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Ramadan 2025 rules in Saudi Arabia
The official Ramadan 2025 guidelines for Saudi Arabia have been released. Here are the rules that ensure the best experience in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan:
- The authority managing the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque encouraged visitors to follow safety protocols, accessible via awareness points and interactive screens operated by a dedicated team and government agency personnel.
- Worshippers are urged to avoid crowding during entry/exit and use designated pathways to reduce congestion and ease movement for all.
- Public sector hours are reduced to 10 AM–3 PM (5 hours/day) during Ramadan to accommodate fasting and worship.
- The private sector must reduce Ramadan hours (max 6 hours/day or 36 hours/week), which must be adjusted per establishment needs and employee conditions.
- Worshippers must register for Ramadan itikaf at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque via the authority’s website to receive permits for the ritual.
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has banned filming and live broadcasts inside mosques during Ramadan, including Taraweeh prayers, to preserve the sanctity of worship.
General Ramadan rules in Saudi Arabia
Restrictions on eating and drinking in public
Even though individuals such as non-Muslims, pregnant women, and the elderly are not expected to fast during the holy month, they are strictly forbidden to eat, drink, and smoke publicly during the day, as it’s punishable by law. The word ‘public’ extends to open-air places like streets or parks, and offices, factories, and other types of workplaces. Police usually patrol the streets, and both Muslim and non-Muslim violators can be penalized.
Mall working hours
Malls’ working hours change to open doors for all in two shifts; the first shift starts at 10:00 AM and lasts until 5:00 PM, and the second shift begins after Isha prayer and lasts until 2:00 AM. Conversely, restaurants open their doors before the Al-Maghrib prayer because they usually provide Iftar and Suhoor buffets.
In the last ten nights of Ramadan, working hours change to remain open all day except in the afternoon.
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