Ramadan tents illuminate rich Riyadh tradition

Muslim worshippers break the fast with a diner distributed at the Prophet Muhammad Mosque (peace upon him) during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan on Friday in the Saudi holy city of Madinah. (AFP)

RIYADH: Hotels in Riyadh have made special setting up Ramadan tents, where the lanterns, besides other arrangements, reflect the rich tradition of the holy month.
Lighting lanterns also known as Fawanees tradition during the holy month is believed to have begun during the Fatimid dynasty in the 10th century, when they were lit to announce the end of each day’s fast.
With one of the largest Ramadan gatherings in the Kingdom, Fawanees has over the years become a benchmark for Ramadan experience particulalry in Riyadh where it attracts citizens and residents from various parts of the Kingdom.
Commenting on the special arrangements, Dalia Saad, public relation manager at Al-Faisaliah Hotel, said the splendid arabesque surroundings of Fawanees, with a feast for the senses at every turn, offers a spectacular setting for iftar, unrivaled personalized service and a range of gourmet cuisine that knows no match.
Fawanees offers hearty iftar buffets which feature an infinite selection of the finest in traditional Arabic delicacies, exquisite international cuisine, and sumptuous seafood, prepared and served at live cooking stations, complemented by a lavish dessert buffet and Ramadan beverages, she said.
With Ramadan tents being a popular phenomenon in the capital, Arab News discovered special arrangements at other hotels.
Muin Serhan, general manager at the Marriott, said, “We have made special arrangements at the convention center in the Makraim hall.” The hotel is offering attractive theme venues for Ramadan, he said adding, “we are honored to have established a tradition that resonates with the Riyadh community.”
Shahid Abidi, director sales and marketing at Al-Hamra Palace Hotel, said, “we have made elaborate plans to serve an extensive daily Iftar buffet at the Al-Mukhtar Ramadan tent in the lobby and it has been decorated with a special theme to create the festive Ramadan atmosphere.”
Al Hamra Palace offers the finest Ramadan iftar experience with family and friends, he said adding that special Ramadan iftar gift vouchers are also available at the hotel.
The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton hotels have come up with bigger Ramadan tents this year, daily attracting a huge number of guests. As the sun sets, the special tents in the ballrooms open up for guests to enjoy a memorable iftar. A special children’s room has been set up for the little ones to enjoy activities such as face painting, reading their favorite books, playing with toys, puzzles coloring and watching games.
With wonderful settings, extensive iftar and Suhour menus, guests from different cities come to witness Ramadan festivities, bringing high occupancy rates to local hotels.