JEDDAH, 26 October 2004 — Going out and having iftar at hotels and resorts is no more a taboo for Saudi families as was the case in the past. Now things have changed, and it has become a fashion. One can see them at five-star hotels or restaurants these days, enjoying popular dishes at iftar parties.
Hotels and resorts across the Kingdom come out with a variety of innovative programs during the fasting month. Ramadan tents put up by five-star hotels in various parts of the country attract a large number of people especially families every day.
These hotels host iftar parties for both individuals and companies and supply popular dishes. They also distribute prizes through draws to attract the maximum number of clients to these tents. Some hotels invite well-known Arab film stars and dramatists to these parties.
At least 40 such Ramadan tents are held at Jeddah hotels, attracting more than 25,000 people during the 30 days of the holy month. These hotels make a total revenue of SR40 million as prices of buffets range between SR60 and SR150 per person.
“Taking iftar at home has become an old custom for many Saudi families as many of them go to popular restaurants and hotels for iftar as a result of the pressures of life. In some families both husband and wife go for work,” said Ibrahim Saeed, a businessman in Riyadh.
“They also want to enjoy different and tasty dishes,” he added.
For Dayana Hilal, a Saudi woman, having iftar at restaurants is a weekly affair. “We get out with family once in a week to have iftar at one of the restaurants that supply Arab and continental food,” he said.
Muhammad Al-Amoudi, director of public and government relations at Crown Plaza in Jeddah, said many Saudi families have now shown interest to take part in Ramadan tents to break fast and take sahoor. Some hotels offer attractive prizes including air tickets and valuable gifts.
Muhammad Al-Mushat, executive director of Durrat Al-Arous, a resort in Jeddah, said Ramadan tents provide a spiritual atmosphere for Muslim families. “We invite more than 100 people daily to attend iftar parties held at these fascinating tents,” he added.
Ramadan tents help hotels make big sales. “Hotels compete with one another to have the largest number of clients,” said Abdullah Al-Saadi, director of Red Sea Hotel. “We have special budget for Ramadan tents and contract with famous restaurants to supply dishes popular among Saudis and expatriates.
“I always take my family to one of these Ramadan tents to have a different ambience and enjoy an open iftar. It will cost our five-member family SR350, which I think is reasonable,” said Mansour Al-Harithy.
Col. Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, director of civil defense in Jeddah, warned against using inflammable tents and urged hotel authorities to abide by safety regulations.
Emergency exists must be provided to help people escape at times of fire and other accidents, he added. Civil defense officers inspect Ramadan tents to make sure they follow safety rules.
