Ramadan and Eid bring major changes to how people behave online in the UAE. It’s not just about increased traffic or shopping trends—it’s about timing, tone, and respect. If you want your digital ad campaigns to work during this period, you need to align with the season’s rhythm. Brands that do this well connect better with their audience and see better results.
Digital Behavior During Ramadan in the UAE
During Ramadan, daily routines change. People stay up late, rest more during the day, and go online in the evening. Social media usage rises after Iftar, especially on mobile. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok see higher activity. Search trends shift too, with more interest in food, prayer times, gifting ideas, and charity.
This period also calls for a softer tone. Focus on family, gratitude, and giving. Avoid overly direct sales messages. Use content that informs, helps, or inspires.
Consumer Spending Trends: Pre-Eid Surge
As Eid approaches, spending rises fast. This is the best time to launch limited-time offers. Shoppers look for clothing, perfumes, electronics, and home goods. Gift bundles, flash sales, and BNPL options help convert users who are actively buying.
If you sell products online, prepare for a surge in traffic 3–5 days before Eid. Mobile-first campaigns work best. Make sure your landing pages are fast and your checkout process is smooth.
High-Performing Digital Channels During Ramadan
Not all channels perform the same during Ramadan. Here’s where you’ll see the most engagement:
-
Meta Ads with video carousels or Ramadan-specific stories
-
YouTube and TikTok for longer-form inspirational or recipe content
-
WhatsApp broadcasts for direct communication and offers
-
Local influencer marketing, especially with family or religious appeal
-
Arabic SEO, which helps users find culturally relevant content
You can explore related trends in our blog on Digital Marketing Trends UAE 2025.
Creative and Copy Guidelines for Ramadan Campaigns
Keep your visuals simple. Use lanterns, crescent moons, or traditional patterns—but don’t overdo it. Focus more on the message. Your copy should reflect respect, empathy, and celebration.
Arabic-first messaging works well. Make sure translations are accurate and don’t rely on machine tools. Time your posts around Suhoor and Iftar to match user behavior.
Platform-Specific Adjustments
Google Ads: Adjust bid schedules to evenings. People browse after Iftar.
Meta Ads: Interest shifts to cooking, fasting tips, and family activities.
TikTok & Snapchat: Light-hearted challenges or user-generated content around Ramadan meals work well.
Email & SMS: Best sent early evening or early morning. Keep the tone helpful, not sales-heavy.
Make sure your ad targeting and budgets are adjusted for these unique behaviors.
Post-Eid Campaign Strategies
After Eid, focus on gifting, travel, and celebrations. Shift your tone to joy and fun. Travel brands, clothing stores, and electronics retailers can extend their campaigns for a few days post-Eid.
Re-engage your Ramadan audience with thank-you offers or loyalty perks. Use lookalike audiences based on those who converted during Ramadan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using generic or year-round campaigns without updates
Forgetting to change ad schedules to match fasting hours
Overusing Islamic imagery without context
Sending too many messages during fasting periods
Respect is key. A simple misstep can hurt your brand’s image.
Case Studies or Examples
A UAE fashion brand used local influencers and Arabic ads to double their ROAS during Ramadan
A food delivery app adjusted its budget to evenings and saw 40% more conversions
If you want to see how influencers are shaping buyer behavior, check our guide on Influencer Marketing in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan and Eid are more than commercial moments. They’re about connection, faith, and community. If your brand speaks with care, respects the season, and offers real value, your digital ad campaigns can deliver strong results. It’s not about pushing harder. It’s about understanding your audience better.
FAQs: Impact of Ramadan and Eid on UAE Digital Ad Campaigns
Evenings after Iftar and early morning before Suhoor get the highest engagement.
Yes. Arabic messages connect better and show cultural awareness.
Fashion, gifting items, food delivery, and home goods perform well.
Yes, but use a respectful tone. Focus on value, not just urgency.
Eid campaigns celebrate joy and gifting, while Ramadan is more about reflection and family.
