Hotels in Jeddah have begun to set up their tents in preparation for the month of Ramadan, a much-loved tradition among residents here wanting to enjoy iftar and suhoor with friends and families.

Mohammed Alrifai, head of marketing and public relations at the Intercontinental hotel, said its tent has become a favorite gathering place for many locals over the past 30 years, especially those wanting a break from their normal routine.

He said the hotel has already begun setting up the tent, which includes traditional lanterns, or fawanees. There would be a buffet for iftar and suhoor, and traditional Arabic seating where families can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan.

Alrifai said the buffet offers traditional meals including soups, sambusaks, Arabic coffee, dates, salads, rice, poultry and fish, and traditional drinks such as Vimto and apricot juice.

It costs SR100 a person, he said.