JEDDAH — From rustling up meals to break the fast, to getting together through virtual Iftar gatherings, the world has marked a socially distanced holy month of Ramadan for the second year straight. However, looking at the positive side, compared to movement restrictions to congregational prayers and restaurant closures of 2020, Ramadan 2021 is remarkably better from the holy month last year.

The governments’ efforts over the past months have made it possible to return to a certain new normality, allowing nationals and residents to enjoy and embrace this year’s Ramadan spirit, while maintaining a safe social distance.

Whilst hotels across the Middle East would usually be opening their Iftar and Suhoor tents, where people would gather to break their fast with a lavish buffet or spend the evening, and sometimes the early morning together, this year things are slightly different.

In line with the safety measures, buffets in restaurants and hotels have been banned across Saudi Arabia to restrict public gatherings and to curb any further spread of the virus.

Considering the changing global situation most families are forgoing their otherwise lavish Iftar spread and the practice of grand fast-breaking meals with extended family and friends was set to be replaced by cozy family dinners. With that in mind Radisson Hotels have introduced a new initiative called Safe Iftar, allowing families to still enjoy a night out while knowing that their health and safety is being looked after.

Over the past weeks Radisson Hotels across Saudi Arabia, had invited local media and influencers to come experience one of their hotels, allowing them to safely embrace the Ramadan spirit. From Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah Corniche, Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh, to Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Madinah Road, the media had the opportunity to discover the hotel and it’s facilities on their own terms. From Beet Moutbel to drizzling Chicken Freekeh, the new al la carte safe iftar concept allowed the guests to indulge some of the traditional Ramadan dishes, while avoiding crowded place and instead enjoying a peaceful Ramadan night.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Radisson Hotel Group immediately implemented the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), launched the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol in May 2020 as well as followed the government’s recommendations by implemented all requirements in order to focus their efforts and investment on expanded hygiene, health and sanitation precautions.

Today, more than ever, Radisson Hotel Group’s highest priority remains the health and safety of its guests and employees. With that in mind all hotels across Saudi Arabia have implemented the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program of in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, which are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.

As part of the group’s safety protocol Radisson Hotel Group has also implemented a specific food and beverages safety protocol, which ensures that all operational procedures within the hotel are according to the local requirements and provide a safe environment for their guests.

From food delivery apps, no touch service in the hotel to drive-through and pick up services such as "Call & Collect" and "Grab & Run" Radisson Hotels across Saudi Arabia aim to allow guests to have access to their facilities and products with fewer interactions. — SG