The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ‘ramida’ meaning dryness or scorching heat, and is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar uses the phases of the moon to mark its days, usually 344 or 345 days per year, and the sighting of the new moon marks the start and end of Ramadan. In the 365 day Gregorian calendar, Ramadan falls approximately 11 days earlier each year.
Muslims believe that during Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed - Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH), and honour the holy month with prayer, fasting and charity.
To fast means not to eat or drink (including water) during daylight hours. Muslims are also expected to abstain from smoking, sexual relations and speaking sinfully. While non-Muslims are not required to fast, they are legally obliged not to eat, drink or smoke in public places. If you break the rules, you will probably receive a verbal warning, but be careful, short jail sentences have been handed out in the past. Generally speaking, the police are lenient, but your understanding and cooperation are expected and very much appreciated by the authorities. Of course you may eat, drink and smoke behind closed doors and many restaurants and hotels continue to serve food behind screened-off areas.
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 with sumptuous buffet dining at Crescendo, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Savour 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. 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 traditional buffet promises to offer the best of Arabic cuisine and special dishes made especially for the holy month. 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 04-4355577.
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. Delight your taste buds this Ramadan at Brasserie 2.0 and break your fast with a special Iftar offering. Enjoy 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. 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.
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. 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.
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 available daily 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. Call 04-2071747.
Atlantis, The Palm. Atlantis, the Palm’s official Iftar will be hosted in the glamorous 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.
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. Traditional in theme and lavish in diversity, 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. Iftars 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.