Saudi Arabia: Ramadan celebrations begin May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the world will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, businesses, restaurants, and government administrations may operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly on weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Local authorities typically report a heightened terrorism threat during the month of Ramadan, and increased security measures should be expected in major urban areas. Authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and it carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion and abstain from certain activities.

The threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia remains high due generally to the tense regional geopolitical climate, as well as more specifically the country’s direct and indirect political and military involvement abroad (e.g., the country's controversial intervention in the ongoing Yemeni conflict). It is estimated that over 2000 Saudis have left the country to join Islamic State (IS), giving rise to fears that they could return to perpetrate attacks within the kingdom.

Attacks targeting members of the security forces have taken place all over Saudi Arabia, particularly in Dammam, where an attack by Shi'ite militants resulted in the deaths of four police officers on September 18 and October 24. Additionally, localized sporadic unrest is fairly common in the east of the country.

More generally, this period marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In recent years, IS, as well as other groups, have called on their fighters to perpetrate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan. On June 26, 2015, IS fighters killed 39 people in an attack targeting Sousse, Tunisia. The same day, a similar attack also claimed by IS targeted a Mosque during Friday's noon prayers in Kuwait City, killing 27 people. On June 21, 2016, members of Jordan’s security forces were killed in a car bomb. In Lebanon, a series of suicide attacks killed six people. In Turkey, on the evening of June 28, 2016, an attack carried out by three gunmen/suicide bombers was perpetrated at Istanbul-Atatürk International Airport (IST), leaving 44 people dead and scores more injured.

Advice

Individuals in Saudi Arabia are advised remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior. It is advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public throughout this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

Given the prevailing terrorist risk in Saudi Arabia, those present in the country are advised to exercise caution at all times, to keep a low profile, and to avoid public places lacking adequate security measures or locations deemed particularly likely to be targeted in the event of an attack (e.g., official buildings, military zones, etc.). Report all suspicious objects or behavior to authorities.

As a reminder, the majority of Western governments advise their nationals against travel to Saudi Arabia's southern provinces as well as areas near the Iraqi border. US authorities have specifically restricted American government personnel and their families from traveling within 80 km (50 mi) of the Yemeni border as well as to the cities of Jizan and Najran without authorization. Due to the risk of sporadic outbreaks of violence, the American government also prohibits its personnel from traveling to Qatif and surrounding suburbs as well as to Hofuf and surrounding suburbs (Eastern province). Travelers are advised to take the above restrictions into consideration.