere.
For Expats: Keep a bowl of candy ready! It’s a great way to bond with your Saudi neighbors.

2. Iftar Tents & Buffets

Hotels in Riyadh and Jeddah compete to host the most lavish Iftar buffets.

The Experience: Think chandeliers, traditional lanterns (Fanous), and endless tables of Sambousak, Jareesh, and Vimto (the unofficial drink of Ramadan).
Top Picks: The tents at the Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons are pricey (300+ SAR) but an unforgettable cultural experience.

3. Ramadan Season Markets

Keep an eye on "Ramadan Season" events announced by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad): Comes alive with food stalls, traditional games, and storytellers (Hakawati) until dawn.
Riyadh: Pop-up markets in The Boulevard or Souq Al Zal offer traditional thobes, perfumes, and handmade crafts.

💰 Part 3: Shopping & Sales (The "Black Friday" of KSA)

Ramadan is the biggest shopping season of the year.

Groceries: Supermarkets like Lulu and Panda release massive "Ramadan Basket" deals on rice, oil, and frozen foods weeks before the month starts. (Read our [Grocery Shopping Guide: Lulu vs Tamimi] for price tips).
Electronics & Cars: This is the best time to buy a car. Dealerships offer "Ramadan Offers" like: 0% Downpayment, 2 Years Free Maintenance, or Cash Back.
Furniture: Everyone redecorates for Eid. IKEA and local furniture shops have huge clearances.

🤝 Part 4: Charity Laws (The "Ehsan" App)

You will feel the urge to give. However, Saudi Arabia has strict laws against unauthorized cash donations to prevent funding illegal groups.

Do Not: Give cash to random people on the street.
Do: Use the Ehsan App (Official National Platform for Charitable Work).
- Features: You can pay Zakat, buy a meal for a family, or help release a prisoner in debt—all legally and securely via Apple Pay/Mada.

🕋 Part 5: The Hajj Guide for Residents (Muqeem)

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. For expats living in KSA, it is much cheaper and easier to perform Hajj than for those coming from abroad—but you must follow the "Domestic Pilgrim" rules.

1. Eligibility to Apply

The "5-Year" Rule: You cannot perform Hajj if you have done it in the last 5 years.
Valid Iqama: Your residency must be valid until at least the end of Dhul-Hijjah. (Check your expiry date now: [Ultimate Guide to Your Saudi Iqama]).
Vaccinations: You must have a valid Meningitis (ACYW) vaccine (taken within the last 3 years) and usually a Seasonal Flu shot.

2. Registration Process (Nusuk)

Residents do not apply through agents. You must use the domestic track.

Download the Nusuk App or visit the Ministry of Hajj website (localhaj.haj.gov.sa).
Wait for the Window: Registration usually opens in Shaban/Ramadan (2-3 months before Hajj).
The "Draw" System: In recent years, allocation has been a lottery. Apply early.

3. The 4 Hajj Packages (2025 Tiers)

The Ministry usually announces four categories. Prices are approximate estimates based on 2024:

1. Al-Abraj (The Towers):
- Cost: 12,000 – 14,000 SAR.
- Details: Accommodation in the six towers in Mina (near Jamarat). Air-conditioned rooms, buffet meals, elevator access.
2. Developed Camps (Kidana):
- Cost: 10,000 – 12,000 SAR.
- Details: Modern tents with high-end services.
3. Hospitality Camps (General):
- Cost: 8,000 – 10,000 SAR.
- Details: Standard tents in Mina. Shared facilities. Bus transport included.
4. Al-Yassir (Economy):
- Cost: 4,000 – 5,000 SAR.
- Details: Buildings outside Mina (like Al-Aziziyah). You take a train to the holy sites daily. It is physically more demanding but affordable.

Payment: You must pay via SADAD within 72 hours of being accepted to secure your spot.

4. The "Tasreeh" (Hajj Permit)

Once you pay, you will get a digital Hajj Permit (Tasreeh) on your Absher app.

Warning: Do NOT try to enter Makkah during Hajj season without this permit.
The Fine: In 2024, the fine for entering Hajj sites without a permit was 10,000 SAR and immediate deportation for expats. There are checkpoints everywhere.

🎒 Part 6: Umrah During Ramadan (The "Impossible" Booking)

Performing Umrah in Ramadan is considered equal in reward to Hajj. Naturally, everyone wants to go.

The Permit: You must book a permit via the Nusuk app. You cannot just drive to Makkah.
The Reality: Slots for Ramadan run out within seconds of being released.
Pro Tip: Check the app immediately after Maghrib prayer or late at night. Slots sometimes open up due to cancellations.
Crowds: Expect millions. If you are bringing children or elderly parents, avoid the last 10 nights of Ramadan. It is dangerously crowded.

Final Verdict

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is a magical time. The lanterns light up the streets, the generosity is overflowing, and the "Vibes" are unmatched. Even if you don't fast, the festive atmosphere is contagious.

For Hajj, it is a privilege to be a resident. While millions struggle to get a visa from abroad, you have the opportunity to drive there (with a permit).

My advice: Respect the fasting rules, enjoy the night markets, and if you plan to perform Hajj, start saving your money now—the registration window opens sooner than you think.

(If you plan to drive your family to Makkah for Umrah, ensure your car is ready for the long trip. Check our [Buying a Used Car Guide]).