Wording
Iftar invitation messages and Ghabga wording
Published Updated 5 min read
A good Iftar invitation message does two things: it gives the right time — Maghrib, not a guess — and the right tone for the month. Ramadan evenings fill fast, so a clear invitation gets your Iftar or Ghabga onto guests' calendars before the month begins. Below is wording for family Iftars, friends, colleagues and company Iftars, and Ghabga evenings, in English and Arabic, with short WhatsApp versions and etiquette for hosts.
In this article
Iftar or Ghabga?
Iftar is the meal at sunset that breaks the fast. A Ghabga is the later evening gathering popular in the Gulf, often after Taraweeh and sometimes running towards Suhoor. The invitation should say which — guests plan their evening around it.
| Iftar | Ghabga | |
|---|---|---|
| When | At Maghrib (sunset) | Later in the evening, often after Taraweeh |
| What to write for the time | "At Maghrib" or the exact time for that date | A clock time — 9:30 pm is common |
| Food | Dates and water, then a full meal | Traditional dishes, sweets, tea and coffee |
| Mood | Family, company or community meal | Relaxed majlis evening; ladies' Ghabgas often have a theme |
The time is Maghrib
Iftar begins at the Maghrib call to prayer, which moves earlier through the month. Write "at sunset" or "at Maghrib" rather than a clock time, or give the exact time for that date in your city. For a Ghabga, give a clock time.
What to put on an Iftar invitation
- A Ramadan greeting — "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak"
- Who is hosting: the family, the couple, the company or the team
- Iftar or Ghabga, so guests know whether to come hungry at sunset or later
- The day and date, with "at Maghrib" or a clock time
- The place, with a location pin for a home or majlis
- Optional: "ladies only", a theme, or "everyone welcome" for a mixed office
A bilingual card works well in the UAE, where many guest lists mix Arabic and English speakers. Put the Arabic on top and the English below, or design two versions of the same card.
رمضان كريم · Ramadan Kareem تتشرف عائلة الظاهري بدعوتكم لتناول طعام الإفطار The Al Dhaheri family invites you to Iftar الثلاثاء 23 فبراير 2027 عند أذان المغرب · Tuesday, 23 February 2027, at Maghrib
Family Iftar invitation message
Ramadan Kareem The Al Dhaheri family invites you to break the fast with us Tuesday, 23 February 2027, at Maghrib Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Ramadan Kareem 🌙 The whole family is gathering at Grandpa's house for Iftar on Friday, 19 February 2027, at Maghrib Al Mizhar, Dubai — we can't wait to see you
Iftar invitation message for friends
Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙 We're hosting a small Iftar for friends Saturday, 20 February 2027, at Maghrib Our apartment, Dubai Marina — just bring your appetite
Iftar at ours this Thursday? Maghrib is around 6:30 — come a little early and we'll break the fast together.
Iftar invitation message for colleagues and company Iftars
A company Iftar invitation should give the time at Maghrib, the venue with parking, and a finish time — guests often have Taraweeh or family plans after.
In the spirit of Ramadan, Al Noor Holdings invites you to our annual Iftar Wednesday, 17 February 2027, at Maghrib Dubai Creek Harbour
Ramadan Kareem, team! Join us for a team Iftar on Monday, 22 February 2027 at Maghrib, followed by coffee until 8:30 pm The Majlis Restaurant, Business Bay Everyone is welcome — fasting or not
For more office wording see corporate event invitation wording.
Ghabga invitation wording
Ramadan Kareem Join us for a Ghabga evening Thursday, 25 February 2027 at 9:30 pm The family majlis, Al Barsha, Dubai
A Ramadan Ghabga for the ladies 🌙 Traditional dishes, henna and good company Wednesday, 24 February 2027 · 9:30 pm Umm Rashid's home, Al Khawaneej Dress: your favourite jalabiya
Replying to an Iftar invitation
If you are the guest, reply quickly — hosts plan food for the exact number at Maghrib. A short, warm answer is enough.
Ramadan Kareem! Thank you so much for the invitation — we'll be there on Tuesday, insha'Allah. Can we bring dessert?
Ramadan Kareem, and thank you for thinking of us. We're with my parents that evening, so we can't make it — may Allah accept your fasting, and let's meet at the Ghabga.
Etiquette for hosts
- Invite before Ramadan starts for a large or company Iftar
- Have dates and water ready at the minute of Maghrib
- Leave a quiet room or space for guests who pray Maghrib before eating
- For a company Iftar, give parking details and a finish time
- Send a short reminder the day before
- Don't plan a long programme of speeches before people have eaten
Making the card
Choose Iftar in the Invited studio for lanterns, crescents and Ramadan calligraphy. Type the details in Arabic and English and download the card as a picture or a moving video to share on WhatsApp. When Ramadan ends, see Eid invitation messages.
Ready when you are
Questions people ask
When should Iftar invitations go out?
A week or two before Ramadan for a company or large Iftar, since evenings book up quickly; a few days ahead is fine for a small family Iftar.
What time should I write on an Iftar invitation?
"At Maghrib" or "at sunset" is clearest. If you give a clock time, check the Maghrib time for that date in your city — it moves through the month.
What is a Ghabga?
A Gulf tradition: a relaxed Ramadan evening gathering after Iftar, often after Taraweeh, with traditional dishes, sweets and coffee.
Can I invite non-Muslim colleagues to Iftar?
Yes, and many companies in the UAE do. Say "everyone is welcome" so colleagues who aren't fasting know they're included.
How do I write an Iftar invitation message for friends on WhatsApp?
Keep it short: "Ramadan Mubarak! Iftar at ours on Saturday at Maghrib — come a little early." Attach the card if you have one.
Should an Iftar invitation be in Arabic or English?
Match your guests. Family cards are usually in Arabic; office and mixed-friend Iftars often use English or a bilingual card with both.
Is it rude to leave an Iftar early?
No, especially in Ramadan, when many guests go on to Taraweeh or another family. A company invitation that gives a finish time makes it easy for everyone.
