RIYADH: Locals in Qatif practice Ramadan traditions by reconnecting with relatives, keeping the community spirit of small Saudi towns alive.

Like other regions of the Kingdom during Ramadan, families and friends gather to scope for the best markets, cafes and restaurants as Qatif鈥檚 days turn into nights.

But for many locals, Ramadan is about staying in and reconnecting with relatives in the tight-knit locale.

Dana Al-Awamy, a university student from Qatif, told Arab News that her Ramadan routine 鈥渇eels like a celebration because everyone is fasting together and breaking their fast together.

鈥淭he food we eat is always the same so it is kind of ritualistic ... my favorite part about Ramadan is the community and feeling the spiritual connection to God.鈥�

Having lived abroad, Al-Awamy had a foreign concept of Ramadan, but coming back home has given her the chance to immerse herself in the holy month, surrounded by the warmth of her family.

During the month, Al-Awamy honors her late grandmother, who was the heart of past celebrations.

鈥淪he was an amazing chef and it was her that would cook most of the food and make specific dishes only in Ramadan.

鈥淚 miss that now. I really believe because of that, it made me enjoy Ramadan as a kid and grow to love it even more as an adult,鈥� she said.

Sara Al-Awami shares her treasured moments with family, highlighting that the holy month brings a beautiful balance of spirituality, family and community, making it her favorite time of the year.

鈥淲e have a daily walk before iftar, which has become a small but meaningful tradition. The evenings are filled with gatherings, game nights, and, of course, enjoying all the delicious food,鈥� she said.

鈥淚 also love wearing traditional clothing during Ramadan 鈥� it adds to the festive and cultural spirit of the month. And while I鈥檇 love to say I help with the cooking, my real specialty is showing up just in time for iftar ... especially for dessert.鈥�

鈥淥ne of my favorite things about Ramadan is the strong sense of community and generosity that fills the month.鈥�

Having lived in different places, Al-Awami realized that while there may be slight cultural differences, Ramadan is celebrated in a very similar way in countries across the Gulf.

鈥淭he essence of the month is always about family, loved ones and coming together. The Eastern Province, like many other regions, is full of vibrant Ramadan traditions 鈥� whether it鈥檚 the communal iftars, the traditional fashion, the late-night outings, or the spiritual gatherings,鈥� she said.

鈥淏ut overall, across the Gulf, the core of Ramadan remains the same: A time of faith, family and generosity.鈥�

Having spent many years celebrating Ramadan abroad and alone, she has come to appreciate the time spent with family even more.

鈥淣othing compares to the warmth of breaking your fast with loved ones, the conversations that last late into the night and the shared traditions that make this month so special,鈥� she said.

鈥淣ow, I cherish these moments even more because I know what it鈥檚 like to experience Ramadan without them.

鈥淲hether in the Eastern Province, Kuwait, London, or the US, what makes Ramadan truly meaningful is the connection 鈥� with family, with the community and with faith.鈥�