Ramadan 2025 in Maldives
Fast from sunrise to sunset, and feast from dusk till down
Dates: March 1–29, 2025
The holy month of Ramadan means that parties are out of the question during the daytime, and non-Muslim tourists should obey local rules. It's not that strict, though–the fast is broken at dusk. Maldivians indulge themselves with special festive foods during the evening meal called iftar and pre-dawn meal—suhoor.
Iftar & Suhoor Menu in Maldives
The dishes served at Iftar and Suhoor are special for the season and not commonly seen on the menu year-round. Ramadan treats include exotic-flavored juices like apricot, watermelon, rose, or kamardine. Buttermilk and Turkish coffee are also especially popular during the Ramadan season. During Ramadan, some resorts and hotels ask their guests to respect their religious beliefs and limit the food and alcohol during their stays. However, most guests are unaffected, except that dinnertime might be postponed to allow the guests to eat.
Ramadan Celebrations in Maldives
The season is known for cultural celebrations: you'll see lots of belly dancers, concerts, fire performances, and other shows in the streets, particularly during the fasting month. The period is special and definitely interesting in its own way, but be mindful not to show any disrespect to local religious beliefs. The Maldives is a deeply religious country. Possession of alcohol, drugs, or other prohibited items is taken very seriously and can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Where to Celebrate Ramadan in Maldives
You can enjoy the Iftar or Suhoor meals at some of the local restaurants, which usually open later in the day but also close much later than usual. Most eateries remain closed during this festive period, but some still serve tourists and visitors. The end of Ramadan, known as Eid al-Fitr, is especially celebrated, with resorts hosting their events. Visitors can stop by any of the local mosques, including the Masjid Al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam, which serves both as a mosque and the Islamic Center in Male.