The joys of Ramadan food shopping in Saudi Arabia

Residents take advantage of low prices to stock up on non-perishable items for the rest of the year

Saudis buy dates at a shop in Jeddah before the start of Ramadan. AFP

Major discounts on food items across supermarkets in Saudi Arabia are under way as Ramadan approaches.

Ramadan is expected to begin on March 23, but the exact date will be determined by the Moon-sighting committee when it searches the skies for the new crescent.

Residents across the country are making use of discounts as they stock up on essentials that will last well beyond the holy month.

Shoppers who spoke to The National in Jeddah said they eagerly awaited the yearly Ramadan deals that allow them to buy and share food with relatives and those in need.

“It is the perfect time to stock up on dates for Ramadan and for the rest of the year as they don't expire. I just stock them in our fridge and they last me all year,” said Rawan Hasan.

“My favourites are Ajwa and Sukkari.”

Umm Ayesha, another Jeddah resident, chose to stock up on sugary drinks traditionally consumed during Ramadan.

“I got seven bottles of Tang [an orange powdered drink], Vimto and ingredients for Sobia [a starchy milk drink] and Qamar Al-Din [a sweet drink made of dried apricot], and that's only for drinks,” said Umm Ayesha.

“The discounts go up to 50 per cent, so I am buying for the whole month as we have a lot of guests throughout Ramadan for iftar and suhoor.”

Muslims across the world break their fast with dates and water, whereas most families in the kingdom enjoy a cup of Saudi coffee and dates before iftar.

The prices of dates, dairy and sweets have also been reduced.

“Since Ramadan and Eid are the most important months for us, they are also the busiest with the most amount of social and family gatherings over food,” said Summaya Gandour, a Riyadh resident.

Visitors are taken on a tour of Jeddah's Al Balad district in Saudi Arabia. All photos: Reuters

The district was founded in the seventh century and was once the beating heart of Saudi Arabia's second-largest city

A man reads the news on his smartphone in one of the old houses in Al Balad district

The district is famous for its traditional buildings, which were constructed with coral-stone and decorated with intricate latticed windows

Al Balad put Jeddah on the map as an ancient trading port and the primary gateway to Makkah

The district's Al Dahab Street was once the only way for pilgrims to reach Makkah

Saudis take tea in Al Balad district

Al Balad's fascinating rabbit warren of streets are more easily navigated when you know what you are looking for

The district is home to Bait Nassif, one of Al Balad's most important buildings

Bait Nassif is where King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, stayed for three years when he was in Jeddah

“This helps families who are struggling financially, as well as those who like to give charity and help give grocery supplies to families, a great deal.”

People are also using online shopping portals and apps to take advantage of deals online.

“I have been buying a lot of items from Amazon. It saves me the time and energy to go grocery shopping and reap the benefits of Ramadan discounts,” said Tahira Ali, another Jeddah resident.

“I even found boxes pre-made to give away to poor neighbourhoods instead of buying each one separately and wrapping them up.”

The “Ramadan box bundle” comprises grocery supplies for a month, including Basmati rice, milk creamer, oil, sugar, dates, juice, flour, spaghetti, oats and tea that can help a family during Ramadan.

Normally, a one kg bag of rice would cost 42.50 Saudi riyals. However, with the Ramadan discounts, the price of this staple could go as low as 34.95 riyals.

For most families, Ramadan shopping is a ritual that both children and adults take part in every year.

“I have great memories of my father taking my grocery shopping in Ramadan and our trolley used to be stacked up with cartons of Tang and biscuits, which we were so excited to have,” said Hala Alsaeed.

“Now, he takes my children, so we keep that tradition going.”

Khutwat Khair volunteers took people with special needs to the park where they had food and drinks, and did some exercises together. The activity was sponsored by the charity organization 'liajlehum' in Riyadh.

Volunteers distribute food and essential goods during Ramadan to families in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All photos: The National

One of the most essential pillars of Ramadan is charity and community development.

Children are encouraged to participate in daily acts of charity.

During Ramadan elders teach youngsters about the importance of charity so they can take the tradition forward.

Volunteers gather boxes containing essential supplies, such as cooking oil, rice and sugar.

Volunteers deliver the boxes door to door in some of Jeddah's less privileged neighbourhoods.

Khutwat Khair is one volunteer group in Riyadh that distributes food to people in need.

Their campaign this year is called Lulwah Alajlan – 30 days of giving.

Volunteers will help to distribute iftar to hospital staff, labourers, firemen and others working to keep their communities safe, as well as people in need.

Khutwat Khair volunteers distribute iftar in Riyadh

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair

Khutwat khair volunteers in Riyadh during Ramadan. Photo: Khutwat Khair