Saudi Arabia Expected to Celebrate Ramadan 2025 on March 1
Rabat – Astronomers and scholars are expecting Ramadan to start on March 1 in Saudi Arabia.
News outlet Al Sharq has quoted Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Manea, a member of the Senior Scholars Council and an advisor at the Saudi Royal Court, saying that Ramadan will last 29 days this year, citing astronomical calculations.
He said Ramadan will start on March 1 as the last day of the current Islamic month Sha'ban will last 29 days.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia is yet to confirm the official date for Ramadan after moon sighting a few days or on the eve of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. This means that they are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, and even chewing gum during the fasting hours.
Certain groups are allowed exceptions from fasting. These include but are not limited to people with medical prescriptions due to chronic diseases, and pregnant women.
Children who have not reached puberty are also allowed to eat. In many countries, however, children aged over 10 experience and are encouraged by their families to experience fasting.
In Saudi Arabia, locals break the fast (iftar) as with many Muslims around the world with dates with either water or milk.
The main courses prepared during iftar in Saudi Arabia are frequently rich in carbs, including kabsa and biryani, with fried baked pastry with savory filling also commonly served.
Sambusa is usually filled with spiced potatoes, cheese, or other similar ingredients.
Luqaimat, or small deep-fried balls, are also among the usual in Saudi iftars.
Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in Islam, is a time for devotion, with extra prayers in addition to the daily ones called Taraweeh. The prayers follow Isha prayer and unite Muslims around the world who flock to their country's mosques.
Charity, called Zakat, is also highly recommended during the holy month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
06-06-2025
- Morocco World
No Disease Outbreaks Among Hajj Pilgrims, Says Saudi Health Ministry
Rabat – The Saudi Ministry of Health announced that the health status of Hajj pilgrims is stable and reassuring, with no recorded cases of epidemic outbreaks or contagious diseases among the millions performing this year's pilgrimage. In a press briefing held today, ministry officials celebrated the successful implementation of preventive health measures and regulations, particularly the 'No Permit, No Hajj' policy. This system was cited as instrumental in maintaining order and protecting public health during the holy rituals. 'We thank Allah that the pilgrims were able to complete the essential pillars of Hajj under a system of integrated care,' the spokesperson stated. No infectious diseases or dangerous health conditions have been reported among pilgrims, he added. So far, over 125,000 health services have been provided across different medical facilities in the holy sites, including emergency care and chronic condition management. The Ministry said that coordination among government agencies ensured smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, especially during the critical transfer from Arafat to Muzdalifah and onward to Mina. The ministry also noted a 90% reduction in heat-related illnesses thanks to extensive awareness campaigns and efficient use of medical resources, including misting fans and mobile clinics. Officials stressed the importance of continued adherence to scheduled rituals and health guidelines, particularly during peak hours such as the stoning ritual at Jamaraat, which spans from 10 am to 4 pm. The ministry reminded pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and maintain personal hygiene. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. The annual pilgrimage is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing it. Tags: HajjPilgrimageSaudi Arabia
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- Morocco World
Hajj: Saudi Arabia Launches World's Largest Cooling System for Pilgrims
Rabat – Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the world's largest cooling system at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where pilgrims are gathering to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.4 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, which kicked off today. Saudi authorities promised to take all necessary measures to ensure the success of the Hajj season amid scorching temperatures. The newly launched cooling system has a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes, The National reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the system is set to ensure that temperatures at the mosque remain between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia's 'comprehensive vision aimed at elevating the pilgrim experience and providing the highest levels of comfort and tranquility during ritual performance, especially given the potentially harsh weather conditions,' argued The National report. Last year, Saudi authorities announced the death of 1,3000 pilgrims due to temperatures that reached 50 degrees. The number included 20 Moroccans who died during the 2024 Hajj season. Morocco has a pilgrim quota of 34,000, with 22,400 pilgrims being monitored through official government channels and 11,600 through travel agencies. Moroccans paid at least $65,000 to perform the Hajj this season. King Mohammed VI last month addressed a message to Moroccan pilgrims, asking them to honor and represent Morocco's values. 'I therefore expect you to be ambassadors for your country and preserve this bright cultural image. Keep in mind that it is these incontrovertible values which have enabled our country to continue to enjoy security and stability, and to press ahead,' the King said.
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- Morocco World
Akdital Expands into UAE with $70 Million Dubai Hospital Investment
Doha – Morocco's leading private healthcare provider, Akdital, has officially begun construction on its first international hospital in Dubai with a $70 million investment, extending the group's footprint beyond national borders. The new medical facility, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, will offer comprehensive healthcare services covering multiple medical, surgical, and oncological specialties, according to a company statement released Tuesday. With a 200-bed capacity, the hospital will incorporate cutting-edge medical technologies and innovations that meet international standards to address growing demands for specialized care in the region. This Dubai project represents the first step in Akdital's planned international expansion into the Gulf region. The group has already outlined plans to open additional facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia between 2025 and 2030. In April, Akdital signed a $200 million deal with Saudi real estate developers Wataniyah Business Real Estate and Namaya to establish two hospitals in Riyadh and Jeddah. These Saudi facilities are expected to be completed by 2027, aligning with Saudi Arabia's 2030 health strategy. Currently, Akdital operates 36 healthcare establishments across 21 Moroccan cities, with more than 4,100 beds and a workforce of 7,500 professionals. The group has been rapidly expanding its domestic presence, opening 12 new facilities in Morocco over the past year. By 2027, Akdital aims to have 62 establishments and over 6,000 hospital beds in 32 different Moroccan cities. The group's domestic strategy includes identifying 4-5 small towns within a 100 km radius of each Akdital hospital to open diagnostic centers, with plans to establish 200 such centers by 2030. Listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange since December 2022 under the symbol AKT, Akdital continues to strengthen its position in Morocco's healthcare sector while beginning its international journey with the Dubai hospital project. Tags: AkditalMoroccan healthcare
