Ramadan arrives! Foreign traders should be aware during this period ......

Ramadan is one of the most important festivals in Islam. For professionals in foreign trade, understanding the specific dates of Ramadan, clients’ daily routines, and how to extend appropriate greetings during this period not only demonstrates respect for their cultural practices but also helps foster better business cooperation. In this article, our assistant shares some insights about Ramadan, hoping to be helpful to our friends.
 


2025 Ramadan Schedule
 
- Middle Eastern Region: Ramadan 2025 will begin on February 28.  
- Indian Region: Ramadan 2025 will start on March 2.
 
Typically, Ramadan lasts for about one month.
 
Countries and Regions That Celebrate Ramadan
 
A simple way to determine whether your clients celebrate Ramadan is to check if they are followers of Islam or if they come from the following regions:
 
1. Arab Countries (22 in total)  
- In Asia: Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain.

- In Africa: Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Somalia, Djibouti.
 
2. Non-Arab Countries (26 in total)  
- West Africa: Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Nigeria.  

- Central Africa and Southern African Island Countries: Chad, Comoros.

- Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania.  

- Asia:  
  - West Asia: Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Afghanistan.  
  - Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.  
  - South Asia: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives.  
  - Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei.
 
Of course, not all clients from these regions necessarily celebrate Ramadan. For example, in Lebanon and Malaysia, only about half of the population practices Islam; the actual client situation should be considered.
 
Client Communication Guidelines During Ramadan
 
During Ramadan, Muslim clients fast during the day and only eat before dawn and after sunset. Therefore, if scheduling meetings, it is advisable to set them between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., and to avoid contacting clients between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., as these are typically meal times.
 
Most companies shorten their working hours during Ramadan, and clients tend to pay less attention to marketing emails or business proposals. Unless there is an urgent matter or you have a close relationship with the client, it is recommended to reduce sending such emails and instead focus on sending holiday greetings. You can replace the traditional greeting “Hi” with “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak”; after Eid, “Eid Mubarak” can be used to extend your wishes.
 
Logistics and Customs Clearance Recommendations
 
- Shipping Plan:  
During Ramadan, the efficiency of port operations may drop by about 50%. Therefore, it is advisable to arrange shipments as early as possible during production and to allow an extra 14 to 21 days to account for potential delays.
 
- Transportation Methods:  
Try to avoid transshipment to prevent delays. For high-value and small-sized products, it is recommended to opt for air freight to ensure timely and secure logistics.
 
Examples of Ramadan Greetings
 
Below are several examples of greetings suitable for the Ramadan period. You may choose or modify them according to your needs:
 
- Example 1:  
Wishing you a blessed Ramadan that will inspire you with courage and strength to overcome every challenge in life!
 
- Example 2:  
May the divine Allah bless you with a peaceful and prosperous life throughout the year. Happy Ramadan!
 
- Example 3:  
Let this divine season wash away your burdens, lighten the darkness, and ease the pain you may be experiencing at this moment. Allah, the Almighty, will surely bless you with all the best things in life. Just keep faith in Him. Ramadan Mubarak.
 
- Example 4:  
As you fast and offer prayers to Allah, may you find your peace and happiness. Have a peaceful and happy Ramadan!
 
- Example 5:  
May the spirit of Ramadan remain in our hearts and illuminate our souls from within. Happy Ramadan!