The public-service TV ads deliver a cheerful, yet pointed, message to Muslims observing Ramadan's traditional dawn to dusk fast: 'Don't overeat' when night comes. 'Exercise and stay healthy.'

The government media campaign _ one of the Arab world's first _ aims to combat the serious health problems, from heart attacks to diabetic comas, that often mark Islam's holy month.

Traditionally a time of abstinence and focus on prayer in the Muslim world, Ramadan has also become, health officials worry, a time of overdoing it and unhealthy habits.