Ramadan Retargeting: Smart Ad Strategies That Actually Work During Holy Months in the UAE

You ever felt like your ads just go quiet during Ramadan?

That drop in performance, fewer clicks, and slower conversions? Yeah, you’re not imagining things. It happens a lot. Brands get excited about the season — the increased screen time, the family vibes, the late-night scrolling. But then, boom. Their ads fall flat. Why? Because they forget one key thing:

Ramadan isn’t business as usual.

It’s a month of reflection, generosity, and spiritual focus — not just another marketing opportunity. So if you’re retargeting people like it’s a regular sales month, you’re already a step behind.

But hey, the good news? It’s actually not that hard to fix.

Let’s walk through some real, working ad strategies that connect, convert, and respect the spirit of Ramadan in the UAE.

The Problem: Your Retargeting Ads Just Aren’t Sticking

Here’s the thing. Most businesses run the same retargeting playbook every month. Show people products they clicked. Offer a discount. Hope they bite.

But during Ramadan, people think and feel differently. Their routines shift. Their moods shift. Even their shopping habits change.

Picture this:
A young couple in Dubai sees your ad for a fancy speaker set at 10 PM. They saw it last week too. But now they’re up late for Suhoor, and they’re talking about hosting Iftar with their families. The speaker’s cool, sure — but right now, their minds are somewhere else.

If your ad doesn’t get that, it’s going to get ignored.

So What’s the Fix? (Here’s What You’ll Learn)

In this blog, you’ll get:

• Clear examples of retargeting ads that actually work during Ramadan
  
• Simple ways to tweak your timing, tone, and creative
  
• Tips on how to align your message with the Ramadan mindset
  
• Tools and formats that UAE audiences really engage with during this time
  

Let’s break it down — step by step.

1. Understand the Ramadan Routine Shift

Life runs on a different clock during Ramadan.

Think about it:

• Fasting starts at dawn and breaks at sunset
  
• People stay up later for Suhoor and Taraweeh prayers
  
• Screen time spikes after Iftar
  

So, don’t run your ads at noon and expect magic. Instead:

Best Retargeting Time Slots in UAE (Ramadan Edition):

• Before Iftar (4–6 PM): People are relaxed, scrolling while waiting for the call to prayer
  
• Post-Iftar (8–11 PM): Social time, entertainment, shopping
  
• Pre-Suhoor (1–3 AM): A quiet, reflective window — perfect for longer-form content or soft-sell messages
  

Pro tip: Schedule your retargeting ads around these slots. Let your message match the mood.

2. Change the Message — Not Just the Image

Retargeting usually follows a pattern:
“You saw this product. Buy it now.”

But during Ramadan? People are more likely to ask:

“Is this meaningful to me right now?”

So tweak your copy. Shift from hard-sell to heart-sell.

Here’s a quick example:

Before Ramadan

“You left this watch in your cart. Buy now & get 10% off!”

During Ramadan

“Looking for something special this Eid? The perfect gift is just a click away.”

See the difference? The second one speaks to intent, not urgency. It’s smoother. More considerate.

Keep these in mind when crafting ad copy:

• Use words like “thoughtful,” “meaningful,” or “gift”
  
• Focus on benefits that fit the season: connection, ease, generosity
  
• Avoid anything that sounds too pushy or loud
  

3. Use Retargeting to Offer Value — Not Just Products

Here’s a cool idea most brands miss:
Retarget with helpful content.

Let’s say someone visited your kitchenware store. Instead of showing them the same frying pan again, try:

“5 Easy Iftar Recipes You Can Make in 20 Minutes”

Once they engage with that? Then you retarget again with:

“Loved the recipes? Cook them up with our Ramadan Cookware Set!”

Now that’s a journey.

Why does it work?
Because you’re giving first, selling second. It builds trust — and people are more likely to buy from brands they feel good about. Especially during holy months.

4. Get Local, Stay Real

Ramadan in the UAE has its own rhythm — and your ads should reflect that.

For example:

• Reference local traditions like Majlis gatherings or Iftar tents
  
• Mention Eid preparations when retargeting late in the month
  
• Use familiar cultural elements — like crescent moons, lanterns, Arabic calligraphy — in a subtle way
  

But go easy. Nobody likes a brand that tries too hard.

Here’s a nice balance:
“Planning your Eid Majlis? Make your home guest-ready with our decor collection.”

Now that feels personal.

5. Use Story Formats for Soft Retargeting

People are glued to stories on Instagram and Snapchat after Iftar.

So instead of dropping them into a product page again, why not use stories to gently remind them?

You could try:

• A story carousel showing “Top 3 Ramadan Essentials”
  
• A behind-the-scenes video of how your date boxes are packed
  
• A customer testimonial about how your product made their Eid special
  

It feels more like a chat than an ad. And that’s exactly what works right now.

6. Embrace Generosity — With a Strategy

Giving is a big part of Ramadan. But brands often miss the mark by offering random discounts.

Instead, use your retargeting to promote shared giving.

Let’s say you’re an online clothing store. Try this:

“Buy 1 Abaya, Give 1 — Celebrate Eid with a gift that gives back.”

Or if you’re in F&B:

“Every Iftar order helps feed another family in need.”

Then, retarget people who visited but didn’t convert, with a gentle nudge:

“Still thinking it over? Your order can make a difference.”

See how it flips the conversation? From “buy now” to “join us.”

7. Save The Hard Sell for After Eid

You know when people are really ready to shop? Right after Ramadan ends.

That’s when they start buying gifts, outfits, home goods — all at once.

So what should you do?
Use retargeting during Ramadan to build awareness, connection, and intent.
Save the strong offers and urgency for Eid week.

That way, your brand stays top of mind without being pushy.

Real Story: How a Dubai Coffee Brand Got It Right

Let me tell you about a local café brand in Dubai — let’s call them “BrewBar.”

During regular months, their retargeting focused on selling coffee beans directly:
“Add this to your cart before it’s gone!”

But during Ramadan? They switched it up.

They created a series of Instagram stories showing Iftar routines featuring their decaf blend. Soft lighting, warm cups, cozy family settings.

Then, they retargeted visitors with:

“Add a little calm to your Suhoor. Free next-day delivery on Ramadan blends.”

No push. No panic. Just understanding. Their click-throughs doubled. Sales went up. Customers felt seen.

That’s the kind of result you want.

Let’s Wrap This Up (Without the Fluff)

So, what’s the takeaway here?

If your retargeting ads aren’t working during Ramadan, it’s not because people don’t care — it’s because they care differently.

You just have to meet them where they are:

• Respect their time and mindset
  
• Offer value before asking for a sale
  
• Keep your tone soft, warm, and human
  
• Use real-life context — not cold logic
  

And when you do that?
Your ads won’t just get clicks. They’ll build connection. And during Ramadan, that’s the best kind of result you can hope for.