Ramadan Travel Tips, Holidays and National Days

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, and it can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. From dawn to sunset Muslims abstain from food and drink, then gather for iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. Hotels across the region stage generous iftar and later suhoor feasts, often in beautiful tents, and the streets and souks come alive after dark.

A few courtesies go a long way. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight in the Gulf states; hotels serve guests in their restaurants or by room service. Dress a little more modestly, expect shorter office and shop hours by day, and note that some bars close or serve only later. Many events pause or schedule around the month. See customs and etiquette for more.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. Both bring public holidays of three to five days across the Arab world, and Türkiye often extends its Bayram holidays to nine days. These are joyful, family-centered occasions with fireworks and festive dining, but they are also the region's peak travel weeks, so reserve hotels and flights early.

During Hajj, which runs for about six days around Eid al-Adha, Makkah is reserved for pilgrims, and flights and hotels in Saudi Arabia are heavily booked. Only Muslims may enter Makkah. Saudi Arabia does not hold public holidays for the Islamic New Year or Mawlid, and Qatar observes only the two Eids. Ashura falls on the tenth day of the Islamic year. Our luxury Umrah and Hajj page covers pilgrimage travel.