'Like a big family': This Dubai eatery feeds local market workers, cleaners at iftar daily
For employees at the Waterfront Market, iftar is a lavish affair. It's very rare that the employees get to consume what they sell, but during Ramadan, they are treated to a feast like no other.
Every evening, after the Asr prayer, the market's parking area transforms into a dining space where hundreds gather to break their fast with a hearty meal of biryani, served steaming hot.
For the past six years, Yahya Seafood Restaurant at the Waterfront Market has been offering free iftar meals to workers, vendors, and shoppers, ensuring that no one goes hungry during the holy month. This year, over 2,000 iftar meals are being distributed daily to the market's cleaners, seafood, meat, and vegetable vendors, along with visitors and delivery riders who stop by to break their fast.
The iftar preparation is a massive undertaking, starting early in the morning. Hundreds of kilogrammes of rice and over 150 kilogrammes of fresh meat are purchased directly from the market to ensure quality and fresh ingredients. The cooking process begins in nearly 50 large vessels, where the biryani is slowly prepared over hours to achieve its rich, aromatic flavor. By 5.30pm, the steaming vessels of biryani are transported to the market, where they are served fresh to those gathered.
Unlike other iftar distributions, this feast follows a unique setup. Large cooking vessels are brought directly to the market's parking area, where mats are laid out for attendees to sit and eat. As the call to prayer echoes through the air, everyone is first offered dates, water, fruits and crispy fritters to break their fast. Then, the biryani is served in large plates, each holding around three kilogrammes of food — enough for four people to share and enjoy together.
The restaurant behind this initiative has made it a tradition to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the years. 'Dubai has given us so much — from starting as a small kiosk to opening our restaurant at the Waterfront Market, it's all because of the love and support of our customers,' said Yahyaphayu, the restaurant's owner.
'For the past six years, we have been giving back in the best way we know how — by serving iftar to the workers of the Waterfront Market and in the area. It's our way of showing gratitude and sharing the spirit of Ramadan with the community that has been part of our journey,' added Yahyaphayu.
For many workers, this iftar is not just a meal, it is an act of kindness that makes them feel appreciated. Mohammed Salman, a seafood vendor at the market, is thankful to the organisers for such a lavish experience. 'We spend the whole day selling fish, but this is the only time we get to sit together and enjoy a proper meal. The biryani, the warmth, and the generosity, it makes us feel valued.'
Asghar Khan a meat vendor at the market said: 'It's rare that we get to eat the meat we sell. Every day, we handle the freshest cuts, but most of the time, we can only afford simpler meals,' said Khan.
'During Ramadan, this iftar feels like a blessing, we finally get to enjoy a proper feast together. The biryani is rich, flavorful, and shared with so many others who work here,' added Khan.
Delivery riders, who often struggle to find a place to break their fast while on duty, also benefit from this initiative. Ali Hassan, a delivery rider, said: 'Finding a place to break our fast while on duty is always a challenge. We come here every evening in a group and have a hearty fill after breaking the fast. It feels like we are a big family breaking the fast together.'
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