Imsak and Iftar times for Tuesday, the 14th of Ramadan, in Saudi Arabian cities

As the holy month reaches its midpoint, those fasting in Saudi Arabia are awaiting the start and end times for Tuesday, the 14th of Ramadan, to adjust their daily schedules and religious observances according to the precise timings for each region. The National Center of Meteorology, in cooperation with relevant authorities, has announced the official times, which show a clear variation across the Kingdom's vast regions.

Imsak and Iftar times in Saudi cities

According to the data received, the Fajr (dawn) prayer time in Dammam is at 4:42 AM, while the Maghrib (sunset) prayer time is at 5:42 PM. These times vary in other cities depending on their geographical location. The detailed list for Tuesday is as follows:

• Riyadh: Imsak 5:56 AM - Iftar 5:57 PM.
• Makkah Al-Mukarramah: Imsak 5:24 am - Iftar 6:26 pm.
• Madinah: Imsak 5:24 am - Iftar 6:25 pm.
• Jeddah: Imsak 5:26 am - Iftar 6:29 pm.
• Dammam: Imsak 4:42 am - Iftar 5:42 pm.
• Abha: Imsak 5:13 am - Iftar 6:17 pm.
• Tabuk: Imsak 5:36 am - Iftar 6:35 pm.
• Buraidah: Imsak 5:07 am - Iftar 6:07 pm.
• Hail: Imsak 5:16 am - Iftar 6:15 pm.
• Al-Baha: Imsak 5:17 am - Iftar 6:20 pm.
• Arar: Imsak 5:18 am - Iftar 6:16 pm.
• Sakaka: Imsak 5:21 am - Iftar 6:20 pm.
• Jazan: Imsak 5:13 am - Iftar 6:18 pm.
• Najran: Imsak 5:06 am - Iftar 6:11 pm.

The importance of accuracy in Ramadan timing

The 14th of Ramadan holds special significance as it marks the end of the three days of fasting known as the "White Days" and the midpoint of the holy month, a period during which Muslims strive to increase their acts of worship. Historically, Muslims relied on visual observation and the movement of the sun to determine prayer and fasting times. However, with modern advancements and urban expansion, relying on precise astronomical calendars, such as the Umm al-Qura calendar, and official announcements has become essential to ensure the validity of religious observances. Scholars consistently emphasize the importance of abstaining from food and drink well before dawn as a precaution, and breaking the fast immediately after sunset, following the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition). This makes knowing the precise timing, down to the minute and second, crucial for every fasting person.

Geographical diversity and its impact on fasting hours

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by its vast area, spanning multiple lines of longitude, which creates a significant time difference in the times of fasting and breaking the fast between the east, west, north, and south of the Kingdom. This geographical variation not only affects the timing of religious observances but also influences the social and economic patterns during the holy month. For example, residents of the Eastern Province break their fast up to an hour earlier than those of the Western Province, impacting peak traffic times, working hours in both the public and private sectors, and even the broadcast times of Ramadan television programs, reflecting the unique environmental and temporal diversity that the Kingdom embraces.