Sherpa Communications
awareness campaign services

Ramadan 2026: Why B2B brands shouldn’t go quiet and what to do instead

Every year as Ramadan approaches, a familiar pattern emerges among business leaders: “Should we pause communications?”, “Is it better to wait until after Eid to make noise?” In many companies, especially in the B2B world, this instinct translates into going silent for the month — slowing down PR, social, and external storytelling until life “returns to normal.”

But here’s the thing: Ramadan isn’t a pause button. It’s a different rhythm of business — a meaningful, culturally significant period full of unique opportunities. In 2026, with Ramadan expected to start around mid-February, brands that stay quiet risk missing out on real engagement with customers, partners, media, and communities.

And importantly, Ramadan isn’t just a consumer moment.

Ramadan Is a Time of Reflection and Active Engagement

Yes, many people fast during daylight hours. But evenings, especially just after Iftar and into the late night, are vibrant, social, and increasingly digital. Screen time and online activity spike as people unwind, connect with family, and engage with content and brands far more than during regular days. Research shows that media consumption and online behaviour increase during Ramadan, with people spending more time browsing, shopping and exploring new content after sunset.

This shift matters for B2B brands too. Decision-makers like CEOs, founders, tech leads, procurement heads are not “checked out.” They’re online, they’re reading, they’re opening emails and DMs, and they’re shaping plans for the year ahead. Ramadan becomes an ideal time to place thought leadership, insightful commentary, and strategic narratives that set the tone for Q2 and beyond.

Don’t Go Quiet, Talk With Purpose

Instead of silence, what works is purposeful communication. Ramadan is a context, not a constraint.

There are so many strategic storytelling methods other than just ‘Ramadan greetings’. For example:

  • Insight releases: Journalists and business audiences value content that helps explain trends and shifts as the new year begins. The media considers these as “evergreen content”. Journalists and business readers love useful data, especially when it helps them explain broader trends.
  • Reflection pieces: Thoughtful commentary on what your business learned last year, especially when backed by real numbers, helps build credibility. Sharing these insights early in the year also positions you as a voice of understanding, not just noise.
  • Cultural relevance: A message about how your business is supporting employees or partners during Ramadan, like flexible hours, hybrid work, virtual collaboration, or special team initiatives, isn’t small talk. It’s leadership visibility that resonates with internal and external audiences alike.

Ramadan Isn’t Just Consumer-Led

You might think Ramadan affects only consumer habits. But in fact, business behaviours shift too.

For instance, in the UAE and across the wider GCC, working hours are officially shortened during Ramadan, and many organisations adopt flexible schedules. This creates different windows of activity. Though mornings are quieter, evenings and late nights become prime times for engagement, review, planning, and content consumption.

Additionally, while many brands think of Ramadan as “a time for deals,” the region’s thoughtful shift toward purpose-driven consumption also plays out in B2B. Stakeholders respond well to narratives about sustainability, impact, and long-term value, all of which align with Ramadan’s deeper themes of reflection and generosity.

Ready to make Ramadan 2026 part of your strategic narrative? Contact us. 

How to Build Better Relationships With Journalists in 2026

Media relations now looks very different from what it did even a few years ago. Newsrooms are leaner, deadlines are shorter, and journalists are expected to do more with less. In this environment, building strong relationships with the media isn’t about sending more pitches. It’s about being more relevant, more reliable, and genuinely more useful.

For communications teams, building strong relationships with journalists today requires a shift in mindset. It’s no longer enough to have a story. How helpful you are in the moment often matters just as much as the news itself.

Match the story to the journalist, not the other way around

One of the most common reasons pitches go unanswered is simple: they don’t fit. Journalists work to serve a specific audience, and every story they publish needs to make sense in that context.

Effective pitching starts with understanding exactly what a journalist covers, what angles they tend to explore, and what their readers care about. A strong pitch makes this connection immediately clear. It explains why the story is relevant now, how it fits within the journalist’s beat, and what value it adds for their audience.

When brands take the time to do this, pitches feel intentional rather than transactional, and that’s what earns attention.

Reliability is the new currency 

The UAE media landscape moves quickly, and journalists often work under significant time pressure. In this environment, reliability becomes a deciding factor.

Quick responses, even if only to acknowledge a request, signal professionalism. Clear confirmation of spokesperson availability avoids unnecessary delays. Delivering comments when promised builds confidence. Over time, these small actions add up.

Journalists are also far more likely to return to sources they know they can depend on, especially when stories need to move fast. Being reliable doesn’t mean always being available; it means being clear, responsive, and respectful of deadlines.

Help journalists do their jobs better

The strongest media relationships are built on usefulness. Journalists value sources who provide clarity, accuracy, and context, not sales pitches.

This could mean offering short, factual inputs that are easy to reference, sharing ready-to-use quotes or providing background insight that strengthens a story, even if the brand isn’t the main focus. Being genuinely helpful shows that the relationship matters beyond a single mention.

When journalists know they’ll receive concise information and thoughtful insight, they are more likely to reach out again. Over time, this turns one-off interactions into ongoing relationships.

Think long-term

Media relationships aren’t built during launch week alone. They develop over time, through consistent, respectful engagement.

Sharing insights when there’s no immediate ask, understanding editorial priorities, and respecting a journalist’s independence all contribute to long-term trust.

In markets like the UAE and the wider Middle East, where reputation plays a critical role in business success, these relationships often extend far beyond a single story.

Looking to launch a few awareness campaigns in 2026? Contact us to help you navigate the regional media landscape. 

pr firms in dubai

YOUR LETTER IS SENT!

WE WILL CONTACT YOU SOON.