The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced the fasting and breaking-fast times for Saturday, the 18th of Ramadan 1447 AH. This announcement is part of the daily monitoring that is of interest to all fasting individuals and residents throughout the Kingdom, ensuring that religious observances are performed at their precisely prescribed times.
According to the data released, the Fajr (dawn) prayer time in Dammam today will be at 4:38 AM, marking the start of the fast, while the Maghrib (sunset) prayer time, signaling the breaking of the fast, will be at 5:45 PM. These times vary gradually across the Kingdom's cities and provinces due to the country's vast geographical expanse, creating a noticeable time difference between the eastern and western regions.
The importance of accuracy in prayer times
The times for beginning and ending the fast (Imsak) are of paramount importance in the daily lives of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, as they are directly linked to the pillar of fasting. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on precise astronomical calculations and established religious standards to determine these times, overseen by relevant authorities to ensure their alignment with the sighting of the new moon and the movement of the sun. This facilitates the organization of time for those fasting, allowing them to balance worship, work, and rest.
Geographical diversity and its impact on time zones
Given the Kingdom's vast area spanning multiple longitudes, those fasting notice the time difference in sunrise and sunset. While residents of the Eastern Province (such as Dammam and Khobar) break their fast first, the time for breaking the fast is delayed in the Western Province (such as Mecca and Jeddah) and Medina by several minutes, sometimes reaching half an hour or more in some areas. This reflects the environmental and geographical diversity that characterizes the Kingdom.
Preparing for the last ten days
As we reach the eighteenth day of Ramadan, those fasting begin their mental and spiritual preparation to welcome the last ten days of this blessed month, days in which everyone strives to increase their acts of worship and devotion. Knowing the prayer times accurately is an essential part of organizing one's daily schedule to make the most of the blessings of these days.
Schedule of Imsak and Iftar times (Saturday, 18th of Ramadan)
The following table shows the times for Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers in the major cities of the Kingdom, to help those fasting know the exact times for Imsak (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast):
| City | Fajr Adhan | Maghrib Adhan |
| Riyadh | 4:52 | 5:59 |
| Mecca | 5:21 | 6:28 |
| AL Madinah AL Munawwarah | 5:21 | 6:27 |
| grandmother | 5:23 | 6:30 |
| Dammam | 4:38 | 5:45 |
| Abha | 5:10 | 6:18 |
| Tabuk | 5:32 | 6:38 |
| Buraydah | 5:03 | 6:09 |
| Hail | 5:12 | 6:18 |
| The courtyard | 5:14 | 6:22 |
| Juniper | 5:13 | 6:19 |
| Sakaka | 5:17 | 6:23 |
| Jazan | 5:10 | 6:19 |
| Najran | 5:03 | 6:12 |
