Some Saudis living in Lebanon are planning to return to the Kingdom to spend Ramadan with their families and friends while some are staying there, many for work- or education-related reasons.The country is also a popular destination for visitors from the Kingdom. Horiyah Khasheem, a housewife from Jeddah, said she has enjoyed the country for many years. “I've been captivated and mesmerized by Lebanon's beauty,” she said. “My family and I go there every summer. Since Ramadan this year comes in the middle of summer vacation, we will stay the first five days of Ramadan in Lebanon, then we will leave and come back for Eid Al-Fitr holidays.” Umar Al-Matroodi, a 30-year-old tourist from Dammam, said he will leave Lebanon in Ramadan and return to the Kingdom. Mamdooh Al-Bu'aiji, who has been living with his family in Lebanon for seven months, said he would stay on. “I am happy. I'm going to spend the entire Ramadan here,” he said. “It is a good opportunity to learn about Lebanese culture and traditions in Ramadan.” Ali Al-Qahtani, who has been studying in Lebanon for six years, said he is accustomed to spending Ramadan in Lebanon. Mirhan Al-Baz, a student from Jeddah, had a different opinion. “I feel homesick here because Lebanon is a multiethnic society and you don't feel the spirituality of Ramadan all over Lebanon,” she said. Jan Obood, owner of a travel agency said numbers of regional tourists have gone up in recent times.
