Consumer Behaviour Shifts During Ramadan

As the crescent moon signals the approaching holy month of Ramadan, expected to begin on March 11th, 2024 (2025 - Friday 28th Feb) the UAE prepares for a period of spiritual reflection, community gathering, and renewed focus on family and charity. This sacred time also presents great opportunities for businesses to connect with consumers on a deeper level, fostering goodwill and driving positive outcomes. In This article we explore some shifts in consumer behaviour that may impact you as a business, but also provide ways for you to enhance your engagement with customers.

Social Media Usage Increases During Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan witnesses a significant explosion in social media activity in the UAE. Families and friends, often geographically dispersed, use these platforms to connect virtually, share their Ramadan experiences, and stay updated on events, prayer timings, and promotions. Businesses have a golden opportunity to leverage this heightened engagement by:

• Creating engaging and relevant content: This could be anything from inspirational quotes, recipes for Suhoor and Iftar meals, educational content about Ramadan traditions, or even lighthearted and humorous content that resonates with the spirit of the season.
• Participating in relevant conversations: Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages, joining online discussions, and participating in relevant hashtags and trends.
• Running targeted social media campaigns: Utilise social media advertising platforms to reach a specific audience with tailored messages and promotions. Consider collaborating with local influencers to further amplify your reach and connect with the community.

Travel & Family Time - Coming Together for Eid

Eid al-Fitr, the joyous celebration marking the end of Ramadan, often sees a surge in travel plans as families reunite and celebrate together. Businesses can cater to this by:

• Offering travel-related promotions: This could include discounts on flights, hotels, or travel packages. Partnering with local travel agencies could further enhance your offerings.
• Creating family-friendly promotions: Cater to families by offering special discounts on family-oriented activities, entertainment, or dining experiences. Consider creating packages that bundle various services for a convenient and appealing option.
• Developing campaigns that celebrate togetherness: This could involve user-generated content contests encouraging families to share their Eid celebrations, or hosting virtual events that bring people together online.

Focus on Food & Feasting

During Ramadan, pre-dawn meals (Suhoor) and evening meals (Iftar) become central to the daily practice. This leads to a significant increase in food consumption and a shift in shopping patterns. Businesses can capitalise on this by:

• Offering special Ramadan menus: Develop special menus featuring traditional Ramadan dishes, lighter Suhoor options, and family-sized portions for Iftar gatherings.
• Providing delicious pre-dawn meal options: Cater to the specific needs of Suhoor by offering convenient and readily available options, such as grab-and-go meals, delivery services, or heat-and-eat options.
• Enhancing delivery services for large gatherings: Ensure your delivery services are efficient and cater to the larger orders typically placed during Ramadan for Iftar meals and family gatherings.

Ramadan Promotes Charitable Giving

One of the core aspects of Ramadan is generosity and philanthropy. This spirit of giving extends to charitable donations and supporting those in need. Businesses can align themselves with this value by:

• Organising charitable initiatives: This could involve organising donation drives, volunteering opportunities, or partnering with local charities to support their causes.
• Partnering with NGOs: Collaborate with non-governmental organisations to leverage their expertise and reach a wider audience with your philanthropic efforts.
• Donating a portion of proceeds: Dedicate a percentage of your sales during Ramadan to a worthy cause, demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility and resonating with customers who share the values of giving.

Businesses - Partner For Success During Ramadan

Embracing the spirit of Ramadan and tailoring your approach to the changing consumer behavior during this holy month can be a powerful way to boost engagement, build brand loyalty, and ultimately drive positive business outcomes. However, navigating these opportunities effectively can require specialised expertise.

This is where Prism 7 Corporate can become your trusted partner in success. We offer a comprehensive suite of corporate services designed to help businesses navigate the specific complexities of doing business, we also have experience of how businesses adjust these processes during Ramadan.

By partnering with Prism 7 Corporate, you gain access to our dedicated team, extensive resources, and tailored solutions to ensure your business embraces Ramadan with confidence and maximises the potential of this significant period. Together, we can help you navigate the opportunities presented by Ramadan, connect with your customers on a deeper level, and achieve your business goals.