The article from Al Jazeera outlines the prevalent consumption trends in the Arab world during Ramadan, detailing how markets transform into bustling centers of activity. Despite economic challenges, spending on food during this month experiences a remarkable surge, with families reportedly increasing their expenditures by 25% to 50% compared to other times of the year. Data from various sources, including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Egyptian Ministry of Supply, reveal this trend in consumer behavior.

In Egypt, the consumption of food products during Ramadan is estimated to reach around 100 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately 2 billion dollars), which is double the usual consumption. The report emphasizes that some products, particularly dates, hold cultural significance and are traditionally consumed to break fast, thereby leading to their high sales volumes. The popularity of these products reflects broader cultural and religious practices across the region, where local and regional markets support this spike in consumption.

The detailed analysis provided includes a list of the top ten consumed items during Ramadan, with dates being highlighted as essential due to their religious connotations and widespread acceptance among consumers. Gulf countries, Iraq, and Egypt emerge as principal markets for dates. Overall, the article underscores both the economic implications of Ramadan consumption patterns and the cultural practices that drive them, reflecting the intersection of traditional beliefs and modern consumer behavior in the Arab world.