Ramadan, the period of mental, physical and spiritual elevation, is celebrated throughout the world. Indeed this auspicious time is also honoured in Dubai, as the city obliges later operational timings and an extra emphasis on charity and quality time with loved ones. Activities peak in the evening as observers break their fast with their families, and Dubai’s plethora of eateries come to life with dedicated menus and even purpose-built marquees with special food and entertainment. Even for those not fasting, this is a wonderful time to learn more about Emirati culture and traditions between 27th May and 25th June.
Here’s some of our favourites places to break the fast.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Celebrate the holy month of Ramadan at Crescendo, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Enjoy a special Iftar buffet of mouth-watering Arabic and international cuisine in the luxurious, chic indoor dining area, or dine on the spacious outdoor terrace. Begin with a truly traditional breaking of the fast with jallab, tamer hindi, kamer aldein, laban earan, karkadé juices and plain and stuffed dates. Then onto classic Arabic family dishes of sambousek jebnih and mutabal alongside traditional oriental mixed grill including shawarma, kebab and garlic prawns. Finish on a sweet note with date pudding, Arabic sweets, kunafa cheese and umm ali. Priced at Dhs 185 per adult and Dhs 90 per child (6 to 12 years). Call 04-5678304.
The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City. Gather with family and friends for Ramadan at Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City. The incredible traditional buffet promises to offer the best of Arabic cuisine and special dishes. The talented resident chefs will be on hand to cook up a storm at the live cooking stations and you can enjoy a vast array of tasty appetisers, traditional hot and cold Arabic mezze platters, as well as fresh salads and seafood. Iftar is priced at Dhs 185 per person inclusive of soft beverages, Dhs 95 for children from 5 to 12 years and free for children under 5. Call 04-4373333.
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. Delight your taste buds this Ramadan at Brasserie 2.0 with an incredible buffet selection from over 10 live cooking stations, offering traditional Arabic cuisine as well as dishes from the far corners of the world. Enjoy traditional hot and cold Arabic mezze platters, as well as fresh salads, soups, sushi and sashimi. For the main course, highlights include the shawarma station, the al fresco charcoal grill, tandoor oven and plancha grill. Brasserie 2.0’s Iftar is priced at Dhs 215 per person inclusive of Arabic juices and soft beverages, children aged 5 to 12 years will get 50% off, with children under five dining complimentary. Call 04-3165550.
The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC. In celebration of the holy month, the DIFC Ramadan Majlis promises a distinctive experience inspired by traditional Arabic hospitality and cuisine. Break the fast with a culinary voyage of discovery across the region with live cooking stations, authentic dishes and traditional flavours. Highlights include the UAE specialty lamb harris, a classic cheese shanklish and the definitive mixed Lebanese grill. The Iftar buffet from sunset to 8.30pm is priced at Dhs 215 for adults, Dhs 107 for children aged 6 to 12 years and children below 6 dine for free. Call 04-3722323.
Fairmont The Palm. Treat your family and friends to Fairmont The Palm’s ‘Fairuz’ Ramadan Tent, where a traditional Iftar will be served from sunset to sunrise, complete with al fresco Arabian Courtyard and live entertainment. Experience the warmth of the regions local culture and traditions, irresistible traditional delights, indulgent desserts, lavish date displays and Ramadan inspired beverages. In addition, Fairuz will showcase Arabian entertainment with a dedicated live Oud player and musical soundtrack from the international Arabian singer, Fairuz. The Iftar buffet with Ramadan inspired beverages is priced at Dhs 175 per person, with 50% off for children between 6 to 12 years 50% off and complimentary for children below 6. Call 04-4573457.
Sofitel Dubai Downtown. Join Les Cuisines restaurant throughout Ramadan and enjoy a special Iftar buffet offering an array of international dishes. Delight your taste buds with traditional Arabic and French cuisine and enjoy appetisers such as hot and cold mezze platters, fresh salads and soups. For main course, sample dishes from the far corners of the world with highlights including the live shawarma station, lamb tajine with prunes and sesame seeds, chicken curry and the Arabic mixed grill. The buffet is priced at Dhs 195 per person with soft drinks and Ramadan juices. Children between 6 and 12 years will get a 50% discount and children under 5 years can eat for free. Call 04-5036111.
Four Seasons Hotels Dubai. Named after the traditional Arabian marketplace, Suq restaurant invites you into a warm and inviting atmosphere with its Arabesque appeal. Enjoy live cooking stations with freshly prepared treats from the chefs as they present the best of traditional Iftar dishes and other global specialities. For those with a sweet tooth there is a dessert station with more than 18 different homemade ice creams and a creperie. Iftar is priced at Dhs 245 per person; children up to the age of 12 years old will receive 50% off. Call 04-2707777.
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers. Enjoy the Iftar buffet at Hatta Restaurant with a delicious spread that varies every night. Special traditional Arabic charcoal-grilled meat selections include shish taouk, shawarma, kofta and mixed-grilled meats in various marinades. Priced at Dhs 149 per person. Alternatively, at Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo, you can enjoy a special Mediterranean set menu for Dhs 149. Call 04-2071747.
The Address Dubai Marina. Mark the special season with the best traditional hospitality that celebrates rich Arabian heritage with a touch of modern style. Enjoy the stylishly elegant setting of Ramadan Sawa in the contemporary Constellation Ballroom. The grand Iftar buffet features an extensive selection of Arabic and International favourites, live stations, a variety of authentic sweets and desserts, and the refreshingly tasty Ramadan juices. The Iftar buffet is priced at Dhs 220 per person. Call 04-4367777.
Manzil Downtown. Celebrating the warmth of Arabian hospitality, Manzil Downtown has a number of truly authentic experiences this Ramadan. Whether it’s the sumptuous buffet featuring mouth-watering dishes from across the region in the signature outlet, Boulevard Kitchen, or the enchanted Arabian courtyard renowned for its charming ambience and indulgent comfort food. Iftar at Boulevard Kitchen is priced at Dhs 180 including soft drinks and Ramadan beverages, Dhs 90 for children between 6 and 12 years and complimentary for children below 5. Iftar at The Courtyard is priced at Dhs 180 including soft drinks and Ramadan beverages. Call 04-4238899.
Nassima Royal Hotel. Nassima Royal Hotel is putting on a lavish Iftar offering a wide range of international and Arabic buffets and live cooking stations at the Celcius Restaurant. Savour the finest selection of delicacies from around the world and Middle Eastern cuisine with family and friends. The hotel will be donating Dhs 1 for every bill charged during Ramadan to Al Jalila Foundation. The proceeds will be used by the organisation to support medical patients in need to finance their treatments. The Iftar buffet is priced at Dhs 169 per person including soft beverages. Call 04-3080000.
Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre. This Ramadan, Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre will be offering an Iftar buffet in Medley Restaurant hosted by Moroccan Chef Mama, who is known for her rich delicious dishes and amazing hospitality. Break your fast with dates and crudités, Arabic breads with dipping oils, olives and traditional Ramadan juices before heading to the buffet to enjoy a range of succulent cuisines. The Iftar menu will be available to book for a special early-bird price of Dhs 115 per person (including water and Ramadan juices) until 20th May, after which it is priced at Dhs 175 per person and Dhs 70 per child aged from six to 12 years. Call 04-2941222.
Atlantis, The Palm. Atlantis, the Palm’s official Iftar will be hosted in Asateer, one of Dubai’s most well-known Ramadan tents. For Dhs 210 you can enjoy an Iftar buffet from sunset until 8.30pm. Alternatively, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar will host a special menu with its ‘British Roast Dinner’. While Nobu, the world famous Japanese restaurant, will host a special Iftar menu for Dhs 270 per person. Call 04-4262626.
Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is dedicating its most exclusive residential-style venue, Al Manzil, solely to Ramadan. An array of native and regional dishes from the Orient and Levant will span the two kitchens, with many of the items prepared à la minute, just like at home. Iftar will also be served in Sufra overlooking the neighbouring Creek Park. Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights has partnered with Al Jalila Foundation, donating one dirham for every Iftar meal bought. Iftar in Al Manzil and Sufra is priced at Dhs 155 per person inclusive of soft drinks, with 50% off for children aged 6 to 12 years and complimentary for those under six. Call 04-5531283.
Ramadan Majlis. Break the day’s fast with a stylish Iftar at DWTC’s Ramadan Majlis. This dining experience is set up exclusively during Ramadan, transforming Zabeel Hall 6 into a luxury Arabian setting. The food will be the highlight of the evening, prepared by world-class chefs and served up by an award-winning catering team. Enjoy dining in the casual lounge or make a private booking with more intimate seating for up to 25 guests from 25th May to 25th June. Iftar is priced at Dhs 140 per person. www.majlis.ae
The H Dubai. Whether it’s just the breaking the fast or a cultural dining experience you are after, Iftar at Delphine is a special occasion. Traditional delicacies are infused with modern Arabia to bring a lavish buffet spread inclusive of salads, live cooking stations, succulent meats and traditional Emirati dishes. Cool Arabic music and simple décor make it an enjoyable location to enjoy the spirit of Ramadan. Iftar is priced at Dhs 150 per person inclusive of Arabic juices and coffee, Dhs 75 for kids below 12 and kids under 5 dine for free. Call 04-5018623.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, will be transformed into a luxurious fully air-conditioned tent for the holy month. The lavish Arabic-inspired Iftar buffet offer ten interactive cooking stations with mouth-watering delicacies from famous Middle Eastern cuisines featuring Emirati, Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian culinary creations together with Jordanian, Iraqi and Moroccan savoury selections as well as special dishes from Oman and Iran. The Iftar buffet is priced at Dha 250 per person from Sunday to Wednesday and at Dhs 270 per person (both including food, still water, Ramadan juices, soft drinks and Arabic coffee) from Thursday to Saturday. Children up to 4 years enjoy complimentary Iftar, and there is a 50% discount for children from 5 to 12 years old. Call 04-8096194.
Towers Rotana Dubai. Flavours on Two at Towers Rotana Dubai is collaborating with Epicure Catering to make a difference and launch The Iftar Exchange, a charity campaign that will start at the beginning of Ramadan and last throughout the holy month. The exchange will involve and engage with those breaking their fast at Flavours on Two with the less fortunate individuals at labour camps in Dubai. With every Iftar purchased from its restaurant at Dhs 139 per person, a contribution of one nutritional and hearty packaged Iftar box will be donated to less fortunate individuals at labour camps in Dubai, provided by Epicure Catering. Call 04-3122526.