RIYADH: For many, Ramadan is a time of togetherness, family gatherings, and shared spiritual experiences. However, for those observing the holy month alone, the experience presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth. From managing iftar and suhoor without family to seeking spiritual fulfillment in solitude, young Muslims share their experiences of solo Ramadan.

Laila Al-Ghamdi describes the greatest challenge as the absence of shared moments that define the holy month. “I believe it’s the lack of affinity triggered by feelings of solitude. Since the shared moments of fasting, breaking fast with loved ones, and prayers create a deep emotional connection that is hard to replicate on one’s own.”

Roaa Magdy echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional weight of the month when away from family. “The biggest challenge is missing my family, especially since Arab cultures place a strong emphasis on family bonds,” Maddy says. “Seeing advertisements about family gatherings on TV makes it even harder. As a Muslim living alone, Ramadan is undoubtedly the most emotionally challenging time of the year.”

For Layan Al-Shamari, the hardest part was adjusting to a routine without the communal structure that usually comes with Ramadan. “The biggest challenge I faced was sticking to a routine for sleep, food, and work, along with the feeling of loneliness because there’s no one to share meals with or cook together.”

Despite the challenges, some find a deeper sense of spirituality when observing Ramadan alone. Magdy sees solitude as an opportunity for introspection. “I find that practicing spirituality during Ramadan or the sacred months is easier and more meaningful when I am alone. I have more time and space to reflect, pray, and strengthen my connection with Allah, which makes the experience feel more personal and peaceful.”

Al-Ghamdi, on the other hand, prefers to embrace the social aspects of the month by going out. “This might sound weird, but I go out. Yes, religious duties are usually practiced alone, but a big part of Ramadan’s joy is in the cultural traditions. You can feel it the moment you step outside in cities like Jeddah — the streets come alive with shared meals, vibrant shiny decorations, and a sense of togetherness that you just can’t experience alone,” she said.

For Al-Shamari, however, the struggle remains. “I often don’t feel the spirituality of the month as I used to; it feels like any other month, but with the added burden of dealing with work and sleep schedules.”

Breaking the fast alone can be one of the most isolating aspects of solo Ramadan. Magdy finds it difficult to watch others enjoying meals together while she eats alone. “The hardest part for me is having iftar alone. Sometimes, I go for a walk to buy food during iftar time, and seeing families gathered eating together intensifies the feeling of loneliness. When that happens, I usually return home and call my family via video call, which helps me feel less lonely.”

Al-Ghamdi takes a more practical approach, relying on food delivery services. “I do cook in times where I’m not equipped with a busy schedule. However, we must stay thankful for HungerStation,” she said.

Al-Shamari keeps her meals simple and functional. “Usually, I break my fast with water at the time of the call to prayer, and the main meal is either dinner or suhoor,” she said.

Social media and virtual connections play a significant role in helping those observing Ramadan alone feel a sense of community. “Well, social media will always be your dearest friend when living alone,” Al-Ghamdi notes. “Especially when your timeline offers glimpses of others’ daily moments of intimacy and joy, which are abundant during Ramadan.”

Magdy agrees, emphasizing how virtual connections help bridge the gap. “Being able to connect with my family, hear their voices, and see them through video calls makes me feel included in the family atmosphere, even from a distance.”

For Al-Shamari, social media brings some comfort but also mixed emotions. “Social media has had a big impact; it helps me feel the Ramadan spirit because I can see how people are spending the month, their routines, and how they are with their families and loved ones.”

Observing Ramadan alone changes how one views the month. Some find newfound appreciation for solitude, while others struggle with feelings of isolation. “I grew a taste for the unsavory flavor of solitude,” Al-Ghamdi reflected. “In a strange way, I actually started to enjoy it.”

“There’s a huge room for reflection that comes along, which forced me to appreciate the sacredness of the month in a more personal way. Something I would never have experienced if I didn’t move out,” she added.

Magdy’s perspective has also shifted. “Growing up, I always associated Ramadan with socializing and family gatherings. However, spending it alone shifted my focus toward the spiritual essence of the month. Praying at the mosque, reading the Qur’an, and self-reflection. It’s a different experience, but it made me appreciate the true meaning of the month.”

For Al-Shamari, however, the solitude has been challenging. “I’ve become more anxious about Ramadan rather than excited. I often feel more sad in Ramadan because I see people spending it with their families and loved ones, while I’m alone.”

Solo Ramadan is a journey of adaptation, introspection, and personal growth. While loneliness can be a struggle, some embrace the solitude as an opportunity to strengthen their connection with Allah and explore Ramadan in a deeply personal way. Whether through video calls, social media, or stepping outside to feel the Ramadan spirit, those observing the holy month alone find ways to navigate the challenges and uncover new meanings in their spiritual journey.

RIYADH: As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, Riyadh Air stands as a symbol of progress, championing gender diversity in aviation.

The airline, set to launch operations later this year, is not only building a world-class carrier but also breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

One testament to this commitment is its aircraft maintenance engineering program, which welcomed its first entirely female cohort — 27 in total — one year ago.

Selected from thousands of applicants, their participation underlines Riyadh Air’s dedication to diversity, inclusion and workforce development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of empowering women.

Arab News spoke with three of them — Shahad Al-Salmi, Hala Al-Zahrani and Alkhuzran Al-Roshaidan.

Al-Salmi, a 24-year-old from Makkah and a physics major at Umm Al-Qura University, described the program as an unprecedented opportunity.

“To go to college every day and have an aircraft outside of our classroom — it’s an incredible feeling,” she said. “I think the reason Riyadh Air took this step is, the CEO Tony [Douglas], he says it all the time: ‘We don’t have a heritage that holds us back.’ And I think they went with women specifically because they want to push the labor market further and provide more opportunities. They want something fresh. They want to say, ‘We are here to change the industry for the entire country.’ And that’s a powerful message for all of us.”

Al-Salmi also highlighted the sacrifices many of the trainees had made, including herself: “Most of us came from outside Riyadh. We left our families and our loved ones for this opportunity, because not only do we believe in it, but our families also believe in it.”

Al-Zahrani, a 19-year-old from Jeddah, recalls her pride on finding out she had been chosen.

“Knowing I was going to be the first in the field as a woman — and a Saudi, as well — was a very big motivation,” she told Arab News. “I think it’s really essential and crucial for us to be a part of history. That’s what they’re trying to do, not only in Saudi but worldwide. It’s very nice to know that we’re a part of that.

“We are going to be the first, we are going to be pioneers, and that’s scary and nice at the same time. But I think the nice overpowers the scary part, thanks to all the assistance we are getting.”

Al-Roshaidan, a 21-year-old from Al-Ahsa with a degree in computer science from King Faisal University, sees the program as part of a larger movement.

“Even beyond being a pioneer, it’s being part of the vision for Saudi Vision 2030. That’s amazing,” she said.

Eager to explore various roles within aviation, she added: “I want to try everything that I can try with this, like management, [being a] technician — everything. I really like to challenge myself and I think it will make things so much easier and provide so many opportunities. I’m very honored to be here.”

On the gender imbalance when it comes to aircraft maintenance, Al-Roshaidan said: “It’s not only in Saudi Arabia, but the world; maintenance is male-dominated. I think it makes me appreciate even more that they [Riyadh Air] want to do something. The main thing is opening doors for women. It feels like being a part of the history of women empowerment.”

Although Al-Roshaidan’s family had some initial concerns about her decision to take part in the program, they are completely on board with it now.

“For my family, it was scary, but when they saw me here, and I am happy, doing well, they became proud. One of my brothers — he is the one who pushed me to do it, he is the one who encouraged my mom to let go of the fear. They call me every single day. We send photos of everything,” she said.

Riyadh Air’s initiative comes at a time when women make up just 3 percent of aircraft maintenance engineers worldwide, according to figures from the International Civil Aviation Organization.

With the aviation industry facing a shortage of skilled technicians, the new airline is not merely filling roles, but actively reshaping industry norms and establishing a sustainable talent pipeline. The rigorous program combines theoretical instruction with hands-on training in areas such as electrical systems, aircraft structures and safety protocols.

Trainees are exposed to dynamic learning environments that challenge them to adapt quickly, mirroring the rapid pace of change in Riyadh itself.

As one of the first women to enter the field with Riyadh Air, the women represent a new generation of aviation professionals in Saudi Arabia. Moving to Riyadh was a major transition for many of them, as few are local. But despite the changes, they bonded quickly as they live together in shared housing.

“We have built a community within ourselves and with the company. It doesn’t feel like just another job,” said the trainees.

While aviation remains a male-dominated field, the group is determined to challenge perceptions.

“This program didn’t exist before,” they pointed out in unison. “There are so many opportunities for future generations, and we are grateful to be part of this first wave. It’s not just about pushing women into the workforce — it’s about strengthening the economy; if you are only hiring men, you are limiting your labor force.”

With some 18 months left of their training, the students are already anticipating the next phase of their careers.

“Every day, we walk to class and see an aircraft. We know we are working towards something bigger,” they said.

As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flight in 2025, these young women are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the airline’s future and their presence marks a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

Their journey, marked by personal sacrifice and relentless ambition, serves as a powerful statement for both the nation and the global aviation community.

On the 50th anniversary of International Women’s Day, Riyadh Air’s commitment to empowering women in aviation is testament to the transformative impact of investing in women.

“We all want to serve our country and see it prosper and that doesn’t come at the cost of anyone,” Al-Salmi added. “We are not replacing men; we are working alongside them — that’s what I believe women empowerment is all about.”

The women see the program as a launch pad for further greatness. Al-Zahrani concluded: “As Shahad [Al-Salmi] mentioned before, the sky is the limit. I said, ok, but we are going to be IN the sky. It’s not our limit — we really don’t have limits.”