Snap AR Ramadan Mall returns for its fifth year with a new multi-district format. The experience now features five distinct districts for Luxury, Automotive, Food and Beverage, Self-Care, and Retail. Snapchatters can access it through the Carousel feature and Lens Explorer during Ramadan until the first week of Eid Al Fitr.
Snap AR Ramadan Mall Evolution Over Five Years
The AR Ramadan Mall began as an experiment in digital discovery using augmented reality. Early editions introduced immersive product browsing on Snapchat. By 2023, it reached 12 million shoppers, as users shifted toward social discovery methods.
In 2024 and 2025, participation grew to 16.8 million shoppers. Engagement time increased by 30 percent, with longer exploration in culturally inspired environments. These changes responded to user behavior during the Holy Month.
New District Structure for 2026 Edition
This year’s edition divides the experience into five vertical-led districts. Each district provides a dedicated AR space for focused brand interactions. Eleven local and global advertisers participate across these categories.
The format shift allows brands to engage in contextual environments. Snapchatters explore curated AR journeys tailored to each sector. This approach builds on insights from previous seasons.
Participating Brands by District
- Luxury District: YSL Beauty, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli
- Food and Beverage District: Nespresso, Puck
- Self-Care District: Neutrogena, Sensodyne, Centrum
- Automotive District: Al-Futtaim BYD & Denza
- Retail District: MAX
Executive Comments on the Update
“During Ramadan, people don’t just consume content differently, they discover, share, and decide together in real time. As we mark five years of the Snap AR Ramadan Mall, it has evolved into a multi-district experience that reflects how communities explore during the Holy Month.”
Antoine Challita, UAE Country Head at Snap Inc.
“The Snap AR Ramadan Mall has evolved into a more intentional and immersive experience with each season. Expanding this experience into districts allows each space to focus on a specific niche, creating clearer context for brands and more purposeful moments for audiences.”
Mohammed Bouarib, Regional Creative Strategy and Innovation Lead at Snap Inc.
Access and Regional Context
Users enter via Snapchat’s Carousel and organic Lens Explorer. The initiative aligns with regional engagement patterns during Ramadan. Snap continues to adapt AR features based on user data from the Middle East.
Snapchat supports visual messaging, AR via Lens Studio, and Spectacles glasses. The AR Ramadan Mall contributes to Snapchat’s efforts in immersive discovery. Future editions may incorporate further refinements as user habits evolve.
