One of the beauties of living in Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan is being able to embrace the local culture and customs including the wondrous flavours at iftar. Take your children along to any or all of these gorgeous sunset feasts for a Ramadan to remember…
THE TWO-STOREY DALLAH LOUNGE AT EMIRATES GOLF CLUB
For Ramadan on a tent-tastic scale, Emirates Golf Club has unleashed Dallah Lounge, a fully air-conditioned, two-storey lounge amidst Dubai’s beautiful lush green golf courses of Emirates Hills. The Dallah Lounge, (which means an Arabian coffee pot), is perfectly named to symbolise the majestic, yet family friendly feel you’ll find at this iftar. You can choose seating that suits a more formal affair, or for a more casual experience, opt for their cosy sofas. Their must-try signature dishes include Sweet and Sour Hammour and Lamb Oozi, and there’s even a Roast Beef Carvery too, but for something quite out of the ordinary this Ramadan, guests at the Dallah Lounge can retire to the Mezzanine level upstairs for some relaxing, post-iftar drinks.
Info: The Dallah Lounge is open daily during Ramadan from sunset to 9pm and costs AED 140 for iftar that includes an extensive buffet with salad bar, cold and hot mezzes, live cooking and grills, as well as dessert stations. There’s also 50% off for children 6-12 years with 5 years and under going free.
To book: call 04 417 9999 or visit their website
SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
The ever-welcoming hosts of the SMCCU at the Bastakiya in Dubai, will once again host the most authentic iftar you’re likely to discover. Be prepared to immerse yourself in Emirati tradition, where cultures blend, stories are told and everyone attending has the opportunity to learn about the real spirit of Ramadan. An essential for every Dubai resident, this makes a great learning experience for visitors and children alike, where you’ll come away touched by the warm hospitality you’ve received, a ton of facts that you’d never imagined and much more than just a full belly of the delicious food that’s served.
Info: Guests are welcomed from 6.30 pm and iftar costs AED 185 per adult with 50% off children age 5 and upwards.
To book: Call (04) 353 6666 or visit
cultures.ae
EWAAN AT THE PALACE DOWNTOWN
A visually-vibrant iftar experience awaits at the Ewaan Ramadan Tent at the Palace Downtown where you can make your way through a seriously impressive spread of traditional Arabic and international dishes such as fried baby marrow with yoghurt tahini, roasted quail with sumac and a tender chicken tagine. The displays are beautifully presented, staff are super friendly and you can go along with your children for some truly flavourful fare and an authentic atmosphere.
Info: Iftar at Ewaan opens on the first day of Ramadan until 15th June from sunset until 9pm and costs AED 255 per person with children aged between 6 and 11 dining at 50% off and children aged 5 and below dine for free.
To book: call +97148883444 or email
dine@emaar.com
BESH TURKISH KITCHEN AT SHERATON MALL OF THE EMIRATES
For a true taste of Turkey in Dubai, there’s only one place to go. Besh, located in the Sheraton hotel at Mall of the Emirates, showcases an exciting assortment of light, and nutritious hot and cold mezze and salads this Ramadan that will whet your appetite for what’s to come. If you’ve not tried Turkish cuisine before, then try it, as their pide, grills and Turkish kebabs won’t have you looking back. Their sweet treats, (of which there are many), include the magic mastery of Turkish ice cream, that’s not to be missed.
Info: Besh is open for iftar from Sunset to 9pm daily. It costs AED 155 per person and AED 70 for little Besh fans (aged 6-12 years) with 5 years old and under going free.
To book: call 04 377 2353 or email
besh.dubai@sheraton.com
AL MAJLIS AT MADINAT JUMEIRAH
Another much-loved Ramadan staple is Madinat Jumeirah’s magnificent Al Majlis tent. With space for 1,000 guests and offering a bursting buffet of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and contemporary flavours, this is certainly the place to head to absorb true Arabian hospitality and the spirit of the season.
Serving hot and cold mezze, salads, meat and seafood dishes and all the Middle Eastern desserts you could wish for and many more, you’re guaranteed a palatial experience in true Arabesque style that won’t disappoint.
Info: Iftar at Al Majlis runs from sunset to 8.45pm and is priced at AED 220 per person. Children aged 4 to 11 are half price, and under 4’s go free.
To book: call 04 432 3232 or visit
www.jumeirah.com
ASATEER AT ATLANTIS
The Asateer tent at Atlantis The Palm will once again be transformed into a grand iftar affair decorated with luxurious lanterns, offering traditional entertainment, sumptuous booth seating, and the introduction of 85” plasma screens, games and Playstations to keep all the kids busy.
This year, you’ll discover some of Atlantis’ celebrity chef offerings such as Shepherd’s Pie from Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Mushroom Risotto from Giorgio Locatelli’s. These will accompany Ramadan favourites such as lamb kebbeh, a shawarma station, and an Arabic mixed grill too.
Info: Iftar at Asateer runs from sunset to 8.30pm and is priced at AED 220 per person. Children age 4 to 12 are AED 110 each with 3 with under go free.
To book: call 04 426 2626 and visit
www.atlantisthepalm.com
AL HADHEERAH AT BAB AL SHAMS
If you’ve got time to venture a little further into the desert – you’re guaranteed a treat with a seemingly endless display of Middle Eastern flavours. Bab Al Shams’ iconic outdoor restaurant Al Hadheerah has an air-conditioned tent for Ramadan that is not only the place to go if you’re not looking for any European culinary influence whatsoever, but you’ll also find plenty of entertainment including a traditional Oud player, a Qanoun player, as well as it’s famous camel and horse shows that you can view from the comfort of your table.
Info: Daily iftar is available from sunset to 11:30 pm and is AED 265 per person from Sunday to Wednesday and AED 295 per person from Thursday to Saturday. Children 5 to 12 years are 50% off and 4 and under are free.
To book: call 04 809 6194 or visit
www.alhadheerah.com
FAIRUZ RAMADAN TENT AT FAIRMONT THE PALM
This Ramadan, Fairmont The Palm pulls out all the stops with their drop-dead gorgeous Fairuz Ramadan Tent. In bold and beautiful blues and adorned with Middle Eastern jewels, you’d be hard pushed to find anywhere else quite so glamorous to hang out for iftar this Ramadan.
Set in its’ fab Arabian Courtyard, this venue comes alive with a huge, delectable buffet of Middle East and European favourites as well as hosting traditional entertainment and shisha for post-iftar relaxing.
Info: Fairuz iftar opens at 7:00 pm until 10:30 pm and costs AED 215 per person
To book: call 04 457 3457 email
palm.dining@fairmont.com
ARMANI/BALLROOM TENT
In the refined and contemporary setting of the Armani/Ballroom, guests can enjoy a grand buffet spread of international flavours and authentic culinary treats from the region whilst taking in spectacular views of The Dubai Fountain performances throughout the evening.
The beauty of this iftar is discovering the sharing style foods from each one of Armani Hotel Dubai’s five award-winning restaurants. This Ramadan Tent offers a sumptuous buffet menu, aromatic shisha, and sets the scene for an exceptional social evening.
Info: Iftar runs from 7pm to 9pm and is priced at AED 250 per person while children 5 to 11 years are 50% off with 4 years and under dining free.
To book: call 04 888 3666 or visit
www.armanihoteldubai.com
DESERT PALM
Whilst this is by no means a Ramadan tent, guests taking iftar at Desert Palm can choose to sit comfortably in the great indoors (whilst still feeling part of the al fresco atmosphere due to their fully retractable doors) or on the terrace of their restaurant, RARE, as the views overlooking the lush polo fields and Dubai skyline are very much worth it. When the sun sets at this Dubai hidden gem, guests can indulge in a lavish buffet that includes a mix of classic Arabic mezze, traditional Harira and lentil soups, mixed grill stations and an assortment of desserts such as Kunafa, Katayef and creamy Umm Ali.
Info: Iftar at Desert Palm costs a well priced AED 150 per person inclusive of soft beverages and children between the ages of 5 – 11 years receive 50% off the adult price with under 5’s going free.
To book: call +971 4 323 8888 or email
reservations@desertpalm.ae
ST REGIS ASTOR BALLROOM
Possibly one of the most anticipated iftars of the year, for the first time, the signature St. Regis Astor Ballroom has been transformed into a truly stunning Ramadan tent with atmospheric gold and amber tones and dim lighting that create some serious “wow.” Guests enter through a grand entrance where diners are seated on circular tables around an expansive traditional Arabic buffet.
There’s a dedicated Childrens’ food selection too and you’ll find a wide selection of hot and cold mezze, soups and main courses that include chicken makbouse and desserts that you won’t be able to resist.
Info: The St. Regis iftar runs daily from sunset through to 9pm this Ramadan and costs AED 235 per person with children under 12 receiving 50% off and 5 years and under dining free.
To book: Our top tip is to take advantage of their 2 for the price of 1 offer at
http://www.stregisdubai.com or call 044355555
Read more:
Cafés, Restaurants, Soft Play, Theme Parks and more open this Ramadan
Jumeirah’s Lunches, Brunches and Afternoon Teas Open this Ramadan
A British Mums Guide to Ramadan
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