The Ramadan effect improves security at the Mobile World Congress
Crime falls during Ramadan by between 111% and 151%. The «coincidence» will make it a safer conference for attendees.
Modified illustrative image
[social-share align=»right» style=»button» mobile_app=»desktop»]
[social-share align=»center» style=»icon» mobile_app=»mobile»]
Forecasts indicate that During the Mobile World Congress, ordinary crime will decrease significantly.. Coinciding with the start of Ramadan, crime could fall by up to 15%, according to recent studies. This situation once again places the focus on the relationship between religion and street safety.
This pattern has been observed in other cities with large Muslim communities. Paris, London and Brussels have recorded similar falls in crime during Ramadan in previous years.
A study of the Journal of Comparative Economics It concluded that during Ramadan, crime falls by between 11% and 15% in areas with a strong Muslim presence.
Coincidence of the dates of Ramadan and the MWC 2025
Mobile World Congress 2025 and Ramadan will coincide. The technology event will take place from 3 to 6 March. The Muslim holy month will begin on 28 February and end on 29 March. This religious observance changes dates each year according to the lunar calendar.
The simultaneous occurrence of the Mobile World Congress, the Islamic fasting period and increased security in the city are key factors in making the congress safer. During previous editions of the Mobile World Congress, Some congress attendees expressed concerns about security in Barcelona., especially with regard to thefts and robberies on the street.
More prayer, less food, less crime
Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims. It is a period of abstinence from sex, smoking, drinking and eating during daylight hours. Reflection and prayer centre their days. Many believers avoid any action that contradicts religious precepts. This could explain the reduction in criminal acts recorded in previous years.
The second explanation is weakness. During Ramadan, Muslims go for many hours without eating or drinking, which reduces their energy levels. This lack of strength can contribute to a decrease in crime, especially offences requiring speed and agility, such as theft and violent robbery.
A third explanation could also be that, as it is a time for social gatherings with family and friends, habitual offenders do not want to be in the cells.
The data and perceptions of professionals
According to data revealed by the Moroccan security services (DGSN-DGST) and published by Medias24.com, during the month of Ramadan, All crime indicators in Morocco show a notable decrease compared with the rest of the year. For example, voluntary homicides decrease by 50% and rapes by 31%.
In Catalonia we do not have month-by-month crime data. Nevertheless, the perception of street police officers is clear: they acknowledge that during Ramadan they have less work:
RAMADINCÒMODA TRUTH:
— An Ordinary Policeman (@PoliQualsevol) 12 March 2024
Do you know which month of the year has the fewest detainees?
Well, it's not one of the 12 fixed months, but every year it coincides with Ramadan.
Coincidence?
P.S. It's not out of respect, but because they're feeling weak and are slowing down.
Enhanced security and the Ramadan effect will make Barcelona safer
This year, with the combination of religious events and police operations, Barcelona could host a more peaceful Mobile than ever before. The «coincidence» of dates may mean that this year there are fewer complaints from conference delegates about petty theft and robberies in the city.
.
Two Muslims beat up a bus driver in Paris because he wouldn't stop where they wanted
France resorts to curfews to combat its youth on the streets
Algerian youth in Germany commit 56 more crimes than German youth
50% of prisoners in Catalonia are foreigners
