RIYADH, 27 October 2003 — The beginning of the holy month of Ramadan was preceded by a rush for Ramadan purchases last night. The capital’s major shopping centers reported brisk sales boosted in part by bargain offers and lucky draws, with some consumers complaining about a price hike on popular Ramadan items.
Supermarkets are stacked high with foodstuffs, fruit, dates and other provisions widely used during the holy month. Many shopping malls have announced sales promotions and prize draws on the purchase of their products. Supermarket chains like Al-Jazeerah, Tamimi Markets, Last Chance Store, Watani Super Centers and Panda Supermarkets claim to have “unbeatable offers and prices during Ramadan.”
Ramadan in the Kingdom is famous for its diversity of food. Nearly seven million expatriates, a majority of them Muslims, hailing from some 29 countries bring their different food habits with them, and Saudis have their own hospitable style of celebrating Ramadan.
“We now have substantial stocks of food materials and all the things required for Ramadan hospitality,” Saudi national Dr. Fahd Al-Onaizi said.
Pakistani housewife Shahnaz Katariwala explained the customs of her own family. “We break the fast with dates and sweet drinks followed by a range of dishes, curry, meat and rice together with some sweets,” she said.
Expatriates without families in the Kingdom have other options. All hotels and restaurants have pitched in with special offers.
Hussain Ali Ghamdi, a local businessman, told Arab News: “This is a month when we see brisk sales of gold and electronics. Many expatriates prepare to go home for Eid Al-Fitr and they buy all sorts of electronic items, clothes and appliances during Ramadan.”
At the same time, some expatriates complain that they have not been able to buy Ramadan provisions because they have not been given their salaries in advance, while some housewives say they are facing problems this Ramadan because their husbands are out of work.
