Glasgow will officially recognise Ramadan this March by hosting its first Open Iftar.
Taking place at the city’s chambers on Saturday, March 7, the event will see more than 250 guests gather to eat iftar, the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan.
The event is being delivered by the Ramadan Tent Project, which has organised Open Iftars in 30 cities across the UK since 2014.
Jacqueline McLaren, the Lord Provost of Glasgow, said: “As a city that is enriched by many cultures, faiths and traditions, marking religious observances is an important reflection of who we are.
“This Open Iftar is recognition of how important Ramadan and Islam is to many Glaswegians.”
Glasgow has the largest Muslim population in Scotland, and Ramadan is a significant observance for many people in the city.
To help better reflect and support those observing Ramadan, Glasgow Life has been engaging with local communities.
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Omar Salha, founder and chief executive of the Ramadan Tent Project, said: “Welcoming the return of Ramadan Festival in 2026 fills me with an immensely profound sense of hope – our chosen theme for this year, and a value that sits at the very heart of Ramadan.
“Hope is what carries communities through challenge, inspires generosity and reminds us that renewal is always possible.
“It is the thread that connects our past to our future, and the light that guides us towards compassion, unity and purpose.
“Entering our 13th year, it is remarkable to witness the incredible growth of the festival across exciting new spaces, venues and landmarks that reflect the diversity and dynamism of our nation.
“Allowing us to bring more people together, create deeper cultural experiences and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan in ways that are more accessible, more vibrant and more inclusive than ever before.
“A powerful symbol of how Ramadan is part of Britain’s rich cultural ecology.
“Ramadan teaches us to look inward with sincerity and outward with kindness.
“By anchoring the Ramadan Festival 2026 in the theme of hope, we’re honouring that tradition by inviting people from all faiths and none, turning strangers into friends and collectively imagining and building a future rooted in empathy, connection and shared humanity.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors and guests across the UK throughout the festival.
“We are excited for what this year will bring and grateful to everyone who continues to make this festival a beacon of togetherness.”
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The event is part of a UK-wide celebration, with Glasgow joining cities across the country in hosting an Open Iftar in 2026.
Tickets will be available from the Ramadan Tent Project on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about the event, visit the Ramadan Tent Project website.
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