Destination One: Amman, Jordan
The city of Amman effortlessly combines elements of tradition and modernity, creating a peaceful yet culturally rich atmosphere during the holy month of Ramadan. As the sun sets, the city springs to life with traditional iftar gatherings, bustling night markets, and evening taraweeh prayers in historical mosques like the King Abdullah I Mosque. The genuine warmth of Jordanian hospitality adds a special touch for travellers at this time of year. Visitors have the opportunity to partake in communal iftar meals hosted by mosques and charitable organisations, offering a unique insight into Jordanian Ramadan customs such as enjoying mansaf, tasting Arabic coffee, and indulging in traditional sweets like qatayef.
Additionally, there are sacred sites and important Islamic landmarks in close proximity to Amman, such as the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ashab al-Kahf) and the revered Al Buqaya tree. Travellers can easily access the city by flying into Queen Alia International Airport, which is well-served by major airlines. Getting around the city is convenient with the availability of local taxis and ride-hailing apps.
Destination Two: Bukhara/Samarkand - Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a land filled with an abundance of captivating sights, boasting a rich ancient history that traces back to the days of the Silk Road. The country showcases a diverse range of natural wonders, from majestic mountains to vast deserts and picturesque landscapes.
The renowned Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara stand out as two of Central Asia's most splendid destinations, known for their exquisite beauty. During the holy month of Ramadan, these cities come alive with special Iftar events and lavish feasts, setting a remarkable scene unlike any other in the region. The historic mosques, madrasahs, and caravanserai in these cities serve as gathering spots for the community, where people come together in large groups to break their fast and partake in joyful celebrations. The backdrop of these events is truly awe-inspiring and steeped in tradition that has stood the test of time.
In addition to the sense of camaraderie and stunning settings, visitors will have the opportunity to indulge in delectable Uzbek dishes such as plov, somsa, and juicy kebabs - all expertly prepared in massive cooking vessels. Beyond the Iftar festivities, both Samarkand and Bukhara offer a plethora of captivating attractions to explore during the day,
Destination Three: Shiraz - Iran
Shiraz, the cultural hub of Iran, provides a captivating experience during Ramadan with its fascinating ancient history and deep Islamic roots. Along with the chance to visit remarkable sites for prayer like the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, the city also offers serene spots for relaxation such as spacious parks and stunning gardens. Renowned as the City of Poets, Shiraz buzzes with cultural allure. Visitors can partake in vibrant community Iftar gatherings, such as those held at Vakil Bazaar, and savour delectable Persian dishes. Encompassing a rich Islamic heritage, historic landmarks, delectable cuisine, and peaceful surroundings, Shiraz promises an immersive experience unlike any other.
Destination Four: Grenada, Spain
Home to the Alhambra, Granada celebrates its Islamic heritage with quiet reflection and scenic beauty. For a remarkable Ramadan destination, the Alhambra Palace Hotelin Granada, Spain offers a one-of-a-kind blend of history, luxury, and serenity. Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, this historic hotel immerses guests in the charm of Nasrid-inspired architecture while providing modern comforts. Surrounded by the tranquil Alhambra Forest, it's a place for reflection, with Andalusian cuisine crafted from locally grown ingredients. Guests can also explore the city's rich Islamic heritage, including the Alhambra fortress itself.
Destination Five: Dubai
A Vibrant Ramadan atmosphere where the city comes alive with Ramadan tents, traditional Iftars, and cultural performances. Visitors can experience Emirati customs at heritage sites like Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and attend special Ramadan activities at the Jumeirah Mosque. Dubai offers a cosmopolitan twist to Ramadan with its luxury dining, shopping festivals, and serene desert retreats for quiet reflection.
Located in the heart of the city, the Media One Hotel offers a vibrant mix of modern hospitality and Ramadan traditions. Guests can enjoy curated Iftar experiences, explore Dubai's Ramadan Night Market, and visit nearby cultural landmarks like the Jumeirah Mosque. The accessibility and diverse offerings make it perfect for a meaningful and memorable stay. The city is quieter during the day, especially in the afternoons, although all major attractions, malls and restaurants are open as normal. At sunset, ceremonial cannons are fired across Dubai, including near Burj Khalifa and City Walk, to announce the end of the day's fast. On the sound of the cannon, the city springs to life and people start iftar, with many going to elaborately decorated tents and restaurants for sociable meals. After iftar the city gets very busy, with malls and shopping districts buzzing with energy until late into the night.
Destination Six: Maldives
For tranquillity seekers, the Maldives offers pristine beaches and unmatched serenity. A handful of pristine island resorts remain alcohol- free so this allows travellers to enjoy the idyllic experience while focusing on what matters most. The Barefoot Eco Hotel on a local island is a fantastic alcohol-free retreat. You can take part in the island's environmental and cultural guided tour which concludes with tea in a local Maldivian village. Meanwhile celebrating the end of Ramadan and eid at the private resorts of Milaidhoo and Baros provide an idyllic setting for families and friends to come together and mark this special occasion. Baros will provide activities such as Fenkulhi, a Maldivian tradition connecting guests through games. Delving into an eid feast complete with international cuisines, and enjoying a Maldivian dessert-making workshop learning the craft of traditional desserts whilst enjoying irresistible flavours. Participating in a fishing competition and learning the art of Maldivian handline fishing. Whilst Milaidhoo will get you swimming with the sea turtles, taking part in the Maali and Bodu Mas Show to watch Maldivian Folklore brought to life.
Destination Seven: Lahore/Islamabad - Pakistan
Majestic mountains in the northern region, dynamic urban centres, a stunning Arabian Sea shoreline, and a plethora of captivating historic sites. Specifically, there are bustling centres of festivities during the holy month of Ramadan in these cities. Lahore is renowned for its extravagant Iftar gatherings, featuring lavish spreads of culinary delights in public areas such as Food Street on Gawalmandi, Liberty Market, and Mall Road. These grand celebrations include lavish public buffets, lively markets lit up with lights, and background music creating a festive atmosphere. The Iftar feasts held in Lahore are globally recognised during the daytime in Lahore, visitors can explore numerous beautiful historic landmarks within a compact, walkable area. Islamabad also provides a delightful ambiance for experiencing Ramadan, with elaborate Iftar gatherings taking place across the city. The iconic Faisal Mosque, one of the largest in the world, and its surrounding green spaces host generous Iftar meals in a serene environment conducive to prayer. In the daytime, the tranquil city parks in Islamabad are ideal spots for relaxation and immersion in nature, while the nearby Margalla hills offer opportunities for wildlife spotting just a short distance from the bustling city centre.
Destination Eight: Kuala Lumpur/ Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city that blends modern skyscrapers with ancient temples, showcasing a unique cultural heritage. The capital of Malaysia is known for its alcohol-free environment, making it a perfect destination for Muslim travellers.
One of the must-visit places in Kuala Lumpur is the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, a luxurious high-rise accommodation that offers convenient access to the city's top attractions. Instead of experiencing the nightlife, visitors can indulge in the diverse street food at Jalan Alor or explore the stunning Batu Caves for a spiritual experience and breath-taking views.
Destination Nine: Al Aula – North West Saudi Arabia
Located in the North West of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary human and natural heritage that holds over 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history. AlUla holds a series of fascinating historical and archaeological sites including Ancient Dadan, as well as offering some of the most awe-inspiring events and activities. the spiritual essence of Ramadan in AlUla, where traditional open-air Iftars, local folklore, and cultural activities bring people together. The serene desert landscape enhances this reflective time, culminating in joyous Eid celebrations that highlight the beauty of community and togetherness.
Heart of the Oasis restaurant is located in the shadows of AlUla's authentic date palm trees and nestled in the mud-brick dwellings. The restaurant is a regenerative experience that bridges the connection between the mind and body. The dining space features fire lamps and a large open kitchen for a comfortable atmosphere guests while enjoying a fusion menu. You can also try camping experience by staying at the Pangea camp site, as well as a desert safari in Sharaan Nature Reserve. A unique experience to try is hot air ballooning which takes place all year-round offering a unique perspective of the destination's majesty at sunrise or sunset. Qatar Airways has direct services from Doha into AlUla. Flydubai has also weekly flights from Dubai to Al Aula.
Destination Ten: Salalah/ Muscat - Oman
Muscat being the capital city of Oman is known for its traditional architecture and cultural heritage. During the holy month of Ramadan, the city becomes peaceful as most of the restaurants are closed. This is a great time to explore the cultural and historical sites in and around Muscat. Omani people are famous for their warm hospitality, so do not be surprised if you are invited to their homes for Iftar. In Oman, it is a custom for the Misaharati, also known as night walkers, to roam the streets with lamps and drums to wake people up for Suhoor. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque stands as the largest and most magnificent mosque in Oman, boasting beautifully manicured gardens, fountains, and elegant walkways.
Salalah is a picturesque destination that offers a mix of stunning landscapes, including majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, and lush oases. The area is rich in history, with ancient ruins and archaeological sites like Al-Baleed and Sumhuram providing a glimpse into its fascinating past. This combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Salalah a perfect destination for travellers seeking diverse and enriching experiences. Souly Eco Lodge provides eco-friendly accommodations with breath-taking views. Visitors can enjoy a hike at Wadi Darbat, where waterfalls and lush greenery offer a peaceful and adventurous experience.
Destination Eleven: Sarajevo, Bosnia
Sarajevo may not be at the forefront of your mind when considering places to celebrate Ramadan, but it has a unique charm during this sacred month. The streets are adorned with banners that read "Ramazan Mubarak," and eateries offer special Iftar menus to mark the occasion. The Sarajevo Ramadan Festival is an annual affair that showcases various activities throughout the city, all in an effort to promote peace during Ramadan. The highlight of the festivities is held at the Yellow Bastian, an Ottoman fortress that provides a picturesque setting for open-air Iftar gatherings each evening. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque stands out as the largest historical mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Notably, it was the first mosque in the world to utilise electric lighting back in 1898, during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Destination Twelve: Northern Sweden Gothenburg
The breath-taking natural beauty of Sweden, particularly in the northern regions and Swedish Lapland, offers a unique and spiritual experience during Ramadan. The opportunity to witness the magnificent Northern Lights adds a special touch to the connection with nature. In Swedish Lapland, one can capture the magic of the aurora borealis through a photo tour with Lights of Lapland and explore the stunning Abisko National Park. For festive celebrations, especially Eid, Gothenburg is the ideal destination. As home to Scandinavia's largest amusement park, Liseberg, the city offers a vibrant atmosphere with its beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and diverse attractions. It is the perfect place to enjoy the biggest highlights of the year. Popular activities in Gothenburg include a boat trip along the iconic Göta Canal. Ideally you could spend the last week of Ramadan here and then head to Gothenburg for Eid. Travellers can easily reach Swedish Lapland by flying with SAS from London Heathrow to Kiruna, with a layover in Stockholm.
Destination Thirteen: Cairo- Egypt
The period of Ramadan presents a wonderful opportunity to explore the captivating city of Cairo, which comes alive with a joyous and vibrant atmosphere. The streets are adorned with twinkling decorative lights, intricately handcrafted lanterns hanging from doorways, and colourful canopies stretching across rows of tables and chairs throughout the city. The traditional Ramadan lantern known as the fanous, originating from the Fatimid conquest, adds to the festive ambiance. Each evening, the start of Iftar is signalled by a ceremonial cannon firing from the Citadel of Salah el-Din at sunset, marking the time for breaking the fast. While daytime in Cairo offers the chance to see the city's landmarks and attractions, sunset is when locals gather at their chosen spots to begin their evening meal. To fully immerse in the Ramadan experience in Cairo, visit the Egyptian tents of Ramadan Suhoor (Kheyam) for a taste of authentic cuisine and fruity cocktails. The Al-Azhar Mosque, established in 970 AD, has evolved over the course of its 1,000-year history through numerous expansions, seamlessly blending various architectural styles. This iconic mosque stands as a testament to Cairo's rich cultural heritage and historic significance.
Destination Fourteen: Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul annually embraces the holy month of Ramadan with immense excitement. It offers a spiritual ambiance that highlights values like sharing, love, and tolerance. This transcontinental metropolis becomes even more radiant during Ramadan with its dazzling mosques, vibrant festivities, and a range of religious activities. Public Iftars are a common sight in Istanbul, where locals gather in parks, squares, and mosque courtyards to partake in meals hosted by local authorities and charitable organisations. The mosques in Istanbul are adorned with special illuminations during Ramadan, with lights strung between the minarets bearing welcoming messages like 'Hoşgeldin Ramazan' or 'Ya Şehr-i Ramazan' (Welcome Ramadan). One of the most renowned mosques in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, originally constructed as a Greek Orthodox Church in the 13th century before being transformed into a mosque in 1453. After serving as a museum from 1935 onwards, it was converted back into a mosque in July 2020.
Destination: Al Aqsa Mosque- Jerusalem
Experience a unique opportunity to stay and visit sacred places this year. Spend six nights at the revered Al Aqsa Mosque, where you can partake in complete suhoor, Jummah, and taraweeh prayers while staying at the luxurious Hashimi Hotel. Immerse yourself in a tour of Al Aqsa Mosque and other historic and religious sites organised by Blessed Voyage UK travel and tours.
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