When sunset comes, people wait for the cannon that signals the end of the fast for that day.
As the sun dips over the horizon the sound of the cannon is followed a harmonic calling from the mosques.
The first thing all Muslims do is drink some water and eat a small snack, usually of dates.
As the sky begins to darken, friends and family gather together for a traditional meal called iftar. At this time streets are often totally empty, as families meet in their homes or in restaurants.
After the iftar, it’s a time for socialising and shopping, often deep into the night, as many places are open past midnight.
Whether or not you’re a Muslim, it’s a great opportunity to meet up with friends and family.
Here are some venues that are offering special iftar treats......
JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai
Mays Al Reem Restaurant offers an Iftar Buffet for Dhs 111 including Ramadan Juices. Features a traditional Lebanese buffet with live cooking stations and atmosphere provided by a classical Oud musician.
Awafi Restaurant, beside the rooftop pool, has a specially created A la Carte menu for the month of Ramadan.
Market Place Restaurant offers an Iftar Buffet for Dhs 122 including Ramadan Juices and will take your taste buds on a culinary journey around the world.
For more information or to make a reservation call 04 6077977.
The JW Marriott’s catering and event facility are available to cater for any ramadan event, either in the hotel or at your home, with special discounts for group bookings. For more information or to make a reservation call 04 6077888.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dubai
Family Iftar extensive buffet for Dhs 398 net (valid for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years of age) in their elegant Ramadan marquees on the beach and lawns of the hotel. Complimentary juices will be available throughout the evening. Dhs 150 per extra adult (excluding shisha) and Dhs 75 per additional child respectively.
For more information or to make a reservation call 04 3186715.
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Al Muna, Mina A’Salam and Arboretum restaurant in Al Qasr will be serving Iftar Buffets for Dhs 150 per person from sunset onwards. Ther
‘1001 Nights’ in the Joharah Ballroom, Mina A’Salam Hotel. Dhs 135.
‘Stars and Cars’ event with Suhoor delights, arabic singers and a traditional musical ensemble, Dhs 80. From 8.30pm-2am. Shisha and VIP tents with Majlis seating are also available.
Shimmers Restaurant on the beach in front of Mina A’Salam have a special hot and cold mezze menu for Dhs 250 per person including live entertainment.
For more information or to make a reservation call 04 3666103 / 3666730 or email: MJrestaurants@jumeirah.com
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Al Iwan Restaurant is offering traditional delicacies and non-alcoholic beverages from sunset until midnight at Dhs 350 per person.
Majlis Al Bahar on the beachfront offers an A La Carte Suhour menu from 7pm until 2am either in air conditioned tent or outdoor majlis seating.
Call 04 3017600 for reservations.
Kempinski Hotel Ajman is regaling its guests with a huge and beautifully-designed fully air-conditioned Ramadan tent by the beach with traditional Arabic entertainment. A lavish Iftar feast is offered daily from sunset until 8 pm, for only AED85 per person. Those coming in after Iftar can order a la carte and shisha for a modest entrance fee of AED25, inclusive of two specially prepared Ramadan beverages. Families who wish a more intimate Iftar celebration will be accommodated at three smaller tents also by the beach area. For only AED500, guests can enjoy a set menu good for ten people; or, they can order a la carte for a minimum spend of the same amount. The hotel can also organise Iftar and Sohour parties just for companies and organisations for a hassle-free corporate event during Ramadan. For more information call 06 7451555.
Renaissance Dubai Hotel
Sails Restaurant are offering an Iftar Buffet displaying a wide selection of Arabic specialities. The buffet includes an array of salads, Arabic and Iranian dishes, fresh meat from the grill, shawarma stand and special Ramadan juices, accompanied by a sumptuous spread of fresh fruits, oriental and International desserts (pictured). Available from sunset until 8pm at Dhs99 per person.
Their pool-side tent is open every Ramadan evening 9pm-1am to enjoy a special Ramadan drink or Shisha with family and friends while relaxing to the sounds of oriental music.
Everyone who celebrates Iftar at the hotel during the holy month of Ramadan will get the chance to WIN two sets of two flight tickets presented by Royal Jordanian Airlines to Amman, plus 3 nights stay at Amman Marriott Hotel.
Aquarium Lounge have a selection of traditional Moroccan, Lebanese and Tunisian sweets available at Dhs 58 per kilo.
For more information call 04 2625555.
Fairmont Hotel, Dubai
Spectrum on One offer family style dining with their special daily Ramadan set menu for Dhs 130 net per person. Sunset until 7.30pm.
Barajeel Ballroom offers a stunning variety of traditional Arabic treats for Dhs 120 net per person. Sunset until 7.30pm.
Alwan Ramadan Café offers shisha and mezzeh 7.30pm-3am daily.
For more information call 04 3118000
Al Murooj Rotana Hotel and Suites, Dubai
Pergolas has an authentic Iftar buffet for Dhs 110 including unlimited soft drinks and juices, open daily from sundown. Selection includes many traditional foods from the area eg Lebanese mezzeh, local Ouzi, Egyptian Oum Ali.
For more information call 04 3211111, ext 2202.
Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, Dubai
Al Dhiyafa serving an Iftar buffet for Dhs 95 per person and Suhoor A La Carte menu daily. For more information call 04 3995000.
Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Diwan L’Auberge has on exclusive open buffet for Dhs 135 net including selected traditional beverages. They also have an authentic Lebanese set menu for Suhoor available until 3am.
Palace Tent offering selection of local and international dishes Dhs 150 net for Iftar Buffet and Dhs 55 net for Ramadan Tent..
For more information call 02 6907999 or email: restaurants.emiratespalace@kempinski.com
Dhow Palace Hotel, Dubai
Al Sawan Lebanese restaurant serving Iftar Buffet for Dhs 85 net per person. Call 04 35999992 for more information.
Jumeirah Beach Club, Dubai
‘Ramadan Under The Stars’ at the Sunset Arena from 7.30pm to 1am. An evening of relaxation on the beach with Ramadan drinks, freshly prepared Arabic specialities which you can order from their special Ramadan menu and a wide choice of flavoured shishas and family games.
For more information contact Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa on 04 344 5333 or email jbcdining@jumeirah.com
The Clubhouse are offering the opportunity to break fast this Ramadan at their wonderful Iftar buffet, cost Dhs 130 per person. From sundown onwards until 8pm everyday throughout Ramadan you can feast on a large variety of Arabian dishes such as kebbeh, lamb kofta, hammour sayadiya roasted eggplant with fresh coriander and lemon dressing, umm ali and so much more.
To make a reservation contact The Clubhouse, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa on 04 344 5333 or email jbcdining@jumeirah.com
Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
24 Seven Restaurant offers a delectable Iftar Buffet for Dhs 120 per person from sunset until 8pm. Follow this with a break in their private Majlis Tents on the terrace with a special A La Carte menu and sheesha until 3am.
Aspen Cafe have a traditional Iftar menu with beverages for Dhs 90 from sunset until 8pm with a delightful selection for Suhoor until 2am for Dhs 80. For more information call 04 3410000 or email: reservations.malloftheemirates@kempinski.com
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai
Al Nafoorah in the boulevard has a lavish buffet of traditional Lebanese delicacies served from 7.30pm for Dhs 140 per person, inclusive of soft drinks.
For more information call 04 3198088 or email: JETrestaurants@jumeirah.com
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
Diwan Al Khayal is located on the North Beach at the hotel and features an Iftar buffet from sunset until 8.30pm and an A La Carte menu from 8pm until 3am.
For more information and to make a booking call 04 4068999 or email: JBHboxoffice@jumeirah.com
Jmeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai
Al Hadeerah Restaurant are offering a traditional Iftar Buffet from sundown until 7.30pm, followed by a dinner buffet from 8pm until 11pm and A La Carte menu 11pm onwards. Buffets are Dhs 195 per adult and Dhs 100 per child (5-12 years old).
For more information or to make a booking please call 04 8326699 or email: JBASrestaurants@jumeirah.com
Bastakiah Old Town Cafe in the Old Town, at Downtown Burj Dubai, is a special Ramadan tent which allows you to enjoy an evening of Shisha and live oud with a striking view of the rising Burj Dubai. For reservations call 04 3627151 or for more information call 800 EMAAR (800 36227).
