Ramadan 2027 with Kids in Saudi Arabia: Fasting Gradually, Sleep, Suhoor, Iftar and Activities

When does Ramadan 2027 start in Saudi Arabia?

Short answer: astronomers expect Ramadan 1448 to begin around 8 February 2027, but the official start depends on the moon sighting announced by the Supreme Court, so it could shift by a day.

The new moon is born on 6 February 2027 and is expected to become visible on the evening of 7 February. Plan leave and travel around 8 February with a one-day margin either side.

At what age should children start fasting?

Short answer: fasting becomes obligatory at puberty. Before that, families train children gradually, and there is no single right age; it depends on the child's health, willingness and stamina.

The Saudi Ministry of Health advises checking that the child is ready and wants to learn, never letting a child fast while ill, and building up gradually. It suggests choosing specific days, such as the first and last days of Ramadan, and specific hours, for example from 11am to 6pm, and letting younger children fast from food only while still drinking water.

A plan that works in many homes: week one, fast until noon; week two, until mid-afternoon; then a full day at the weekend, when the child is relaxed at home. Praise effort, not just completion.

When should a child break the fast?

Short answer: immediately, if the child seems unable to cope, is very tired or shows signs of dehydration. The Ministry of Health says the fast should be broken at once in that case.

Watch for dizziness, paleness, a bad headache, unusual sleepiness, a dry mouth and passing little urine. Give water and food, and call a doctor if the child does not improve. Children with chronic conditions such as diabetes need their doctor's advice before trying to fast.

How do we protect children's sleep in Ramadan?

Short answer: keep a fixed bedtime. WHO recommends 11-14 hours of sleep for children aged 1-2 and 10-13 hours for ages 3-4, naps included, and Ramadan does not change that.

Late visits after Taraweeh and family gatherings until suhoor are the real threat. Agree a bedtime, even an hour later than usual, and stick to it most nights. The Ministry of Health suggests a dark room and no screens before sleep. Children who are not fasting do not need waking for suhoor; let them join at the weekend for the experience.

What should children eat at suhoor and iftar?

Short answer: iftar starting with dates and water or milk, then soup, salad and a main dish; suhoor with protein, fibre and plenty of fluids.

The Ministry of Health recommends opening the fast with dates and water, milk or fresh juice, then vegetable soup and salads, choosing natural juices over sugary ones, and avoiding fizzy drinks, fried and spicy food. Good suhoor options include oats with milk, eggs with wholemeal bread, foul with bread, or laban with dates and banana.

Sambousa and luqaimat are part of the joy of a Saudi iftar. Give children a piece after the main dish rather than banning them.

What Ramadan activities can we do at home?

Short answer: short daily rituals that connect children to giving, the Quran and family.

A Ramadan calendar on the fridge with a small task each day; a charity jar the child decorates and fills from pocket money; a Ramadan corner with a lantern, a small prayer mat and a storybook of the prophets.

In the Eastern Province and other parts of the Gulf, children celebrate Gergean in mid-Ramadan, going door to door for nuts and sweets. If your community celebrates it, let children help prepare bags for neighbours. In the last ten days, involve them in choosing Eid clothes and preparing eidiya envelopes.

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