Muslims in Saudi Arabia eagerly await Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan, as this day marks a significant milestone towards the end of the holy month. With the fasting month drawing to a close, the need to accurately track the times for the pre-dawn meal (suhoor to ensure the complete observance of the fast. In this context, the National Center of Meteorology has announced the precise times for the Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers in various regions and cities across the Kingdom, making it easier for citizens and residents to organize their time and religious observances.
The spiritual and social importance of knowing the times for fasting and breaking the fast
The holy month of Ramadan holds a profound historical and religious significance in the hearts of Muslims. It is the month of mercy and forgiveness, during which the Holy Quran was revealed. The final days of Ramadan, particularly the 29th, are especially significant, as Muslims eagerly await the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal, heralding the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. The precise adherence to the times for fasting and breaking the fast (Imsak) has an impact not only within the Kingdom but also regionally and internationally. Saudi Arabia, home to the Two Holy Mosques, is the Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims and a primary reference point for determining the beginnings and ends of the Islamic months. Therefore, the accuracy of these timings enhances spirituality and unites the feelings of Muslims who eagerly follow all announcements from official Saudi authorities.
Imsak and Iftar times schedule for cities in the Kingdom for the 29th of Ramadan
In its commitment to providing reliable information, the National Center for Meteorology published a detailed statement outlining the Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayer times for Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan, in several major cities across the Kingdom. The times are as follows:
- Riyadh: 4:41 AM – 6:04 PM
- Mecca: 5:11 AM – 6:32 PM
- Madinah: 5:10 AM – 6:32 PM
- Jeddah: 5:13 AM – 6:34 PM
- Dammam: 4:27 AM – 5:50 PM
- Abha: 5:01 AM – 6:21 PM
- Tabuk: 5:19 AM – 6:44 PM
- Buraidah: 4:51 AM – 6:15 PM
- Hail: 4:59 AM – 6:24 PM
Imsak and Iftar times for Wednesday, 29/9/1447 AH #WeKeepYouInformed pic.twitter.com/448RF2llsN
— National Center of Meteorology (NCM) (@NCMKSA) March 17, 2026
- Al-Baha: 5:05 AM – 6:25 PM
- Arar: 4:59 AM – 6:22 PM
- Sakaka: 5:04 AM – 6:30 PM
- Jazan: 5:02 AM – 6:21 PM
- Najran: 4:55 AM – 6:14 PM
The role of official bodies in accurately determining the times for fasting and breaking the fast
Historically, Muslims relied on direct visual observation or hearing the cannon firing to determine prayer and fasting times. Today, with tremendous technological advancements, government institutions like the National Center of Meteorology play a vital role in providing accurate astronomical and meteorological data. This shift reflects the Kingdom's commitment to harnessing technology to serve religion and society. Providing the times for Imsak (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast) through digital platforms and social media ensures that millions of fasting individuals receive accurate information instantly, preventing any discrepancies or confusion and contributing to the organization of daily life, whether during work hours or family gatherings for Iftar and Suhoor.
