For many restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and even around the world, Ramadan is considered a peak season. Though it’s a month of reflection, connection, and prayer, it’s also well-known for seasonal desserts and beverages.

In Ramadan, restaurants, especially in the MENA region, have to serve food and beverages at sunset for iftar. Many concepts also offer the pre-fasting meal, known as Sohoor.

So, it’s a busy time. Restaurants need to prepare for Ramadan, the fast-paced month of dining and gatherings, both in-house and in their marketing.

In this article, we’ll look at marketing and Ramadan promotion ideas for restaurants. We’ll also offer some prep tips to make sure you’re ready for the festive dining season.

Ramadan Restaurant Data & Statistics

A YouGov MENA report found “57% of UAE residents planning to increase spending on dining out and food delivery during Ramadan. Similarly, 41% of Saudi consumers expect to spend more on food and beverages.”

Separate research from Syrve MENA said Dubai restaurants saw a 15% decline in dine-in orders during Ramadan, while food delivery orders increased by 13.6%.

Ramadan Promotion Ideas for Restaurants

Free drinks for large groups

Large group reservations, of 5 or more, mean more restaurant sales but a longer seating time. You can entice guests to make a booking by offering free Ramadan beverages for groups of 5 or more.

Special Ramadan menu

Everyone is waiting to see what restaurants offer for Ramadan. If you’re offering a special Ramadan menu, make sure you create separate digital menus for Iftar and Sohoor.

All-you-can-eat Ramadan buffet

Some venues switch from an a la carte menu to an open buffet or all-you-can-eat dining experience.

Special Sohoor deals

The pre-fast meal is a great opportunity to boost your revenues and offer another fun dining experience in Ramadan.

Consider a special Sohoor menu with an offering for large groups, like Iftar.

Drinks-and-desserts menu

If you’re not ready to whip up a brand-new menu for Ramadan, then consider a dessert and drinks menu.

Desserts such as qatayef, roz b laban (rice with milk), among others are popular in Ramadan. Along with beverages such as cold hibiscus (karkadeh), qamar el dine, sobia, among others.

Special tea/coffee offerings

After fasting for 12 or more hours, your guests, who enjoy a cup of tea or coffee each morning, will be savoring the moment they get their fix.

Special discount for the next visit

Boost repeat guests with a special voucher. You can offer a free dessert during their next visit, a free drink, or 10% off their check.

Ramadan Eat-and-Donate campaign

Apart from food, desserts, and prayer, the month of Ramadan is known as a time of giving back. You can let guests know about any ongoing charity campaigns you’ll be donating to and what this means for guests.

How to Prepare Your Restaurant Marketing for Ramadan

Email newsletter with Ramadan plans

Start your Ramadan marketing and planning with a newsletter marking the special month. Include your venue’s opening and closing hours, how guests can book a table during Ramadan.

Social media marketing campaigns

Plan your restaurant’s social media marketing campaigns in advance and decide what you’ll say in each post and message.

Use SMS, email, or WhatsApp marketing

If email marketing isn’t your guests’ preference, there are other ways to communicate with guests ahead of Ramadan.

Decide on your booking platforms

With online reservations being the easy and cost-effective way to go, decide which booking platforms you’ll enable for Ramadan.

If you’re using Servme’s reservation and table management system, you can choose from Zomato, Tripadvisor, the Michelin Guide, Reserve with Google, Afternoon Tea (UK and Ireland), among others.

Final Tips to Prepare for Ramadan 2026

Announce special Ramadan hours

Make sure you notify guests of your venue’s opening and closing hours.

Start your Ramadan marketing early

We cannot stress this enough. Start marketing for your Ramadan menus, events, and plans early.

Enable online bookings

If you are using reservation and seating management software, enable online bookings on all channels.

Collect deposits

Collect online reservation deposits to reduce no-show guests, as well as last-minute cancellations.

Prepare your digital menu(s)

Make sure you prepare your digital menu, or menus early. You can use them to create teaser campaigns ahead of Ramadan.

Wrapping It Up

Ramadan presents a valuable opportunity for restaurants to connect with guests through meaningful experiences, timely promotions, and well-planned food offers.

By combining thoughtful Ramadan promotion ideas with targeted email, SMS, and WhatsApp campaigns, you can drive more restaurant bookings, increase average guest spend, and build stronger relationships throughout the holy month.

With the right strategy and tools in place, Ramadan can become not just a busy season, but a powerful driver of long-term guest loyalty.