Ramadan 2027 in Saudi Arabia is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, and end around Monday, 8 March 2027, followed by the Eid al-Fitr public holiday from around 9 to 12 March 2027. The Saudi Supreme Court will confirm the official start after the moon sighting on 29 Sha’ban 1448 AH.
If you’re planning a Ramadan trip to the Kingdom, you’re heading to the spiritual heart of the Muslim world — whether you’re joining the millions performing Umrah, breaking your fast at the Two Holy Mosques, or experiencing Riyadh Season Ramadan nights.
You can now apply for your Umrah eVisa directly on Wego and manage your visa, hotels in Makkah, and flights to Jeddah or Riyadh all in one place.
Ramadan 2027 Dates in Saudi Arabia
The dates below are expected dates based on the Umm al-Qura calendar and remain subject to the official moon sighting announcement by the Saudi Supreme Court.
| Event | Hijri Date | Expected Gregorian Date |
|---|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | 1 Ramadan 1448 | Monday, 8 February 2027 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (most likely night) | 27 Ramadan 1448 | Saturday, 6 March 2027 |
| Last day of Ramadan | 29 Ramadan 1448 | Monday, 8 March 2027 |
| Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal) | 1 Shawwal 1448 | Tuesday, 9 March 2027 |
Ramadan 1448 is expected to last 29 days in Saudi Arabia. The final dates will be confirmed by the Saudi Supreme Court on 29 Sha’ban 1448.
Sehri and Iftar Times in Riyadh (Ramadan 2027)
Sehri ends at Fajr and iftar begins at Maghrib. The table below shows weekly estimates for Riyadh based on the Umm al-Qura calculation method used by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
| Date | Sehri Ends (Fajr) | Iftar Begins (Maghrib) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, 8 Feb 2027 | 5:12 AM | 5:43 PM |
| Mon, 15 Feb 2027 | 5:08 AM | 5:48 PM |
| Mon, 22 Feb 2027 | 5:03 AM | 5:52 PM |
| Mon, 1 Mar 2027 | 4:57 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Mon, 8 Mar 2027 | 4:52 AM | 5:59 PM |
For daily timings, check the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs prayer times portal or official Riyadh prayer time schedules. Times in Makkah and Madinah are 25 to 30 minutes later than Riyadh; Jeddah is around 25 minutes behind Riyadh.
Umrah During Ramadan 2027
Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward of a Hajj, according to the hadith. It’s the busiest time of the year at the Two Holy Mosques, especially in the final ten nights.
Nusuk Permit Is Mandatory
All pilgrims must book through Nusuk, the official platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Without a confirmed Nusuk-linked booking, your Umrah permit will not be issued, even with a valid visa.
Since June 2025, accommodation, airport transfers, and intercity transport between Makkah and Madinah must all be booked via Nusuk before your visa application.
Visa Options for Umrah
Saudi Arabia accepts a wide range of visa types for Umrah, including the tourist e-visa, family visit, work, and dedicated Umrah visa. Check the official Saudi e-visa portal before booking flights to Jeddah or flights to Madinah.
Booking Window for the Last 10 Nights
The last 10 nights of Ramadan are not bookable through Nusuk for new permits, so plan your visit for the first or middle ten days if you want flexibility. Pilgrims must also exit Saudi Arabia before the end of Ramadan, regardless of remaining visa validity.
Makkah Entry Permit
Non-residents heading to Makkah need an entry permit alongside their Umrah permit. Read our full Makkah entry permit guide before you travel.
Ramadan Traditions Unique to Saudi Arabia
The Iftar Cannon (Madfa al-Iftar)
A ceremonial cannon blast marks Maghrib in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and other major cities. The sound carries across city centres and is broadcast live on Saudi TV, signalling millions to break their fast at the same moment.
Al-Musaharati: The Pre-Dawn Drummer
In old neighbourhoods of Jeddah and parts of Makkah, the Musaharati still walks the streets before Fajr, beating a drum to wake families for sehri. The tradition has faded with smartphones but survives in heritage districts like Al-Balad in Jeddah.
Free Iftar at the Two Holy Mosques
The courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah host free communal iftar every evening. Volunteers lay out long plastic mats and distribute dates, water, yoghurt, bread, and Arabic coffee to tens of thousands of worshippers.
Girgian (Mid-Ramadan Children’s Tradition)
On the night of 15 Ramadan, children in the Eastern Province and parts of central Saudi Arabia dress in traditional clothes and go door to door collecting sweets and nuts. Known locally as Girgian, it’s the Saudi cousin of Garangao in Qatar and Hag Al Leylah in the UAE.
Riyadh Season Ramadan Nights
The Saudi Tourism Authority runs special Ramadan programming under the “Glow of Ramadan” banner. Expect heritage souks, Ramadan night markets, and cultural performances at Riyadh hotspots like Boulevard Riyadh City, Diriyah’s At-Turaif District, and Historic Jeddah’s Al-Balad.
What to Eat During Ramadan in Saudi Arabia
Saudi iftar tables blend Najdi, Hejazi, and pan-Arab dishes. Sehri leans lighter and more sustaining.
- Dates and Zamzam water open every iftar, especially in Makkah and Madinah.
- Lentil soup (shorbat adas) is the universal Ramadan starter.
- Sambusak are crispy stuffed pastries with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
- Kabsa is the national rice and meat dish that anchors most family iftar tables.
- Jareesh, marqouq, and matazeez are traditional Najdi wheat-based dishes from central Saudi Arabia.
- Kunafa, luqaimat, and qatayef are the headline Ramadan desserts.
- Foul medames and shakshouka are popular sehri dishes alongside yoghurt, cheese, and Arabic bread.
- Arabic coffee (qahwa) and Vimto are Ramadan staples on every table.
Ghabga: The Late-Night Majlis
After Taraweeh, families and friends gather for ghabga, a late-night meal that runs until sehri. Expect kabsa, mandi, grilled meats, and rounds of Arabic coffee in a relaxed majlis setting.
Best Things to Do During Ramadan in Saudi Arabia
Pray Taraweeh in Makkah or Madinah
Praying Taraweeh in the Grand Mosque or the Prophet’s Mosque is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Arrive at least two hours before Isha to find a spot, especially in the final ten nights.
Iftar at a Heritage Souk
Break your fast at Al-Balad in Jeddah, Souq Al Zal in Riyadh, or At-Turaif in Diriyah. These restored heritage districts host pop-up iftar stalls, Ramadan markets, and cultural performances throughout the month.
Book a Ramadan Tent
Riyadh and Jeddah hotels open luxury Ramadan tents serving themed iftar and suhoor menus. Properties in Riyadh like the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Faena run some of the most popular ones; book at least two weeks ahead.
Visit AlUla and the Red Sea
The Saudi Tourism Authority runs special Ramadan packages in AlUla and along the Red Sea coast. Cooler February evenings make this the ideal season to explore Hegra’s Nabataean tombs or relax at a Red Sea resort between iftar and sehri.
Explore Riyadh Boulevard’s Ramadan Edition
Boulevard Riyadh City stays open until sehri during Ramadan with food festivals, family entertainment zones, and Ramadan-themed pop-ups. It’s the busiest after-iftar destination in the capital.
Where to Visit During Ramadan 2027
| City | Best For | Plan Ahead |
|---|---|---|
| Makkah | Umrah, Taraweeh at the Grand Mosque, Laylat al-Qadr | Book Nusuk + hotel 6 to 8 weeks ahead |
| Madinah | Prophet’s Mosque, quieter spiritual atmosphere | Combine with Makkah for the full Ziyarah |
| Riyadh | Ramadan tents, Diriyah heritage events, modern iftar scene | Reserve hotel tents at least 2 weeks ahead |
| Jeddah | Al-Balad heritage Ramadan, coastal sehri spots, Musaharati | Best base for combining Umrah + leisure |
| AlUla | Heritage tours, Ramadan packages, cool evenings | Book Saudi Tourism Authority packages early |
How Ramadan Shapes Daily Life in Saudi Arabia
Reduced Working Hours by Law
Under Article 98 of the Saudi Labour Law, working hours during Ramadan are capped at 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees in the private sector. The public sector typically runs a 5-hour day, often 10 AM to 3 PM.
Daytime Closures and Late-Night Openings
Most restaurants, cafes, and shops close during fasting hours and reopen after Maghrib. Malls and souks stay open until 1 AM or later, with peak crowds between Taraweeh and sehri.
Traffic Patterns to Plan Around
Roads become intensely busy in the hour before iftar as everyone rushes home. The second peak is around 9 PM as families head out for shopping and ghabga. Plan errands for mid-morning or late evening.
Ramadan Etiquette for Visitors
- No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours. This applies to non-Muslims and is enforced by law.
- Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees in public; women should carry a light scarf for mosque visits.
- Accept iftar invitations. Hospitality is central to Saudi Ramadan culture.
- Lower your volume in the evening near mosques during Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers.
- Greet locals with “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak”; the warm response is automatic.
Eid al-Fitr 2027 in Saudi Arabia
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected to fall on Tuesday, 9 March 2027 (1 Shawwal 1448), pending the moon sighting. Saudi private-sector workers are entitled to a four-day holiday starting from the day after 29 Ramadan, per the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Eid begins with the Eid prayer at sunrise in mosques and large open prayer grounds (musallas). Families spend the day visiting relatives, exchanging gifts, distributing Eidiyah (cash gifts) to children, and feasting on lamb dishes, ma’amoul cookies, and dates.
Booking Tips for Ramadan 2027
- Book Umrah at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Hotels near the Haram in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah sell out fastest.
- Avoid the last 10 nights for first-timers. Crowds are at their peak; aim for the first or middle 10 days for a smoother experience.
- Compare flexible fares on Wego. Use the price calendar to spot cheaper midweek departures into Jeddah, Madinah, or Riyadh.
- Reserve Ramadan tents in advance. Top hotel iftar and ghabga tents in Riyadh and Jeddah fill up two weeks before Ramadan starts.
- Track your flight on Wego. Use the Wego flight tracker for live updates on Saudia and flynas services during peak Ramadan and Eid travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Saudi Arabia?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, pending the official moon sighting by the Saudi Supreme Court.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2027 in Saudi Arabia?
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027 (1 Shawwal 1448), with a four-day public holiday for private-sector workers, subject to moon sighting confirmation.
Can I perform Umrah during Ramadan 2027?
Yes, but you must book through the Nusuk platform with confirmed accommodation, transfers, and a Umrah permit. The last 10 nights are not bookable for new permits, and pilgrims must exit Saudi Arabia before Ramadan ends.
Are non-Muslims allowed to eat in public during Ramadan?
No. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours is prohibited by law for everyone, including non-Muslims. Restaurants serve takeaway and partition dining areas during the day.
What are the working hours during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia?
By law, Muslim employees in the private sector work no more than 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week. The public sector typically operates from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Sources
- Saudi Supreme Court
- Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da’wah and Guidance
- MOIA Prayer Times Portal
- Nusuk Official Platform (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)
- Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
- Visit Saudi (Saudi Tourism Authority)
- Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
- Umm al-Qura Calendar
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
