Ramadan is one of the most commercially active periods in the UAE, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses looking to increase seasonal sales. Consumer behavior shifts noticeably during this time. Pre-iftar ordering surges, gifting accelerates in the final days before Eid Al-Fitr, and customer service expectations become more time-sensitive. At the same time, messaging has become central to how consumers interact with brands. In the UAE, the majority of residents message a business weekly, making WhatsApp Business tools especially relevant for Ramadan marketing strategies.
For SMBs preparing for Ramadan 2026 and beyond, optimizing WhatsApp Business features can streamline operations, manage higher inquiry volumes, and improve response times without increasing overhead. Here are ten practical WhatsApp Business features that can support small business growth during Ramadan in the UAE.
A complete WhatsApp Business profile remains the foundation. Clear descriptions, business categories, location details, and contact information help establish legitimacy quickly. During peak Ramadan shopping periods, customers often compare multiple sellers before purchasing. A well-maintained profile reduces hesitation and shortens the decision-making process. For example, DAS Collection uses WhatsApp to update customers on new abaya arrivals and manage Ramadan orders directly through chat.
Updating Ramadan operating hours is equally important. Prayer schedules and adjusted workdays affect availability across the UAE. Keeping business hours accurate within WhatsApp prevents unnecessary frustration and reduces unanswered messages. Floral retailer 800 Flower uses WhatsApp to communicate Ramadan delivery windows and product availability, particularly for gifting occasions.
Automatic greeting messages help manage high message volume. When pre-iftar inquiries spike, instant acknowledgment reassures customers their request has been received. Businesses can enable greetings through the WhatsApp Business settings and customize recipients. Dessert brand Sugaholic uses automated greetings to respond immediately to Ramadan cake and gift box inquiries.
Organizing conversations becomes critical during peak order cycles. Labels, or Lists in some accounts, allow businesses to categorize chats by order status, payment confirmation, or delivery schedule. So Free Organic uses this system to separate Ramadan bundle orders from standard inventory, helping prevent fulfillment delays.
Quick Replies address frequently asked questions efficiently. Instead of typing repetitive responses about pricing, delivery times, or stock availability, businesses can create message shortcuts. Emirates Pride applies this feature to answer questions about Ramadan perfume bundles and limited-edition packaging.
The WhatsApp Catalog functions as a digital storefront inside the chat. Businesses can upload product images, descriptions, and pricing for Ramadan collections. Organizing items into collections makes browsing easier and reduces back-and-forth messaging. Amoonis Boutique uses catalogs to showcase Ramadan-themed gift sets and accept direct orders.
WhatsApp Status provides a low-cost channel for limited-time promotions. Sharing daily iftar specials, flash discounts, or Eid countdown offers can encourage faster purchasing decisions. Shahad El Emarat regularly posts time-sensitive food promotions to generate immediate responses.
Click-to-WhatsApp ads on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can connect paid advertising directly to conversation-based sales. Instead of directing users to websites, businesses can move potential customers straight into chat. Loqmah Gourmet uses this approach to convert Ramadan catering interest into confirmed bookings.
Meta Verified offers businesses an added layer of identity confirmation and account protection. The verification badge appears on the business profile and can help reduce impersonation risks. Asely UAE uses verification to reassure customers about product authenticity, particularly for seasonal health-related purchases.
Finally, Business Broadcasts allow companies to re-engage existing customers with Ramadan menus, restocked items, or last-minute Eid offers. Broadcast messaging, when used responsibly, can support repeat purchases. Rania Gourmet Kitchen uses broadcasts to share pastry launches and bundle promotions with returning customers.
For SMBs in the UAE, Ramadan presents both opportunity and operational pressure. Using WhatsApp Business features strategically can help manage demand, maintain customer satisfaction, and convert conversations into sales. As messaging continues to dominate consumer interaction, businesses that streamline communication during Ramadan are better positioned to sustain growth beyond the season.
