Staying hydrated across a Ramadan fasting day

The long summer fasting hours in Amman make hydration the quiet challenge of Ramadan. The goal isn't to drink a litre in one sitting at iftar — that mostly leaves you uncomfortable — but to spread fluids from iftar through to suhoor. Start iftar gently: water, a date, and a warm lentil or vegetable soup rehydrate you before the main meal. Water-rich foods do real work too — cucumber, tomato, watermelon and citrus all top up your fluids alongside what you drink. Salt makes you thirstier the next day, so go easy on pickles and heavily salted dishes at suhoor. Caffeine is mildly dehydrating, so if you love your coffee, balance each cup with extra water. A useful check: pale-straw urine means you're doing fine; darker means drink more tomorrow night.