Ramadan begins today, marking the start of a sacred month observed with fasting, prayer and reflection. The onset of the holy month was confirmed following the sighting of the crescent moon, with Wednesday designated as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Islamic nations on this blessed occasion, praying that the month returns to Qatar and the wider Muslim world with goodness and blessings.
Across Qatar, comprehensive preparations have been completed to ensure a welcoming and spiritually uplifting Ramadan experience for both residents and visitors. Mosques throughout the country have been readied to receive worshippers after extensive maintenance, renovation and improvements. More than 1,000 dedicated prayer spaces have been prepared for women, complete with privacy partitions and comfortable amenities.
Beyond religious observance, the country has seen a rich array of cultural, heritage and family-oriented activities aligned with the spirit of Ramadan. A nationwide programme of events and festivities will take place throughout the month, offering residents a diverse range of experiences that celebrate cultural traditions, community togetherness, and seasonal heritage. These include immersive outdoor experiences with artisan workshops, live performances, storytelling sessions and evening gatherings that bring families together in relaxed and welcoming settings. Ramadan bazaars, interactive spaces for all ages, and culinary offerings celebrating regional flavours will create vibrant atmospheres in various places across the country.
Traditional activities, including festive occasions such as mid-Ramadan celebrations and special marketplace experiences, will continue to engage the community. Culinary heritage takes centre stage with food festivals that evoke nostalgia and showcase Ramadan favourites, while renowned precincts will host distinctive evening gatherings that blend contemporary ambience with cultural tradition. Sporting events and museum exhibitions will also be integrated into the Ramadan calendar, ensuring that cultural, intellectual and physical experiences are available throughout the holy month.
Charitable outreach remains a core focus during Ramadan. Expanded initiatives to serve fasting individuals and support vulnerable segments of society are underway, with large-scale iftar programmes ready to provide hundreds of thousands of meals across designated locations. Zakat collection efforts have been strengthened with additional collection points and digital tools to facilitate charitable giving while raising public awareness of this pillar of Islam.
As the holy month begins, Qatar stands fully prepared, spiritually, socially and culturally, to welcome Ramadan with open arms, offering a blend of religious devotion, communal engagement, and cultural celebration throughout the blessed period.
