In the final week of Ramadan, Open Iftar returns to the heart of London’s iconic Trafalgar Square, welcoming 3,000 guests for the landmark closing event of Ramadan Tent Project’s (RTP) Ramadan Festival 2026. The square, which has long served as a gathering point for Londoners in moments of celebration and solidarity, opened its doors once more to unite communities in faith, food and reflection as Ramadan draws to a close.
Guests were welcomed to the Open Iftar by Little Amal, the internationally recognised 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child, who is a powerful symbol of Hope that parallels the Ramadan Festival 2026 theme. Her presence served as a moving reminder of Ramadan’s call to show compassion to the most vulnerable. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also joined the gathering, breaking his fast alongside guests and helping to distribute the Iftar meal, underscoring the event’s message that Open Iftar is a space for all faiths and none.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted that Trafalgar Square once again hosted the final iftar of Ramadan Tent Project’s hugely successful Open Iftar programme. Londoners from all faiths, races and backgrounds united in the heart of our capital to break their fasts, honour the values of this holy month and send a message of hope. Together we showed the world that London will always be a city that celebrates and champions our diversity, as we build a better and fairer London for everyone.”
Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project said: “Ramadan Festival 2026 has shown, once again, the extraordinary power of community when people come together with open hearts. From Trafalgar Square to cities across the country, our Open Iftar events have welcomed thousands from every background to share a meal, a conversation, and a moment of reflection. This year’s theme of Hope has been brought to life not through words alone, but through the generosity, curiosity, and unity we’ve witnessed at every gathering. Tonight, in the heart of London, we stand united as one community, committed to creating spaces where belonging is felt, lived, built, stories are shared, and the spirit of Ramadan is experienced by all.”
The Walk Productions, producers of Little Amal in association with Handspring Puppet Company, said: “Although Amal has now travelled to 18 countries around the world, we have never forgotten the extraordinary welcome she received from the people of London. In a time of uncertainty for many around the world, Amal reminds us of something simple and urgent: every child deserves safety, dignity and hope.
We are thrilled that she returns to share Open Iftar with the Ramadan Tent Project, reconnect with dear friends, and continue to stand as a powerful voice for hope, dignity, and the rights of displaced people everywhere.”
Tony Kitous, Founder, Comptoir Libanais said: “Supporting the Ramadan Tent Project’s Open Iftar has been a real honour for us at Comptoir Libanais. As an immigrant British Muslim, Ramadan has always been about generosity, community and opening our table to others. Seeing so many people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, come together to share a meal was truly special. We are incredibly grateful to the organisers, the volunteers, and everyone who joined. We are very proud and happy to serve our community and to support an initiative that brings people together in such a meaningful way.”
The evening featured powerful speeches from the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Zia Salik (Islamic Relief UK Interim Director), Tony Kitous (restaurateur and founder of Comptoir Libanais), and Sadiq Khan. The programme included a Qur’an recitation by Qari Yahya Ali ahead of the Adhan, with a Nasheed performance by Safe Adam rounding off the evening following the Iftar meal with final reflections from Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project.
The Grand Finale Open Iftar follows a final successful weekend of Open Iftar events across London. On Friday 13 March, Open Iftar came to AFC Wimbledon, a club built by and for its community, as guests were welcomed to break their fast. In partnership with WWF, one of the world’s largest independent conservation organisations, guided nature walks through Wimbledon Park offered a moment of stillness and reflection, inviting guests to connect with both the natural world and one another during the final days of Ramadan. Following this, on Sunday 15 March, Horizon 22 welcomed the community at London’s highest free viewing platform for an Open Iftar in the sky! Located on level 58, one of London’s tallest skyscrapers, offered guests a breathtaking view across the city skyline as they came together to break their fast. The day also marked United Nation’s (UN) International Day to Combat Islamophobia and featured the British Muslim Trust, a UK charity monitoring, reporting and tackling rising anti-Muslim hatred.
