Ramadan is celebrated with warmth and treasured customs by Syrian families in the Northern Borders region.

Arar, March 19, 2025 — Syrian families living in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan with a profound sense of warmth, unity, and brotherhood. Despite the challenges of living away from their homeland, these families remain deeply committed to maintaining the cherished Ramadan traditions they hold dear. Their celebrations, marked by a spirit of togetherness, have fostered a strong sense of community, intertwining the cultural practices of Syrians with those of the local population, creating a shared experience that highlights the exchange of customs and traditions.

For Syrians in the region, Ramadan is not just a time of fasting but also a time for communal gatherings that symbolize the strength of family bonds and social connection. One of the most significant aspects of their Ramadan celebrations is the tradition of communal Iftar, a ritual that brings together family members, neighbors, and friends around a table filled with delicious food. These Iftar gatherings are more than just meals; they are moments of reflection, nostalgia, and celebration, allowing participants to reconnect with the essence of familial unity, even as they navigate life in a foreign land.

In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Abdullah Al-Alayan, a Syrian resident who has lived in the Northern Borders Region for 15 years, shared that communal Iftar gatherings are deeply embedded in their culture and provide a sense of belonging, despite being far from home. He described how members of the Syrian community come together to enjoy traditional Syrian dishes, each prepared with care and love. These meals, rich in flavor and symbolism, offer a taste of home and serve as a reminder of the importance of family and community during Ramadan.

Al-Alayan emphasized the significance of these gatherings, explaining that they provide not only a culinary experience but also an emotional connection to their roots. They enable Syrians in the Northern Borders Region to preserve their identity, even as they embrace the hospitality of the local Saudi community. The shared experience of Ramadan, marked by food, family, and faith, strengthens bonds between Syrians and their Saudi neighbors, reinforcing the sense of solidarity and mutual respect that exists between them.

As Ramadan continues, these communal Iftar gatherings stand as a testament to the resilience of the Syrian community, their ability to adapt and integrate into new environments while honoring the traditions that define them. The warmth and brotherhood that characterize these celebrations reflect the enduring strength of cultural ties, transcending borders and fostering unity in times of both joy and hardship.