Cairo: Weeks before the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, Saudi authorities have made it clear that a portion of the fast-breaking meals to be served in the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest in Mecca, must include a low-calorie diet to suit people with chronic diseases.

The General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques has launched a portal to receive requests from charitable organisations and benevolent individuals to provide the fast-ending Iftar banquets for worshippers inside the Grand Mosque during Ramadan, expected this year to begin on March 1.

The stipulations allow the would-be benefactors to choose the service locations, with one Iftar banquet per individual, and 10 per charity, and contracting with one of the catering companies approved by the Authority.

The state agency in charge of the mosque stressed the necessity of providing low-calorie meals for worshippers with chronic diseases and diabetics at a rate of 20% of the overall meals offered by individual benefactors, and 30% of meals from charitable groups.

In addition, the meals must be packed according to the accredited wrapping to guarantee the quality of the service.

Muslims abstain from eating and drinking every day from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.

The holy month traditionally marks the peak season of the Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque.