Ramadan 2026 in Saudi Arabia: A First-Time Digital Spiritual Experience

How Will Technology Change the Ramadan Experience in Saudi Arabia in 2026?

In an unprecedented scene, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH/2026 AD with a bouquet of innovative digital initiatives aimed at enhancing the spiritual experience of citizens, residents, and pilgrims. This step aligns with Vision 2030 and solidifies the Kingdom's status as a global destination for religious and cultural tourism.

Expectations indicate that Ramadan 2026 will witness a qualitative shift in integrating technology with religious worship and rituals. According to data from the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), it is expected that over 90% of the Kingdom's population will use smart applications related to the fasting month, compared to 65% in 2023. These applications include platforms for digital Quranic education, apps for accurately determining prayer and iftar times using artificial intelligence technologies, and electronic donation platforms.

What Are the Most Prominent Digital Initiatives Expected for Ramadan 2026?

The national plan for digital transformation in the religious field includes several pioneering projects:

• Unified "Digital Ramadan" Platform: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, will launch a comprehensive platform that gathers all services related to the month of Ramadan, starting from customized timetables based on geographical location, to live broadcasts of lessons and sermons from the Two Holy Mosques using augmented reality technology.
• "Interactive Quran" Project: An advanced digital version of the Holy Quran will be launched, including visual and audio interpretations, tools for tracking recitation, and personal statistics on progress in completing the Quran, in partnership between the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran and Saudi technology companies.
• Ramadan Health Applications: The Ministry of Health will provide a package of smart applications that monitor the health status of fasting individuals, offer customized nutritional advice, and enable remote medical consultations, especially for the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

How Will These Transformations Affect Religious Tourism?

The Saudi Tourism Authority expects the Kingdom to witness a 40% increase in visitor numbers during Ramadan 2026 compared to 2023, reaching over 2.5 million visitors. Their experience will be facilitated through:

• Unified electronic booking systems for prayer at the Two Holy Mosques.
• Applications for instant translation of sermons and lessons into 15 languages.
• Virtual tours of Islamic historical sites using virtual reality technology.

What Challenges Does This Digital Transformation Face?

Despite the significant positives, digital transformation in the religious field faces challenges, including the need to secure users' personal data, ensure the inclusivity of services for all age and societal groups, and preserve the traditional spiritual atmosphere of the month of Ramadan. The government has formed a joint committee among relevant authorities to address these challenges.

How Are Saudi Cities Preparing for This Different Ramadan?

Major cities in the Kingdom are witnessing intensive preparations. The Riyadh Municipality plans to install over 500 smart screens in public places to display prayer and iftar times, while the Jeddah Municipality is developing the "Jeddah Suhoor" application that connects restaurants with consumers to deliver suhoor meals. In the Eastern Province, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City is launching the "Digital Oasis" project, which provides open spaces equipped with modern technologies for worship and meditation.

What Is the Role of the Private Sector in This Experience?

The Saudi private sector is actively participating. Saudi Telecom Company (STC) announced an investment of 500 million riyals in digital infrastructure to support Ramadan services, while NEOM is launching initiatives to enhance the digital experience during the holy month.