SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
Ramadan remains centred on faith and reflection in the UAE, with a focus on spirituality, generosity and time spent with loved ones, according to a survey released by market research firm YouGov earlier this month.
The research, which examined trends among people observing the holy month, surveyed 1,060 people in the UAE and 1,023 in Saudi Arabia in December 2025.
The findings show that 72% of respondents in the UAE view spirituality as the most important aspect of Ramadan, with nearly three-quarters of surveyed adults anticipating spending more time on prayer and other religious activities over this period. In Saudi Arabia, 78% of respondents said they expected to increase time spent on worship and prayer during the holy month.
Alongside faith, family remains central to the Ramadan experience in the region, In the UAE, 68% of the respondents said they anticipated spending more time with loved ones, a natural offshoot of the sense of community at the time of iftar and suhoor. Across the country, these mealtimes remain a largely shared event, whether at home, in the mosque, at restaurants and hotels, or even at the workplace.
Generosity is also a leading theme during Ramadan, with 44% of respondents in the UAE describing this month as a time for giving back to the community. This is evident in the many charitable initiatives launched over the period, from endowment funds to sharing fridges to humanitarian aid contributions, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of compassion and social responsibility.
In terms of day-to-day life, there is a significant shift in schedules, with shorter work and school days making time for worship and community. Yet, the survey found that nearly half of all respondents expect to maintain their exercise routines during Ramadan, indicating a consistent focus on health and wellbeing.
On the other hand, travel plans showed a more mixed pattern - 37% of respondents expect to travel less during Ramadan compared to the rest of the year, while 42% expect no change.
The survey also explored media consumption and shopping preferences, noting that Ramadan continues to influence habits and the overall pace of daily life in the UAE.