Ramadan is a time of reflection and connection, and for many in Saudi Arabia, audio is a constant companion through it all. From pre-dawn moments of stillness to lively family gatherings before Iftar, the way people listen changes as the month progresses.
Spotify’s latest insights, taken from streaming data between February 28 and March 16, 2025, reveal how Saudis are turning to audio to set the mood, find comfort, and engage with Ramadan’s unique cultural essence.
“Through the Ramadan Hub, we want Spotify to be a companion for all moments of the holy month,” says Abou Jaoude. “The way Saudis are streaming during Ramadan gives us great insight into what resonates with them, helping creators and brands connect more meaningfully with their audience.”
Late nights, early mornings: Peak listening times
As routines change, so do listening habits. In Saudi Arabia, the quiet hours before dawn, around 3 AM, see the highest streaming activity. It’s a time when the world slows down, perfect for moments of spiritual reflection, meditation, or simply easing into the fasting day ahead.
“These hours hold a special place for many. It’s quiet, deeply personal, and people are looking for something that resonates with the spirit of the holy month,” says Mark Abou Jaoude, Head of Music for MENAP at Spotify.
Late nights also mean that people stay up longer, which naturally shifts their content choices. Soothing, slow-tempo music, contemplative podcasts, and meditative audio all see a rise during these hours.
The playlists that set the mood
Ramadan brings a distinct shift in the types of music and audio people seek out. On Spotify’s Ramadan Hub—a curated collection of playlists and podcasts—certain themes dominate, with some seeing thousands of percent increases in streams.
Duaa: Supplications are an essential part of Ramadan culture, and this playlist has seen an increase of over 3,750% in streams during the first two weeks of the month. Check it out
Titrat Ramadan: Nostalgia is big. The traditional opening songs of Ramadan TV dramas, once background music for Arab households, have taken on a life of their own, with streams surging by more than 2,900%. Check it out
Ramadaniyat: Focused on spiritual and traditional Islamic songs, this playlist, featuring Amdah and Anashid, has seen a nearly 1,890% increase in streams. Check it out
Cooking Time: A staple for families preparing Iftar together, this playlist mixes trending Arabic hits with global favourites. Streams have jumped by 743% in just two weeks. Check it out
Saudi Arabia’s growing love for podcasts
Podcasts have become a Ramadan essential, with Saudi listeners increasingly tuning in to thought-provoking, spiritually enriching, and entertaining content. Local podcast listening has surged by nearly 90% over the past two years, and this Ramadan is no different.
Some of the most streamed podcasts this year include:
Finjan with Abdul Rahman Abu Maleh – A deep-dive into culture, society, and personal growth.
Sawalif Business – A top pick for business and entrepreneurship insights, aligning with Ramadan’s focus on self-improvement.
Kanabat al-Sabt (Saturday Couch) & Abjoorah Podcast – Lighter, more engaging content perfect for winding down after a long day.
Omam Podcast – A fresh take on the stories of the prophets, bringing ethical discussions to life through sensory storytelling.
