UAE Residents Save Money Before Ramadan
Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: How Locals Save Money with Bulk Shopping Before the Holy Month?
As Ramadan approaches, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are increasingly seeking to plan ahead to save money and minimize food wastage. Hypermarkets, supermarkets, and even local small stores have started offering Ramadan-related promotions, allowing shoppers to prepare and stock up on essential ingredients for the holy month. Many expats emphasize that thorough planning not only saves money but also helps reduce food waste by ensuring a variety of ingredients are available for different dishes without frequent trips to the store.
Bulk Shopping and Meal Preparation
For example, a resident in Abu Dhabi bought a larger refrigerator in preparation for the holy month, as it is customary to prepare larger quantities of food during Ramadan. An Indian expat expressed: “I bought a new four-door refrigerator for 3000 dirhams, which I think was a good buy. Particularly to have more freezer space for Ramadan. It's a stylish and spacious fridge, and the freezer section is perfect—I plan to fill it with shawarma kebabs, Russian dumplings, and samosas, which are family favorites.”
He emphasized focusing on spirituality during Ramadan while minimizing daily household chores. To achieve this, he buys food in bulk and prepares and freezes meals for iftar (breaking the fast), saving time and money. “Homemade items like tomato puree, pre-chopped vegetables, or chicken pieces are great money-saving tricks,” he said, who runs an art and craft business. “Homemade alternatives can save hundreds of dirhams. Since fasting can be draining while working, planning ahead helps preserve energy, time, and money,” he added.
Online Deals and Cashback Opportunities
Others have noticed that online deals and cashback opportunities can make a significant difference in Ramadan expenses. An American expat stated: “Preparations for Ramadan are in full swing. We are purchasing groceries, taking advantage of the bulk discounts that have already started. However, we don’t prep large meals in advance—except maybe some soup occasionally. Nobody wants to eat the same thing every day, except perhaps for samosas.”
“But with better planning, I feel money can be saved while making use of these deals, whether in-store or online. Buying non-perishable essentials in advance avoids shopping during peak expensive periods. The bulk purchase of rice, flour, and lentils can potentially reduce monthly expenses,” he added.
He highlighted that buying decorations and clothes related to Ramadan is an important practice that enhances the spiritual and festive ambiance. “I’ve already started looking at decorations, and there are ongoing sales of Ramadan lamps and accessories at Temun. Beautiful Ramadan collections have appeared on every website,” he said.
Decorations and Cost-Saving Strategies
According to a Jordanian expat, home decoration during Ramadan and Eid is an important tradition that contributes to the festive atmosphere. “We buy many decorative items... from crescent moons and lanterns to themed table settings and twinkling lights. These decorations express the unique atmosphere of the holy month,” he explained.
He emphasized that while these are exciting, they can also be expensive, especially when choosing premium or high-quality items. “Many, including us, buy decorations during sales, reuse items from previous years, and sometimes do DIY crafts to personalize the celebration. Indeed, gifts and clothes are generally the most expensive. Several online marketplaces and local stores in the UAE offer special discounts without spending too much,” he added.
Psychological Effects and Conscious Buying
While many think consumption increases during Ramadan, some expats argue they eat less and shop more consciously. A Pakistani expat stated: “As our daily routine changes, we eat less, not more. I only buy special products, like dates for iftar drinks. Although shorter working hours allow more time for cooking, shopping while fasting often leads to impulse buying. Discounts can be psychologically tempting—the allure of bulk buying seems to save money but often leads to unused products requiring more organization, and ultimately we spend more.”
Summary
During the pre-Ramadan period in 2025, UAE residents employ various strategies to save money and reduce food waste. Bulk shopping, online discounts, cashback opportunities, and conscious planning all contribute to spending the holy month more economically and sustainably. Decorations and festive preparations also play an important role, yet emphasize the importance of cost-saving and conscious consumption. Thus, Ramadan can become not only a spiritually fulfilling but also a financially balanced period for those living in the UAE.
