There are usually many iftar parties hosted by expatriates during Ramadan, but some believe these gatherings have lost their religious significance and are only used for self-promotion and entertainment.

In Jeddah, there is not a single day that passes without iftar parties hosted by several community organizations. It is estimated that every person gets on average 50 invites during the holy month.

Most of these gatherings are hosted by South Asian expatriate community organizations, particularly from India and Bangladesh. Many are from the Hyderabadi and Malayali communities, two of the largest blocs of Indian expatriates in the Kingdom.

“It’s true that many iftar parties have lost their religious significance and instead of making dua after iftar, people gossip,” said Yousufuddin Amjad, a member of a Hyderabad expatriate community organization that has been hosting these events for the last 27 years in Jeddah.

He said that expatriates now tend to have these gatherings at restaurants rather than at their homes as they did two decades ago, when there used to be a greater sharing of the responsibility of cooking the meals. He said there are also more expatriates, and restaurants catering to them, in the Kingdom.

Others say that many organizations and individuals are out there to promote their causes or simply to show off their clout and wealth.

Local restaurants are packed during Ramadan for these gatherings, according to operators.

“Our restaurant is fully booked for iftar by expat individuals and community organizations,” said Siyas of Impala, a large, popular Indian restaurant. He said the restaurant often hosts over 2,000 guests.

“The entire month of Ramadan is busy with iftar parties. Many expat community groups host them and we’re extremely busy,” said Isa Ajaz of Shadab, a popular restaurant known for its biryani in the city.

One Bangladesh community organization recently hosted Amir Hossain Amu, a high profile politician. Another organization is expected to host Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister, in the next few days, according to sources.