Today, more than a billion Muslims around the world begin to observe the holy month of Ramadan, fasting from dawn to sunset. Maha Abouelenein, Google’s Head of Communications Middle East and North Africa, announced today that this year, Google will be bringing some of the most venerable Ramadan traditions online.

Google will be sharing Islamic prayers live from Mecca on a dedicated YouTube channel. Millions of people from around the world will be able to experience and comment on the event by tuning in via video. Users can also view more than 50 premium Ramadan shows the same day they air on another dedicated YouTube Ramadan channel.

YouTube’s Ramadan channel will feature hundreds of episodes of Ramadan shows provided by YouTube’s broadcast partners in the region, including Rotana, CBS-Egypt, Melody and Promo-media. Distribution will be restricted to the site itself, though YouTube will allow users to share shows and comment on them online.

Ramadan’s tastiest tradition is the food. After fasting through the day, families gather for evening break-the-fast meals called Iftar. Through Google+ Hangouts, Google will be hosting 30 virtual get-togethers in the 30 days of Ramadan, in which celebrity chefs will share their favorite recipes and doctors will give tips on eating healthy.

The hangouts will engage people in subjects far beyond eating. Actors will talk about their favorite Ramadan shows. Poets will discuss literature inspired by the holiday. Religious figures will answer questions. Stay tuned to the Google Arabia page on Google+ for more details.

Image credit: dej0e