The Spirit of Ramadan: How the Ramadan Tent Project connects London’s communities
By Anika Ali, Programme Officer at World Cities Culture Forum
The Purpose:
The Ramadan Tent Project brings people from all backgrounds together to share Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast.
Established in 2013 as a student-led initiative at SOAS University of London, the project has grown into a city-wide project supported by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. What started as an event in a single tent, offering students away from home a chance to experience Ramadan, has evolved into an important annual event in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square and other key cultural spaces.
“For over a decade, Ramadan Tent Project has connected and convened more than 1 million people from all backgrounds. We are proud to represent a pillar of London’s rich cultural ecology celebrating community, belonging and inclusion.” – Omar Salha, Founder & CEO of Ramadan Tent Project
The project aims to build bridges across London’s diverse communities, fostering connection and understanding among people of all faiths and backgrounds. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is the holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. By sharing the warmth and spirit of Ramadan, the project strives to break down negative perceptions of Islam and promote a more harmonious and inclusive society.
The Challenge:
Ramadan is a time deeply rooted in community, centered around breaking fast together with loved ones. However, for many people in global cities – especially those living far from home and familiar traditions or who find themselves alone during the holy month – the spirit of togetherness that Ramadan fosters can be difficult to experience.
Recognising this isolation, students at SOAS University of London took the initiative to invite fellow students spending Ramadan alone to break fast together.
This simple act of community quickly blossomed into something much larger, expanding beyond the student population to welcome vulnerable individuals, including the homeless, those searching for connection, and anyone seeking to build bridges through shared food and faith experiences.
80% of Ramadan Tent Project’s participants have said that “there are too few spaces for communities to connect and learn about one another,” acknowledging the project’s role in offering those safe spaces.
The Solution:
The Ramadan Tent Project addresses this challenge through its flagship initiative, Open Iftar, which has connected over one million people across the UK. A central part of Ramadan is the iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, traditionally shared with family and friends. With tickets being free and open to all, the event provides a welcoming space for individuals to break fast together, regardless of their faith or background.
By sharing a meal and conversation, participants experience the true spirit of Ramadan – one of generosity, hospitality, and togetherness.
By sharing a meal and conversation, participants experience the true spirit of Ramadan – one of generosity, hospitality, and togetherness.
Open Iftars are held in some of the UK’s most iconic locations and beloved cultural venues, such as Kensington Gardens, Wembley Stadium, Westminster Abbey, the British Library, the Royal Albert Hall, and the V&A Museum. Its largest ever edition was hosted in London’s Trafalgar Square welcoming tens of thousands of citizens. This brings Ramadan into the heart of British culture, promoting inter-faith exchange and making it visible and accessible to a wider audience. It offers an opportunity for people to learn about Ramadan firsthand, ask questions, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Muslim community.
The Impact:
The Ramadan Tent Project’s community-driven work has been widely celebrated, receiving the Mayor of London’s “Bringing Londoners Together Award” in 2019.
Over the past decade, the project has worked with Ramadan Festivals across the globe. Open Iftar events have been held in over 30 cities including Makkah, Istanbul and Ndola.
Collectively, the Ramadan Tent Project has distributed over 500,000 meals, connecting over 1 million people in the UK and reaching 650+ million internationally.
