Though spiritual feelings are all-time high in Ramadan, Iftar parties organized in the holy month have been serving more as PR exercise for companies, charity organizations and other social groups. The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) is hosting its annual Iftar party Sunday. It has invited a number of Saudi businessmen, ambassadors and diplomats of various countries. WAMY has also invited representatives of UN agencies based in Riyadh such as UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO and officials of Red Crescent and Red Cross. According to Dr. Saleh S. Al-Wohaiby, WAMY Secretary General, the Iftar party is an annual occasion to pay tribute to Saudi businessmen, philanthropists and other donors for their generous contributions to this UN-recognized charity organization. Awal, a subsidiary of Saudi Telecom (STC), specialized in IT Services has organized its annual Iftar banquet at a number of top hotels across the Kingdom by inviting potential customers as a part of the company's continuing efforts to open new communication channels and strengthen relations with its customers. GE Saudi Arabia, a leading company, has invited media persons for an Iftar party Monday that will be attended by senior managers and media persons. Zain Saudi Arabia said for the fourth consecutive year this Ramadan the company is arranging Iftar for worshippers including international Umrah pilgrims in Holy Haram in Makkah. The starred hotels have reported increased business activity as the bookings at Iftar time rose considerably as Ramadan started. “Riyadh Marriott Hotel is delighted to offer incredibly memorable Ramadan experience this year. The starred hotel has created ‘Ramadan Zamaan' that takes the diners to experience the true traditions of Arab and Muslim culture,” said General Manager Khaldoun Hayajneh. In order to accommodate the increasing demand Riyadh Marriott Hotel is offering two attractive theme venues — Mosaic Mediterranean Restaurant turned into ‘Ramadan Zamaan' for buffet Iftar and Suhoor meals and Makarim Convention Center with a splendid Ramadan setting catering to the needs of corporate world and social groups, Hayajneh said. __
