Rafha, 4 Ramadan 1447 AH (21 February 2026)

The Yemeni community in Rafha Governorate in the Northern Borders Region embodies a well-established model of coexistence and community integration. It is one of the governorate's oldest resident communities and over decades has contributed to social and economic life, becoming an authentic part of the fabric of the local community.

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the scenes of harmony come into sharper focus, as ancient Yemeni customs blend with the Ramadan atmosphere of the Kingdom in a picture reflecting the spirit of brotherhood and integration and highlighting the special shared human experience made possible by the security, stability and cultural diversity the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys.

A number of Yemenis living in Rafha told the Saudi Press Agency that they feel no estrangement during their stay in the Kingdom, given the deep social and historical bonds between the two brotherly peoples, noting that Ramadan is a shared space where values and customs meet, led by generosity, kinship and social solidarity, and the iftar tables that bring neighbors and friends of every nationality together.

Abdulrazzaq Al Shuja said Yemeni families are keen to preserve their Ramadan traditions as part of their cultural identity, most notably extended family gatherings, the exchange of traditional dishes and the enlivening of Ramadan nights with remembrance and social activities.

The iftar tables are laid with well-known Yemeni dishes such as shafout, saltah, bint al sahn, hareesh, areekah, fahsa, masoub, lahouh, mandi with meat and sahawiq, alongside Saudi dishes, in a scene reflecting the cultural overlap and mutual influence between the two communities.

Bashar Al Shuja said their experience in the Kingdom reflects a multicultural environment embracing many nationalities within a framework of mutual respect, affirming that Ramadan highlights and strengthens these values.

Iyad Al Hasani said the Yemeni presence across the Kingdom's regions contributes to development and economic and social activity and reflects deep-rooted human relationships, noting that taking part in Ramadan activities alongside Saudi citizens embodies a spirit of shared responsibility.

A number of Yemeni residents said the Ramadan atmosphere in the Kingdom gives them a sense of belonging and peace, especially with the charitable initiatives and communal iftar projects that strengthen acquaintance and communication and entrench the values of cooperation and kindness.

The Ramadan experience of Yemenis in Rafha sums up the meaning of a human belonging that crosses borders, where memories and customs overlap in a frame of mutual appreciation, making Ramadan a season for strengthening social bonds and entrenching the values of coexistence, reflecting the Kingdom's image as a model of cultural diversity and community harmony under the umbrella of shared Islamic values.

At a Glance

  • The Yemeni community is among the oldest in Rafha
  • Iftar tables blending Yemeni and Saudi dishes
  • Active participation in Ramadan activities and initiatives
  • A model of coexistence and community integration