Imsak and Iftar times for Thursday, the 2nd of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

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With the dawn of the second day of Ramadan, the spiritual journey of those fasting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is renewed with the rituals of fasting and prayer. Citizens and residents alike are keen to ascertain the precise times for the start of the fast (Fajr) and the breaking of the fast (Maghrib), ensuring that worship is performed at its prescribed times, amidst a spiritual atmosphere that fills homes and mosques.

Prayer times in the cities of the Kingdom for the second day of Ramadan

Based on data issued by official authorities and the approved calendar, and confirmations from the National Center for Meteorology regarding its readiness to monitor Ramadan weather, the times for Imsak (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast) in the most prominent cities of the Kingdom for this day varied according to geographical location, and are as follows:

Riyadh: Fajr 5:06 AM - Maghrib 5:51 PM.
Mecca: Fajr 5:32 AM - Maghrib 6:21 PM.
Medina: Fajr 5:34 AM – Maghrib 6:19 PM.
Jeddah: Fajr 5:35 AM - Maghrib 6:23 PM.
Dammam: Fajr 4:53 AM - Maghrib 5:35 PM.
Abha: Fajr 5:20 am - Maghrib 6:13 pm.
Tabuk: Fajr 5:47 AM - Maghrib 6:27 PM.
Buraidah: Fajr 5:17 AM - Maghrib 6:00 PM.
Hail: Fajr 5:27 AM - Maghrib 6:08 PM.
Al-Baha: Fajr 5:25 am - Maghrib 6:16 pm.
Arar: Dawn 5:30 AM - Sunset 6:07 PM.
Sakaka: Fajr 5:33 AM – Maghrib 6:11 PM.
Jazan: Fajr 5:19 AM - Maghrib 6:14 PM.
Najran: Fajr 5:13 AM - Maghrib 6:07 PM.

Geographical diversity and its impact on time zones

The variation in timing between cities in the Kingdom reflects the country's vast geographical expanse, with fasting and breaking the fast beginning in the Eastern Province (such as Dammam) before the Western Provinces (such as Jeddah and Mecca), sometimes by as much as an hour. This gradual timing adds a unique character to the holy month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, as the moments of breaking the fast shift like a wave from east to west, highlighting the magnificence of the Creator and the diversity of times within a single geographical area united by the ritual of fasting.

Spiritual and social importance

Knowing these prayer times is of paramount importance, extending far beyond simply determining mealtimes. It regulates the rhythm of daily life in Saudi society during the holy month. As the Maghrib prayer approaches, families gather around their iftar tables, and the courtyards of the Two Holy Mosques are filled with fasting worshippers awaiting sunset to break their fast with Zamzam water and dates—a majestic scene of faith watched by Muslims worldwide. These times also play a role in organizing commercial and social activities, which see a significant increase in the evenings during Ramadan.