Page 139 - FDF PR REPORT - MARCH 2025 (ENGLISH)

4/3/25, 4:24 PM Cherished amidst change: Ramadan has evolved and adapted,...
and Amna Alhammadi is Senior, BSc Marketing and Entrepreneurship. They were supervised by Dr.
Nataša Slak, Associate Professor, Zayed University. The researchers speak to Gulf Today

Can you name some Ramadan traditions from the past you wish would make a comeback
today?

Our research showed us that many people, seniors and children, want to see traditional practices
come back, with a desire for more community-oriented practices and communal eating outdoors.
Some respondents particularly recalled the suhoor waker (al-musaharat), the man who called to
wake up people for the suhoor meal. Communal eating outdoors was also a tradition close to their
hearts, because it allowed passersby to join a large table, with no one being left to eat alone. –
Meitha Almehairbi.

An Iftar awaits guests.

How do you think modernisation and technology have reshaped Ramadan traditions,
positively and negatively?

Modernisation has had an impact on all aspects of life, including Ramadan traditions, in the age of
technology. While we have access to so many resources that help in preparing food, catering, and
finding ingredients, some aspects of social life have been lost with modernisation. One of our
respondents recalled that though it took long to prepare a meal in the kitchen because they had to
use their bare hands, it was always worth the time and effort, since neighbours always gathered
together. Now, they did not even know their neighbours. – Alyaa AlZubaidi.

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