How to spend Ramadan at Saudi Arabia's The Red Sea
This Ramadan, The Red Sea offers a different kind of escape
Ramadan in the city has a certain energy to it – the bustling iftar preparations, late-night gatherings, and the hum of activity that stretches well past midnight.
But along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, the Holy Month unfolds a bit differently. Here, the days feel gentler… Think: glowing sunsets and a sense of calm that perfectly suits Ramadan.
From lantern-lit beachfront tents to elegant hotel dining experiences and tranquil wellness retreats, The Red Sea invites you to pause, recharge, and embrace the season in a whole new way. Here’s your guide to Ramadan at The Red Sea.
InterContinental The Red Sea Resort
Leading the roundup, InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, situated along the tranquil shores of Shura Island, adopts a more relaxed pace for the Holy Month with its Ramadan Serenity Stay.
Suhoor and Iftar are served in tranquil settings throughout the resort. Head to Darein for a refined Iftar priced at SAR350 per person, with children under 12 receiving a 50 per cent discount.
Families are well looked after during their stay. The Family and Friends Offer lets guests who book a stay with breakfast and dinner enjoy a 50 per cent discount on a second room of the same type, offering extra space and flexibility for shared travel.
Guests can participate in paddle and tennis sessions, beach volleyball, or relax at the Mind and Soul Pavilion, which offers a daily programme of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement. Meanwhile, the young ones can discover creative workshops and marine-inspired adventures at Planet Trekkers.
Location: Shura Island, The Red Sea, Umluj, 48511 Saudi Arabia
Contact: +966-14-5040007 | @intercontinentalredsea
Cost: Start at SAR2,331 per night for two guests
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
For those seeking complete relaxation this Ramadan, Nujuma offers a stay focused on privacy, space, and peaceful island surroundings. Located on a secluded Red Sea island, the resort provides a quieter, more intimate way to experience the Holy Month.
Guests stay in spacious beachside or overwater villas designed for complete privacy, each accompanied by a Personal Host to manage arrangements throughout the stay. Iftar is served as a curated set menu, enjoyed in relaxed, scenic locations around the island; each one chosen to highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings while offering guests a sense of stillness and space.
Suhoor is discreetly delivered to each villa, enabling guests to sustain a calm, uninterrupted routine. Evening prayers are held at the Conservation House, a tranquil space dedicated to contemplation.
As the nights unfold, the atmosphere gradually becomes more social with Arabian Nights – informal gatherings centred around Arabic coffee, dates, music, and storytelling.
Location: Red Sea, Ummahat Islands 2-3 48501
Contact: +966 1 450 44444 | @nujumareserve
Cost: Starts at SAR12,138.97 per night for two guests. Valid for stays until March 18. Promotional Code: D60
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
At Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Ramadan unfolds against a backdrop of tranquil dune surroundings.
Ramadan stay packages include daily iftar and suhoor for two guests, making it easy to settle into a relaxed routine. At Bariya, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared Ramadan meals, while suhoor dishes are designed to be lighter and more nourishing.
On weekends, Al Sarab introduces a slightly more social atmosphere with “Sommar Al Sarab,” taking place from Thursday to Sunday between 6pm and midnight, where guests can enjoy an Arabic buffet alongside live Yunbu music and traditional touches, such as henna artistry.
Wellness remains a key part of the experience, with rituals and mindful activities crafted to help guests slow down, reconnect with nature, restore inner balance, and fully embrace the slower pace of Ramadan. As Ramadan settles over the dunes, that sense of calm comes naturally, whether it’s wandering the dunes at sunset, reflecting quietly in the privacy of a villa, or sharing relaxed evenings beneath a star-lit sky.
Location: Southern Dunes Site 14, The Red Sea Development, Umluj 48321
Contact: +966 014514 1414 | @sixsensessoutherndunes
Cost: Starts at SAR 2,535.75 per night
The Red Sea EDITION
Among the standout stays, The Red Sea EDITION offers a Ramadan experience tailored for those seeking an island getaway or something more tranquil. This year, the resort launches After Sunset, a carefully curated programme that embraces the slower, more reflective spirit of the Holy Month.
Located on Shura Island and easily accessible via bridge from Red Sea International Airport, the property blends contemporary design with a sense of calm that feels perfectly aligned with Ramadan.
Iftar takes place at Central, the resort’s architectural heart, inspired by the communal spirit of a grand plaza. Weekends feature a generous buffet of international favourites and sophisticated regional dishes, while weekdays offer a more intimate set menu experience. The emphasis throughout is on shared moments and relaxed dining rather than formality.
As the night progresses, suhoor moves to Jiwa Beach Majlis, where guests gather in an open-air seaside setting. Served daily from 9pm to 2am, the experience combines light, sophisticated dishes with a relaxed atmosphere by the water.
Location: Shura Island, Hanak, 48313 Saudi Arabia
Contact: +966 1 450 44455 | @editionredsearesort
Cost: Ramadan packages start from SAR 2,700 per room for two guests. Valid for stays until March 18.
Images: Supplied
