This occasion marks Amazon's initiative to present "Alexa" with features tailored for users in the Arab region during the blessed month.

With a suite of specialized features and culturally designed functions, Amazon's Alexa smoothly integrates into the daily lives of its users in the Gulf states during Ramadan.

Dr. Rafed Fattani, the Regional General Manager for Alexa in the Middle East and North Africa, explained to "Middle East" the significance of these features, noting a 30 percent year-on-year increase and a significant 40 percent rise since the previous year in Alexa's usage.

On average, he added, customers in this region use Alexa more than 14 times a day, making it the highest usage worldwide compared to similar devices.

Special Ramadan Features

The Ramadan-specific features offered by Alexa are among the most utilized by its customers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In 2023, audio streaming features, including the recitation of the Holy Quran, were the second most used feature in the region. Dr. Fattani mentioned that Surat Al-Baqarah, recited by "Maher Al-Muaiqly," was the most requested for listening in terms of Quran recitation. He reaffirmed Amazon Alexa's commitment to delivering local experiences aligned with the customs, preferences, and needs of its customers' lives in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Amazon's Alexa also aims to empower customers by setting up certain daily routines to help them complete their tasks and smoothly practice Ramadan rituals. Dr. Fattani explained how customers could use Alexa’s smartphone application to prepare a suitable routine for Suhour, to wake them in time before Imsak with dim lighting, temperature control for easier waking, Quran recitation before prayer time, and finally, reminders for approaching Imsak and the call to prayer.

Listening to the Preferred Quran Reciter

Alexa helps users with their worship through the recitation of the Quran by their preferred reciter and shows the verses being recited on the Echo Show devices' screen. Customers are also reminded of prayer times, Imsak, and Iftar based on their location. Furthermore, customers can listen to their favorite local radio stations, including Ramadan programs and local news.

Alexa facilitates planning for Iftar meals using voice commands, capable of reading breakfast recipes, and when using an Echo Show device, Alexa displays recipe steps on-screen for easy tracking. Additionally, Alexa provides entertaining family activities like riddles through the "Ramadan Riddles" feature.

The "Good Deed of the Day" feature offers daily valuable suggestions to identify a charitable activity and build good habits. This feature also allows for displaying a daily prayer during the holy month, along with stories about prophets, and other programs like "The Lantern," "The Coffee Cup," and "The Moon," as well as religious Ramadan stories.

Three Years of "Gulf Alexa" And Other Dialects

Local dialects vary within Saudi Arabia and across other Gulf states, which presents a challenge to "Gulf Alexa." Despite this, Dr. Fattani from Riyadh emphasizes the meticulous efforts invested in ensuring Alexa's linguistic adaptability to different Arabic dialects and mastery of various regional accents. Regarding functionality, Fattani outlines Amazon's broader vision for Alexa, focusing on its role as a versatile voice assistant that meets diverse customer needs and anticipates their requirements to serve them in the easiest way possible.

Privacy and security remain of utmost importance in Amazon's approach to developing Alexa. Dr. Fattani underscores the company's commitment to building trust with customers by prioritizing privacy features and transparency. Speaking exclusively to "Middle East," he highlights the importance of considering trust, privacy, and security, shining a light on Amazon's safety measures for its customers, such as camera lens covers and microphone mute functions.

With Ramadan upon us, Amazon Alexa stands ready to continue enriching the lives of its users, embodying a spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. With this specially designed set of functions, Alexa remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing a Ramadan experience for individuals and families alike.