We round up the top 30 iftars in popular communities across the UAE
Ramadan Kareem! Besides the shorter working hours, what’s to love about the Holy Month? The iftars, of course. Time to pull out those kaftans and jalabiyas and break your fast with some dates, labneh and lentil soup.
And what better place than the UAE to get a slice of how different cultures and nationalities celebrate iftars! You’re spoilt for choice, with the country hosting both decadent and lavish iftars to communal, fuss-free ones.
Here’s a twist: We’ve picked 30 varied iftars from different communities across the UAE’s emirates to inspire you for each day of the month. Get ready to tuck in while you also explore different neighbourhoods.
Dubai
Where: Downtown Dubai
Venue: Dubai Opera
What’s special: Iftar in a Dubai landmark
Every year, the Dubai Opera transforms its auditorium into a massive banquet hall, replete with live music. The largest iftar venue in Downtown Dubai serves both Arabic and international cuisine in a buffet setting, with live cooking stations, sweets and desserts. If you’re seeking some privacy, book a private majlis.
For reservations: Call 04-4408888
When: Sunset to 9.30pm
How much: AED 260 per person, children under 6 years dine free, children between 6 to 12 years get 50% off, for bookings over 11 people, avail their group discount.
Where: Deira
Venue: Iftar Walk in Al Rigga
What’s special: Iftar with workers
If you are in the mood to break your fast along with workers in the streets of Old Dubai, join the Iftar Walk. A truly humbling experience, you will get to see Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods in a new light and sample a treasure trove of flavours: think dates, laban, samosas and pakoras. Ideal for photography lovers, this is a refreshing departure from the lavish spreads at five-star hotels.
For reservations: Call +1 6467987784
When: Sunset to 9.30pm
How much: AED 350 per person
Where: DIFC
Venue: Ninive, Jumeirah Emirates Towers
What’s special: Iftar in a garden setting
Location, location, location best describes this hidden gem. Situated bang in the middle of the city, Ninive in Jumeirah Emirates Towers lets you unwind in a majlis setting surrounded by gardens and gleaming towers. The a la carte set menu is served to your table as you listen to live music. There are also some backgammon and card games to engage in.
For reservations: Call 04-3266105
When: 7pm to 9pm
How much: AED 250 per person
Where: Dubai Marina
Venue: Rüya, Grosvenor House
What’s special: An iftar to impress
If you’re looking to impress a date or an important client, you can’t go wrong with Rüya, an upscale Turkish restaurant. The romantic vibe makes for a cosy setting and delivers the ‘wow’ factor. For iftar, get a set menu with a soup, cold and hot starters, a choice of main course and a selection of Turkish desserts served to the table. Juices, tea and coffee are also included.
For reservations: Call 04 3999123
When: Daily, sunset-1am
How much: AED 249 (adults)
Where: Downtown Dubai
Venue: Em Sherif, The Address Downtown
What’s special: Fine dining by the Dubai Fountain
If you’re looking for faultless Lebanese food, service and ambience, look no further. This fine dining outlet at The Address Downtown has gorgeous blue interiors and equally impressive food to match. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Dubai Fountain, this is an ideal venue to dine out with friends or colleagues. The iftar menu consists of traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a twist.
For reservations: Call 04 4243000
When: Sunset to 9.30pm
How much: AED 320 per person
Where: Jumeirah
Venue: Majlis at Bvlgari Resort, Dubai
What’s special: Marina views at itar
This tops our list of lavish and swanky iftars in town. The sunset views of the Bvlgari Marina and Yacht Club are spectacular from this upmarket resort. The setting is relaxed, yet refined. The buffet selection features a mix of Arabic delicacies and international favourites – but the dessert room is special.
For reservations: Call 04 7775433
When: Sunset until late
How much: AED 275 per adult
Where: City Walk
Venue: Gürkan Sef
What’s special: Theatrics with food
Looking for some gimmicks with equally good food to back it up for Iftar? Then head to this steakhouse to take in Turkish favourites, a selection of kebabs and a four-course set menu. Look out for prime cuts of beef and lamb. Expect to have a “vay, vay, vay” (wow, wow, wow) time here.
For reservations: Call 04-3799777
When: Daily, 7pm to 10pm
How much: AED 149 per person
Where: Palm Jumeirah
Venue: Fairmont The Palm
What’s special: Moroccan vibes
Fairmont The Palm is back with its glitzy Fairuz Ramadan Tent for a third year. The extravagant Moroccan-style tent features a dedicated oud player during the week and tanoura dancers over the weekend. Decorated in a modern Arabian style, this tent is famous for its lavish date displays, indulgent desserts and Ramadan beverages. The tent has been set up in a ballroom that seats around 300 guests.
For reservations: Call 04-4573388
When: Sunset until 10.30pm
How much: AED 215 per person. Book before May 10 and pay only AED 195 per person. Children between 6 to 12 get 50% off, kids under 6 dine free.
Where: Deira
Venue: Al Mansour Dhow, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek
What’s special: Iftar on board a dhow
Ahoy! For an iftar with a twist, why not try one aboard a traditional dhow? Al Mansour Dhow takes you on a voyage across the Dubai Creek as you sample juices, Arabic and international cuisine in a large spread. You will be entertained by the resident oud player on the cruise.
For reservations: Call 04 2057033
When: Daily, 6pm-8pm
How much: AED 199 (adults), AED 89 (kids aged four-12), free (kids under four).
Where: Al Sufouh, Dubai
Venue: One&Only Royal Mirage
What’s special: Fairyland setting
Fancy an iftar in an Arabesque fairyland surrounded by grand arches and water fountains? The Palace Ramadan Café at the One&Only Royal Mirage is your answer. An iftar setting can’t get cosier with a Moroccan feel and warm colours. Expect hot and cold mezzes, Arabic desserts, tea and shisha. There are 2 courtyard Ramadan tents in this property, so make sure to ask for The Palace when you arrive at the hotel.
For reservations: Call 04 3999999
When: From 8pm until 2.30am
How much: Cover charge of AED 50 (excluding food and beverage). Set menu available
Where: Dubai Marina
Venue: The Address Dubai Marina
What’s special: Live oud player
If you’re looking to impress friends or family with a reasonably priced iftar, the Constellation Ballroom in The Address Dubai Marina is a good bet. The venue gets transformed into an Arabesque wonderland offering an international all-you-can-eat buffet and a live oud player. If you want to have shisha, head to the Ramadan tent on the terrace adjacent to the ballroom.
For reservations: Call 04-8883444
When: 7pm to 9pm
How much: AED 199 per person, children between 6 to 11 years get a 50% discount, kids under 5 dine for free
Where: Deira
Venue: Shabestan, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek
What’s special: Iftar in a Dubai institution
Want to have iftar in a Dubai institution? Check out Iranian restaurant Shabestan for its old school feel and authentic Iranian food. Expect a buffet of traditional dishes and the restaurant’s signature classics. Iranian musicians will regale you as you take in views of the Dubai Creek and dhows sailing by.
For reservations: Call 04 2057033
When: Daily, sunset to 8pm
How much: AED 199 (adults), AED 89 (kids aged four-12), free (kids under four).
Where: Jumeirah Beach Residence/Bluewaters Island
Venue: Sah El Nom
What’s special: Value-for-money Syrian food
If you’re in the mood for good and wallet-friendly Syrian fare, head to Sah El Nom. They have an iftar set menu featuring traditional favourites such as lamb chops, grilled meats, shawarma and tabouleh. An added perk is the gorgeous views of Ain Dubai.
For reservations: Call 04 5877096
When: Daily, sunset to 9pm
How much: AED 145 per person
Where: Jumeirah
Venue: Coya, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
What’s special: Best LatAm food in Dubai
Iftar at the best Latin American restaurant in town is sure to be a win-win affair. For their special iftar menu, think Peruvian food with a twist: beans with black truffle, sea bass croquettes, chicken tacos, shiitake and avo’ rolls, baby chicken, salmon and more.
For reservations: Call 04 3169600
When: Daily, sunset to 8.30pm
How much: AED 250 per person
Where: Al Qudra Road
Venue: Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
What’s special: Dine under the stars
Imagine escaping from the city and dining under the stars in a serene desert landscape. At the Al Hadheerah Ramadan Tent, you get all this and more, with their lavish Middle Eastern spread. Get ready to be serenaded by oud and kanoun musicians while tanoura dancers entertain you. There is also a horse and camel heritage show.
For reservations: Call 04 8096194
When: Sunset to 11pm
How much: AED 265 (Sunday-Wednesday) and AED 295 (Thursday-Saturday), kids aged 4 to 12 get a 50% discount while those under 4 dine free of charge
Where: Jumeirah
Venue: Majlis at Madinat Jumeirah
What’s special: Firing of the cannon before iftar
The Ballroom undergoes a surreal Arabesque makeover into a Majlis, replete with chandeliers and mirrors. One of the most impressive iftar set-ups in Dubai, this is an ideal venue to dine out with family and friends. Don’t miss the firing of the cannon before indulging in an opulent international spread.
For reservations: Call 04-4323232
When: Sunset to 8.45pm
How much: AED 220 per person
Where: Jumeirah
Venue: Masti, La Mer
What’s special: Fusion Indian cuisine
What’s not to like about this new, experimental Indian restaurant? Thanks to its fusion-style cuisine, quirky interiors and eclectic décor, Masti is not your typical curry spot. You can enjoy a special selection of Ramadan dishes for iftar such as edamame chaat, kheema empanadas, mango and avocado ceviche and more.
For reservations: Call 04 3444384
When: Daily, sunset to 2am
How much: AED 150 per person
Where: Discovery Gardens
Venue: Al Bahou, Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai
What’s special: Live oud player
You can’t miss the ceiling adorned with 88 Moroccan lanterns while breaking your fast at Al Bahou. As you sample the indulgent buffet, an oud player serenades you. Be sure to try the lamb ouzi, Arabic sweets, hot and cold mezze in this bountiful spread.
For reservations: Call 04 4445613
When: Sunset to 9pm
How much: AED 185 per person. Book before May 3 and get a discount of 15%
Abu Dhabi
Where: Saadiyat Island
Venue: Abu Dhabi Suite, St Regis Abu Dhabi
What’s special: Iftar in world’s highest suspended suite
An iftar in the world’s highest suspended suite 220 metres above the ground is guaranteed to not disappoint. The Abu Dhabi Suite will offer spectacular views of the UAE capital as you dine on exquisite Middle Eastern cuisine. There is a dedicated dessert room for those of you with a sweet tooth. Housing only 50 guests at a time, this will be one of the most exclusive iftars in town this year.
For reservations: Call 02 6944721
When: Sunset to 9.30pm
How much: AED 320 per person
Where: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Venue: Ramadan Tent, Emirates Palace
What’s special: Iftar by the beach
An iftar at this custom-built Ramadan pavilion by the beach is a lavish affair. Perched on the Palace Terrace, this is a not-to-miss experience in the UAE capital for its extravagance and grandeur. There are cosy enclaves, lounge areas and private majlis seating in this plush beachside tent if you’re looking for an intimate setting. Be sure to tuck into some melt-in-your-mouth kunafa.
For reservations: Call 02 6907999
When: Sunset to 9.30pm
How much: AED 295 per person
Where: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Venue: Four Seasons Al Maryah Island
What’s special: All-you-can-eat buffet
You could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a Bedouin tribe’s desert camp when you do an iftar at the Al Maryah Ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel. The venue turns into an Arabesque-themed setting serving an extravagant all-you-can-eat spread featuring local and international delicacies.
For reservations: Call 02-3332222
When: 7pm to 9pm
How much: AED 195 per person
Where: Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Venue: Sofra bld, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri
What’s special: Donate to charity with iftar
What if we said you can have an opulent iftar and donate to charity as well? Dine at Sofra bld during Ramadan where every iftar consumed raises a dollar for the charity ShareTheMeal. With fusion dishes like shrimp knafe, red lentil tabbouleh and tuna marinated in shawarma spices, it will be a meal to remember.
For reservations: Call 02 5098888
When: Sunset until 8pm
How much: AED 250 for adult, AED 125 for kids between 6 to 12 years, kids below 6 eat free, book in the first 10 days of Ramadan and get a 25% discount
Where: Al Maryah Island
Venue: Sambusek Tent, Rosewood Abu Dhabi
What’s special: Waterfront views during iftar
Have an iftar with a Lebanese twist here. Get your fill of local and international cuisines at the Sambusek Tent while enjoying waterfront views. There is also live entertainment by kanoon and oud players. Shisha is available from sunset.
For reservations: Call 02 8135550
When: 6.30pm until 9pm
How much: AED 205 per peson for Week1, AED 240 for Weeks 2, 3 and 4
Where: Abu Dhabi
Venue: Al Andalus Tent, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
What’s special: Views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Fancy doing an iftar with breathtaking views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? An Arebesque décor with turquoise, emerald and green décor adds to a cosy setting. The food has Arab and Western influences: think ouzi lamb, samak harra, chicken moussaka and more. There is also a live Arabian band to regale you.
For reservations: Call 02 6543238
When: 6.45pm to 9.30pm
How much: AED 195 per person
Ajman
Where: Ajman
Venue: Al Fayruz Tent, Fairmont Ajman
What’s special: Arabic and Turkish cuisines
The Al Fayruz Tent is back in its third year with an iftar treat of traditional Arabic and Turkish cuisines. Sample Arabic mezze, seafood platters and ouzi, all while overlooking a private beach. Dessert lovers can rejoice: there’s baklava, umm ali, kunafa and an ice cream station.
For reservations: Call 06 7015757
When: Sunset until 9pm
How much: AED 175 per person, AED 88 for children, kids under 6 years dine free, book before May 1 to get a 20% discount
Where: Al Zorah, Ajman
Venue: Kahraman Tent, Al Zorah Marina
What’s special: Seafront iftar
If you’re heading to the northern emirate, make sure to try this lavish tent in Ajman’s seafront leisure destination, Al Zorah. The décor has strong Arabian vibes, with purple hues, cosy spaces and lamps suspended from the ceiling. The food has authentic Middle Eastern flavours. You can watch boats sail past as you eat and listen to oud music.
For reservations: Call 056 4226521
How much: AED 135 for adults, kids below 7 eat free
Where: Ajman
Venue: Ramadan Tent, Ajman Hotel
What’s special: Oud player, sea views
Fancy an iftar experience with views of the Arabian Sea? The Ramadan Tent at Ajman Hotel holds an iftar buffet with essentials like ouzi and saj along with live cooking stations while an oud player serenades you with live music.
For reservations: Call 06 7145582
When: From sunset until 8.30pm
How much: AED 145 per adult
Ras Al Khaimah
Where: Ras Al Khaimah
Venue: Al Fayruz Ramadan Tent
What’s special: Stunning sunset views
This luxurious majlis set up by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is guaranteed to win you over with its beachside venue and stunning sunset views. Located at the gateway to Al Marjan Island, this tent has top-notch catering by JW Marriott Dubai. You can also listen to musicians perform some classical Arab hits while savouring the food.
For reservations: Call 056 5039786
When: Sunset until 8.30pm
How much: AED 150 per adult, AED 75 for children between 6 to 12 years, kids under 6 dine free
Where: Ras Al Khaimah
Venue: Cinnamon, The Cove Rotana Resort
What’s special: Delicious Arabic desserts
What’s not to like about breaking your fast listening to gentle waves lapping the shore? An iftar at Cinnamon restaurant screams serenity. Tuck into Middle Eastern and international dishes at the live cooking stations, besides trying the scrumptious Arabic desserts.
For reservations: Call 07 2066292
When: Sunset until 11pm
How much: AED 139 per adult, children aged between 6 to 12 years get a 50% discount, kids under 6 dine for free
Fujairah
Where: Fujairah
Venue: Canvas, Fairmont Fujairah
What’s special: Emirati dishes
A 1-hour road trip to Fujairah is worth it for an iftar at all-day dining restaurant Canvas. The buffet is specially focused on Emirati dishes. Don’t miss the tender lamb ouzi, Middle Eastern porridge harees, machboos, Bedouin stew thereed and Emirati pancake chebab and traditional Emirati bread khameer.
For reservations: Call 09 204111
When: Sunset until 9pm
How much: AED 165 per adult, AED 805 per child, kids under 6 years dine for free, group bookings of 10 adults get one meal free
