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The Madinah Region Development Authority announced the start of applications for catering companies to deliver iftar meals to worshippers at multiple locations in the region throughout Ramadan 1448 AH. Companies must file their requests electronically by October 18, which corresponds to the seventh day of Jumada Al-Awwal. The authority requires all applicants to supply facility licenses, operational permits and health certificates for their entire workforce as part of the submission process.
According to the authority’s statement, the designated venues for the meal service are Al-Miqat Mosque in Abyar Ali, Al-Qiblatain Mosque and the cultural center at Al-Qiblatain. This setup allows for structured distribution of meals at well-known sites that attract large numbers of visitors each year. The Saudi Press Agency carried the full details of the announcement, which underscores the need for full compliance with health and safety rules before any approval is granted.
The Madinah Region Development Authority has run equivalent programs in prior years to coordinate iftar services at historic mosques while upholding food safety standards. Figures from the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque placed the number of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan 1446 AH at more than 30 million out of a combined total exceeding 122 million at the two holy mosques. Such volumes highlight the scale of preparations needed for the month that begins February 8, 2027, under the Umm al-Qura calendar.
Applications are processed exclusively through the authority’s online business permit system, where firms attach all mandatory documents for evaluation. The Madinah Region Development Authority will assess each entry against the listed conditions to select qualified operators capable of serving crowds efficiently. This approach has enabled reliable meal provision in previous Ramadans without compromising on quality or regulatory adherence.
Madinah’s status as a primary destination for Muslims during the holy month drives the authority to organize these services at carefully chosen spots. The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque reported that 16.5 million Umrah performers visited the holy cities in Ramadan 1446 AH alone. By opening applications now, the authority gives selected companies several months to prepare for the expected influx when Ramadan commences next February.
Catering businesses throughout Saudi Arabia that satisfy the criteria should consult the authority’s portal immediately to compile their submissions ahead of the deadline. The Madinah Region Development Authority has indicated that only complete applications meeting every requirement will proceed to review. Successful participants will support one of the central communal aspects of Ramadan at some of the region’s most significant religious locations.
