UAE residents break fasts at parks, share meals with strangers who feel like 'extended family'
Families sit on colorful mats and camping chairs, hands raised in prayer as they wait for the Maghrib call to signal the end of the fast.
Every evening, the fragrance of home-cooked meals fill the air, with the chatter of soft conversations and children's laughter echoing. This Ramadan, visitors across parks, gardens and beaches in Dubai and Sharjah witness this delight.
With the pleasant weather this month, many families are opting for outdoor picnics over indoor dining to break their fast.
Bringing a wide variety of home-cooked dishes, they enjoy the fresh air and the company of loved ones. This has turned green spaces into vibrant gathering spots, shared meals, prayer, and social bonding in a relaxed and serene atmosphere.
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Rise in 'iftar picnic'
'Breaking [our] fast outdoors has a different charm,' said Mohammed Irfan, a Pakistani national and a resident of Al Majaz, Sharjah. Thrice a week, his family breaks their fast with a picnic at Al Majaz Corniche. 'At home, we eat and then everyone goes about their routine. But here, we break our fast together. Our kids run around, play, and we get to enjoy nature.'
'It reminds me of how we used to have iftar back in our village in Punjab, sitting outside in the courtyard,' he added.
For many, the iftar picnic is a way to strengthen community ties. 'Ramadan is about togetherness, and iftar in the park brings people closer,' said Sarah Al Alawi, a Syrian national and a mother of three, who has been coming to Buhaira Corniche for iftar with her relatives and friends. 'The cool weather makes it perfect for breaking fast outdoors. Every weekend, my siblings and I cook at home, pack our meals, and bring them to the park for iftar.'
'We make sure to cook extra food and share it with those around us. Sometimes we meet new people, and it feels like an extended family. It's something our children will remember for years,' added Al Alawi.
At Al Mamzar Beach in Dubai, families spread out their mats on the soft sand, enjoying the gentle sea breeze as they prepare to break their fast. 'There's something special about breaking fast by the sea,' said Ahmed El Hamdi, an Egyptian expat who often comes with his family during Ramadan.
'The best part about the beach is that there are mosques nearby, so we can pray our Maghrib and Isha prayers and then rejoin our family and friends to continue the gathering,' said El Hamdi.
Families unpack their iftar spreads, which include trays of biryani, samosas, kebabs, fruit platters, Arabic sweets, and more, carefully arranged on mats and tables. As the Adhan is called out, hands reach for dates, water, and juices before moving on to the home-cooked meals.
After iftar, families lay out prayer mats and offer their Maghrib salah, either in congregation or individually. Once the prayers conclude, they return to their mats and tables to enjoy the full meal.
Children play nearby, while adults engage in traditional board games or casual conversations. As the night goes on, families pack up, making sure to leave the space clean before heading to the mosque for Isha and Taraweeh prayers.
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