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JEDDAH: Businesses across the Kingdom — from food and beverage to e-commerce and hospitality — are preparing for one of the most anticipated and profitable times of the year with new product lines and marketing campaigns.

Nausherwan Hafeez, Saudi Arabia operations country manager at Amazon, told Arab News that staples including rice and oil are in high demand during Ramadan.

The company has introduced a product line named Ramadan Boxes, which includes essential items used for iftar, or breaking the fast.

Customers can choose to buy or donate these boxes, and Amazon will deliver them to local food banks, Hafeez said.

Meanwhile, businesses in the retail sector are also experiencing rising demand.

Mohammed Majid, sales manager of the Economy Saving Center, said that the Jeddah-based store has already seen a 70 percent increase in sales in the lead-up to Ramadan.

The retailer has also introduced a variety of Ramadan-themed products, from lighting and wall hangings to tissue boxes, plates, and cups, and is stocking products from local brands.

On the internet, Saleha Ameen, founder of an online store selling handmade prayer mats, beads, Qur’an stands, and scarves, said: “We have noticed a 40 percent increase in online shopping over the past two weeks leading up to Ramadan.

“There has been a notable rise in orders for customized prayer mats, with customers seeking personalized designs and symbolic letters in the beads.”

Local food brands including Soma are experiencing a significant rise in orders, particularly for grape leaves, fatteh and musakhan, which are commonly enjoyed during iftar.

Noura Abdullah, founder of Soma, said: “Ramadan is the busiest month for us, and we see a rise in sales of grape-leaf dishes that are popular during iftar.”

“To manage production and meet this increased demand, we rely on innovative technology and data analytics to optimize our operations, predict peak periods, and ensure that we can handle high volumes while maintaining product quality.”

Goody Kitchen, a digital platform owned by Goody, a prominent Saudi Arabia food brand, has also adapted its strategies to connect with consumers during Ramadan.

Noha Baik, brand experience manager at Goody Kitchen, said the company has published a Ramadan magazine listing recipes and “stories that highlight food, family, and tradition.”

Big hotels are also preparing to meet the increased demand.

Vipin Khattar, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, said: “This year we have focused on enhancing our iftar offerings, offering a selection of Saudi traditional dishes and creating an atmosphere that reflects the values of Ramadan.”

“We are using data analytics to tailor our offerings and ensure we meet guest preferences,” Khattar added. He said the hotel uses “AI-driven guest service tools” and allows mobile check-ins and in-app restaurant orders.

Monther Abou Alssil, general manager at Movenpick Hotel Tahlia Jeddah, said the hotel is offering an iftar menu with an Italian twist, and hosting a charity event. 

“We are offering a culinary experience inspired by the heritage of Puglia, Italy, with Iftar menus created by an Italian chef from Puglia. The menu features traditional dishes like handmade orecchiette pasta, focaccia Barese, and fresh seafood,” he said.

“We will be hosting a charity event to invite individuals with special needs to break their fast with us, reflecting the values of generosity and community this Ramadan.”

He added that the hotel is focusing on “creating lasting connections.”

Jeddah: Hotels in Makkah and Madinah are being adorned with decorations as they prepare to welcome millions of pilgrims, offering guests the chance to experience Saudi culture firsthand during Ramadan.

Mohammed Haris, from India, who makes it a point to spend Ramadan every year in Makkah and Madinah, said: “Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is truly unique. The atmosphere and spirit here are unlike anywhere else in the world.

“I always choose to stay in hotels that are close to the holy sites, and over the years I’ve witnessed the improvements (in them).

“Hotels are continuously striving to make guests feel at home, allowing them to focus on their prayers and spirituality.”

Elaf Al Taqwa Hotel’s location in Madinah, near the Prophet’s Mosque, offers easy access to prayer.

The hotel has introduced a range of special services for Ramadan, including dua recitations played throughout the premises, daily azan calls, and a carefully curated menu for iftar and sahoor featuring traditional Saudi and international cuisine.

Hussain Rauff, the general manager of the hotel, said: “Our goal is to create a spiritually uplifting environment in which guests feel at home while experiencing the essence of Ramadan in the heart of Madinah.

“We have also introduced exclusive Ramadan offerings, such as a Ramadan bazaar, where pilgrims can purchase Islamic books, prayer mats, dates, perfumes, handcrafted souvenirs and other local products, allowing them to take a meaningful piece of their journey home.

“A traditional seating area has also been set up, offering a space for reflection and connection over Saudi coffee and local delicacies like balilah and chai adani after Taraweeh prayers.”

In addition, Rauff added: “To ensure a balanced routine, we’ve kept our gym open throughout Ramadan, allowing guests to maintain their well-being while observing the spiritual practices of the month.”

The hotel also offers tours on the history of Madinah, including visits to Quba Mosque.

The Elaf group of hotels in Makkah, close to the Grand Mosque, is preparing to welcome an influx of guests during the holy month.

Hassan Khaleel, operation regional director for the Makkah region, said the hotels’ “goal is to provide an enriching stay and allow pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey.”

The Address Jabal Omar Makkah has recently opened a walkway directly leading to the Grand Mosque.

The hotel’s interiors celebrate Saudi culture and heritage, with a large iftar buffet and a Ramadan tent with traditional Saudi coffee, dates and holy Zamzam water.

Frontel Al Harithia Hotel in Madinah focuses on sahoor, which is especially important during Ramadan fasting.

For those seeking a deeper connection to the historic and spiritual significance of Ramadan, Ahmed Zahrani has partnered with several hotels in Makkah to offer tours that explore sacred sites in the region. Iconic locations such as Jabal Al-Rahmah, Namira Mosque, Zubayda Spring, and Muzdalifah can be visited.

Zahrani said that the tours offered “insight into the sacred landmarks of Islamic history.”

Zeyad Labban, the managing director of Maad International Hajj and Umrah Services Company, spoke about how the business is “committed to enhancing the comfort of pilgrims and visitors by providing all necessary services,” including accommodation, transport, dining, and historic tours.

Hotels in the holy cities are working to provide an environment in which pilgrims can focus on their faith and make the most of their time, with a warm welcome and respectful hospitality throughout the month.