We shortlist 12 places where you can enjoy an iftar or suhour with your loved ones.
To make life easier for you, Aroushi Malhotra puts together a list of some of the best iftars in town
Majlis THE SUITE LIFE
Fancy having an Iftar meal onboard a cruise ship? With Queen Elizabeth 2 permanently docked at Mina Rashid, you can do just that. Dine in a majlis on the ship’s largest deck or at the newly-opened Lido restaurant. There is a lavish iftar buffet with live cooking stations and a sumptuous spread of Arabic cuisine. Dh250 for adults, Dh125 for children below 12 and free dining for children below four. From sunset-9pm; call 04 5268888.
SCENIC EXPERIENCE
Enjoy an iftar dining experience with views of the Arabian Sea from Ajman Hotel. The Ramadan Tent holds an iftar buffet with essentials like ouzi and saj along with livecooking stations and live music from an oud player. From sunset-8.30pm; Dh145 inclusive of beverages; call 06 7145582.
LAP OF LUXURY
How about an iftar in the lap of luxury at the waterside Bvlgari Majlis at Bvlgari Resort? An interior highlight is the specially designed Ramadan moon – a symbol of the holy month. Walk through over 130 years of brand history at the exclusive exhibition holding Bvlgari heritage pieces that have been brought all the way to Dubai. With live cooking stations, the iftar spread includes Italian and Arabic favourites such as
Group-friendly ROYAL SPLENDOUR
The Royale Ballroom at Palace Downtown is the epitome of rich Arabic heritage. Indulge in traditional Arabic cuisine from sunset-9pm. Adults pay Dh225; bookings are open to a minimum of 100 guests. Children between 6-11 get 50 per cent off and children below 6 dine free; call 04 4238888.
LEVANTINE LOVE
With mouth-watering Arabic cuisine, Olea at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates is an iftar dining venue not to be missed. Enjoy Levantine cuisine with dishes like chicken maqlooba and lamb mansaf at the buffet while you soak up the sunset views. Dh210 per person for small groups, Dh195 per person for early reservations of groups of 15 people and above and Dh175 person for early reservations of groups of 50 people and above. For a one-of-a-kind Iftar experience, costing Dh650 per person, you can also book an Aspen Chalet with a private chef gelato and umm ali. From sunset-9pm, adults pay Dh250 inclusive of food and drinks, those aged 12-16 dine for half price and children below 12 dine free. Call 04 7775433.
DINE WITH ART
Al Fayruz Tent at Fairmont Ajman, named after a precious turquoise stone, is located in the beautifully landscaped Pearl Garden with picturesque Arabian Sea views. The Iftar food spread is traditional from the Levant region with dishes like ouzi and massaman beef curry in addition to seafood offerings. With the capacity to accommodate up to 200 guests, it’s where modern design meets traditional Turkish style. The tent is adorned with calligraphy works by Fatma Al Hammad which are on sale. Dh175 per person, from sunset to 9pm.
Call 06 7015544
and views of the enchanting Ski Dubai. From sunset-8.30pm; call 04 4095999.
MEDITERRANEAN MARVELS
The iftar menu at the award-winning restaurant Marina Social at InterContinental Dubai Marina has dishes perfect for sharing with gatherings of family and friends. The Marina waterfront provides a beautiful backdrop as you tuck into their Mediterranean marvels including slowcooked lamb, roasted seabass, lemon couscous or marinated chicken with lamb kebabs. Dessert, paired with a cup of tea, includes rice, date
WATERSIDE DINING
QD’s provides enthralling views of Dubai creek and the skyline under a special Ramadan Tent. As you watch boats go by, savour favourites such as kibbeh, spinach fatayer, sheesh barak and lamb tajinon from the iftar buffet menu. From sunset-9pm. Adults pay Dh165; children Dh65; call 04 2054500.
TANTALISING TRADITION
At the Hala Ramadan Tent at Hilton Abu Dhabi relish dishes like chicken moghrabieh, fish moussaka, lamb makloubeh and mahalabiya during iftar. From sunset-8.30pm, adults pay Dh240; children aged 6-12 pay Dh95; call 02 6924247.
BEACHFRONT BEAUTY
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa has a unique beachside tent. With live entertainment like a falcon show and camel ride, there is also a Ramadan market, access to the hotel’s gaming room (at an additional charge) and a dedicated kid’s tent providing fun for your little ones. The Iftar Menu offers Arabic dishes like saj, harees and thareed along with International food from India and the West. Dh145 per person, groups of ten people and above pay Dh130 per person. From sunset-9pm; call 06 5990088.
toffee and bread pudding topped with cream and roasted almonds. The two-course menu costs Dh160 and the three-course menu costs Dh210. From sunset-9pm; call 04 4466664.
BOOK NOOK
Intersect by Lexus has a resplendent threecourse iftar menu with food from around the world with a generous helping of Arabic cuisine. The pillars stacked with books are an interior highlight not to be missed. From sunset-11pm, timings are flexible and reservations are only open for groups of 12 and above with Dh250 chargeable per person; call 04 3559524.
RANCH RADIANCE
Ranches Restaurant at Arabian Ranches Golf Club is a great dining venue for the full family. With views of the lake and golf course, enjoy a delectable iftar. Dh159 for adults in groups of more than 15 people, Dh85 for children between 6-12 and free dining for children below 6. From sunset-8.30pm; call 04 360 7935.