Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr expected on Tuesday 9 March, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar. Lunar dates are confirmed by the official moon sighting, so keep a day either side in your plan. For most Saudi businesses this is the most important month of the year, and the brands that do well usually prepare it months ahead, not in the last week of Sha'ban.
Start in November, not in February
Snap reports that around 40% of shoppers in Saudi Arabia plan their Ramadan shopping three months or more ahead, so the decisions start in November and December. Use these months to choose the offer, book the shoots, write the content calendar and prepare the ads. January is then for teasers, and February is for showing up every day.
A timeline that works
- November and December: choose one Ramadan idea, the offer and the budget, and photograph the products or the menu.
- January: share what is coming, collect early orders or bookings, and update your highlights.
- The first days of Ramadan: greet your followers and share your new hours and the Ramadan menu or offer.
- The middle of the month: keep a steady rhythm of short videos and answer questions fast.
- The last ten days: focus on Eid gifts, outfits and orders, with a clear last order date for delivery before Eid.
- Eid al-Fitr: thank your customers and share your Eid hours.
Our Ramadan checklist counts down the days and lists eight things to finish before the month.
Founding Day falls inside Ramadan
Founding Day on 22 February 2027 is a public holiday that falls inside Ramadan this year. Plan one piece of content that honours both, in a calm tone that fits the month, rather than two campaigns that compete with each other.
What to post
- Your new hours, pinned, in your highlights and on your Google Maps profile.
- The Ramadan menu or offer, shown clearly with prices.
- Behind the scenes: preparing iftar boxes, packing orders, the team at work.
- Useful tips that fit your business: a light suhoor idea from a café, a fasting tip from a clinic within the health advertising rules, an Eid gift guide from a store.
- Eid preparation: gift boxes, outfits, bookings and delivery dates.
Keep the tone calm and respectful of the month. For short video ideas, see our Reels ideas guide.
Post when people are on their phones
Daily routines change in Ramadan: activity moves to the evening, after iftar and Taraweeh, and late into the night. Use your own Instagram and Snapchat insights from last Ramadan if you have them, and test evening and late night times in the first week before you settle on a schedule.
Offers and ads that follow the rules
Any discount you announce needs a discount licence from the Ministry of Commerce, and paid content with influencers needs a Mawthooq licence and a clear ad label. Ads cost more in busy seasons because many brands compete for the same people, so start earlier, test with a small budget, and keep the best performing ads running into the last ten days.
Read more in our Mawthooq licence guide.
Be ready for the messages
Ramadan brings more questions about hours, delivery and stock. Prepare quick replies in WhatsApp Business, answer within the hour during your working hours, and share the last order date for Eid in every channel.
Our WhatsApp Business guide covers the setup.
When to get help
Our social media management service plans Ramadan content months ahead, in Arabic and English, posts it every day of the month and replies to customers on the packages that include it.
Frequently asked questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Saudi Arabia?
Ramadan 1448 is expected to start on Monday 8 February 2027 according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, with Eid al-Fitr expected on Tuesday 9 March. The official moon sighting confirms the dates.
When should I start planning Ramadan marketing?
In November or December. Snap reports that around 40% of shoppers in Saudi Arabia plan their Ramadan shopping three months or more ahead.
What should a business post during Ramadan?
Its new hours, the Ramadan menu or offer with clear prices, behind the scenes, useful tips that fit the business and Eid preparation, in a calm tone that respects the month.
Do Ramadan discounts need a licence?
Yes. Any discount you announce needs a discount licence from the Ministry of Commerce.
Want your Ramadan content planned before February? Book a free call.