Google today announces the launch of ‘My Ramadan Companion’ (google.com/ramadan), a digital hub that integrates Google’s best technology like YouTube, Play, Maps and Search to help users celebrating Ramadan by giving them relevant information that can enhance their daily lives during Ramadan.

As part of the ‘My Ramadan Companion’ experience and for the very first time, Google is releasing locally designed Google Now Cards dedicated to the holy month. Google Now is a feature within the Google Search app that automatically organizes information into simple mobile-friendly cards which provide relevant information, updates and assistance throughout the day. Ramadan Google Now Cards work based on preferences of users who can control the information they receive by managing their settings. Users will receive relevant and customized information such as, popular YouTube shows in their local area, food recipes, and suggestions for the best route to avoid traffic on the way to Iftar.

The digital hub will also aggregate local content on YouTube from more than 15 content creators across Saudi, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and more.

Google Play will feature a special section for Apps that users might need during Ramadan, and that include cooking, lifestyle, and communication apps. It will also be featuring special discounts on many of its paid apps and games within the Play Store.

During the launch briefing, Google’s MENA team explained that one incentive for this platform is part of an ongoing effort to help emerging markets understand the wealth of the web and how personalized it can be.

Zain Kamal Masri from Google, says in a press statement, “We are very happy to launch ‘My Ramadan Companion’ which will give people information just when they need it the most so that they can spend less time searching and more time with their loved ones. Generally, people are more engaged on mobile during Ramadan. Users will be able to share individual cards with friends and family, as we release new cards every day. For example, you can share your calendar or cooking tutorial that you are watching in real-time.”

Digital Trends during Ramadan

• Specific online searches for cooking, gaming, TV shows, beauty begin to peak during the month leading up to Ramadan.
• During Ramadan, users consume more long-form content and engagement is higher generally more likes, subscriptions and comments.
• Mobile has the largest share of screen time throughout the year, including Ramadan.
• Mobile search queries on Google surpassed that of desktop during Ramadan last year.