Team Building During Ramadan: Top Tips on What Works & What to Avoid in Saudi Arabia

The Holy month of Ramadan, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, is also an invaluable time for companies to build stronger bonds among teams. Of course, the dawn-to-dusk fasting regimen during this period does make most traditional team building activities inappropriate. So it takes immense cultural sensitivity and thoughtful planning for organizations to design meaningful experiences that strengthen bonds without compromising respect for Ramadan values.

If you are considering a team building session in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, here are some handy tips to make the most of your corporate program, including what works, things to avoid and suitable creative indoor activities such as our own The Earth Bowl (terrarium making) and Lantern making.

Understanding Team Building in Ramadan

Before planning any corporate activities during this period, it’s essential to understand how Ramadan impacts work rhythms and employee well-being.

1. Energy levels are likely to be significantly lower, especially late afternoons
2. Work schedules often shift, with shorter hours and increased emphasis on prayer
3. Social norms change, as people avoid food or drink in public during the day

With a clear shift in focus toward spirituality, reflection, and community support in this Holy month, the planned team building intervention should acknowledge these dynamics and adapt accordingly.

Best Practices for Ramadan Team Building

1. Choose indoor, non-competitive activities

Physically demanding or highly competitive events (e.g., sports tournaments or outdoor races) will be uncomfortable for fasting employees’. Instead, focus on indoor team building activities that encourage creativity, collaboration, and reflection.

Two of the many indoor activities offered by BoredroomX Riyadh that are ideal for Ramadan are:

The Earth Bowl (Terrarium Making) The Earth Bowl activity involves crafting miniature ecosystems inside glass bowls using soil, plants, and decorative elements. This creative, hands-on activity promotes:

1. Mindfulness and calm: perfect for the reflective spirit of Ramadan
2. Team collaboration: employees build and personalize terrariums together
3. Low physical exertion: no strenuous activity required

Lantern Making Workshops

Lanterns hold special cultural and symbolic meaning during Ramadan. A Lantern Making Workshop will allow your team

1. Learn and understand more about Ramadan traditions
2. Express creativity through design and decoration
3. Work together in small groups, fostering collaboration

Lantern making is light, engaging, and respects fasting norms since it does not involve food or physical stress. It’s especially effective as a pre-iftar activity—a moment when the team gathers just before breaking the fast.

2. Schedule Around Prayer and Iftar Times

A culturally sensitive Ramadan team building plan respects prayer times and the iftar meal.

Consider:

1. Starting events a few hours before iftar
2. Short sessions (60–90 minutes)
3. Ending activities with a communal iftar to strengthen social bonds

This approach ensures participation without fatigue and reinforces spiritual rhythms of the holy month.

3. Make Activities Meaningful

Ramadan is a time of reflection and giving. Activities that incorporate meaningful elements—like tying messages of gratitude to lanterns or creating terrariums with positive affirmations—can create a stronger emotional connection among employees.

Ideas include:

1. Gratitude circles
2. Group discussions on teamwork values
3. Reflection sessions before or after the main activity

These extensions make team building more impactful and culturally relevant.

What to Avoid During Ramadan Team Building

1. Outdoor or Physically Demanding EventsOutdoor obstacle courses, intense fitness challenges, and competitive sports can be strenuous for fasting employees, especially in Riyadh’s warmer months. Plan indoor, gentle activities instead.

2. Food-Centric Activities During the DayWhile lunches and dinners often anchor team building during other months, fasting makes daytime food events inappropriate. If your activity involves refreshments, schedule it immediately before or after iftar.

3. Long, Exhausting SessionsExtended team building programs that run 3+ hours without breaks can drain energy. Short, thoughtful sessions are more effective and considerate of Ramadan routines.

4. Ignoring Cultural SensitivitiesAvoid any activities that might conflict with prayer times or Ramadan reverence. Always confirm the schedule and pause activities when required.

Creative Team Building Ideas That Complement The Earth Bowl & Lantern Making

Here are additional activities that pair well with indoor creative sessions and support team cohesion during Ramadan:

>  Reflection Boards Provide a large board where team members can post reflections, aspirations, or positive messages inspired by Ramadan. This encourages shared inspiration and empathy.

>  Mindfulness & Meditation Sessions Introduce brief guided mindfulness breaks to help participants relax and focus. These sessions promote mental well-being and align with the introspective nature of Ramadan.

>  Story-Sharing Circles Invite team members to share meaningful experiences or lessons. This deepens understanding and builds trust—especially when done in a respectful and safe setting.

At BoredroomX Riyadh, team building is reimagined for cultural relevance and corporate impact. With indoor, inclusive activities, your company can foster teamwork in a way that aligns with the spirit of Ramadan.

By choosing the right experiences, your organization can build stronger connections, honor cultural values, and create lasting memories—all while supporting employee well-being during Ramadan. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, a department-wide event, or a leadership workshop, or a corporate Iftar party during Ramadan, the BoredroomX Riyadh team can help create a memorable and fulfilling event. Get in touch with us today!