Ramadan in Dubai – Where To Break Your Fast!

Ramadan in Dubai is a beautiful month. Perhaps not for those who can’t suffer the place without its nightclubs and sparkler-topped giant champagne bottles, but for those who wish to enjoy the meaning of a month-long detox and deepen their spiritual relationship with God, this is, by all accounts, the best month of the year to do so.

From sunrise to sunset, food, drink, cigarettes and shishas are stashed away, hidden and forbidden.

But come Maghrib, the sunset prayer, the daylong restraints are abandoned and Iftar comes as a spread of dishes, delicacies and intricately prepared salads, meats, and finger foods… That is if you’re fortunate enough to be invited to Iftar at an Arabic family home. If not, despair not, there are plenty of amazing brunch-like buffets to attend to your face-stuffing fancies.  Here are my pick of the best Iftar meals (in Dubai)…

1.    Ewaan, The Palace Downtown

Find a comfortable ‘majlis’ cushion to park yourself on and try to pace yourself at this huge spread – the deserts are definitely worth saving some space for.

2.    Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa

If it’s an Arabic Iftar experience you’re looking for, take a little tour into the desert and visit Bab Al Shams. The hotel’s Arabic restaurant not only provides live entertainment, but also enough food to see you through the rest of the month!

3.    Ramadan Tent at InterContinental, Dubai Festival City

Sit yourself down infront of the sparkling Sheikh Zayed Road skyline, break your fast the traditional way with dates… then let the scoffing commence.

4.     Asateer Ramadan Tent, Atlantis, The Palm

This tent is renowned for its atmosphere, flickering lights, traditional music and dance performances, and live Arabic cooking stations so you can see the beauty of the region’s favourites in the making. I can’t wait for their amazing Arabic ice cream!

5.    32 Marina Street Kitchen, Dusit Residence

This year, Iftar gets a makeover at 32. Typically heavy, oil-laden dishes and deep-fried pastries are made with lean cuts and less oil, and pastries are baked not fried. Yum yum yum, and no fat tum. I like.

6.    The Majlis, Dubai World Trade Centre

Open from 7-9pm for Iftar and 9pm-3am (4am on weekends) – this huge, Arabian-inspired hall is the go-to for good food and fabulous shisha… I’ll be visiting for Suhour (a meal eaten prior to starting the fasting day) with friends. P.s. pre-booking a table is a must, this place is always packed!

Ramadan isn't just for us as Muslims - everyone's invited to enjoy Iftar! See you there! 

Love from fasting Dolly x