11 unforgettable ways to embrace the spirit of Ramadan in the UAE
Hai Ramadan at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai, invites you to immerse yourself in the essence of Ramadan. The lively souq, reminiscent of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods, offers an array of delights, from handicrafts to aromatic spices. Expect traditional crafts and storytelling sessions at Al Wasl Plaza and an arcade avenue. Running unitl 27 March, families can also gather for iftar and suhoor or watch the Iftar Cannon signalling the start of iftar each day. General admission tickets start from AED 20.
GO: Visit www.expocitydubai.com for tickets and more information.
At the Ramadan District, you can immerse yourself in Emirati culture. From 8 to 23 March, this terrace will transform into a vibrant market showcasing the best of the region so you can step into a world of culinary delights, homeware treasures, and artisanal crafts. Wander through the market, where the aroma of spices mingles with the sounds of live entertainment. Engage in workshops and activities, from cooking classes to arts and crafts sessions. With free entrance, it's the place to be this Ramadan.
GO: Follow @ramadan.district on Instagram for more information.
For a more intimate experience of Ramadan, consider joining the Dubai Souks Iftar Tour. This four-hour guided tour with Frying Pan Adventures offers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of Dubai's historic souks. Begin your journey in the back alleys of Deira, where communal pavement iftars bring together locals and visitors alike. Explore the Spice Souk, filled with exotic flavours and vibrant colours, before crossing the creek on an abra. Learn about the traditions and stories behind each dish, connecting with the local community on a deeper level. Starting at AED 472.50, book your slots now.
GO Visit www.fryingpanadventures.com for reservations and more information.
Step into the wind-tower houses and immerse yourself in Emirati hospitality and traditions at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Start by breaking the fast with light appetisers shared with the Emirati hosts. Then, head to the Diwan Mosque for a short session before returning to savour a delightful assortment of Emirati dishes, desserts, and tea at the SMCCU house. You can also enjoy activities such as calligraphy. The program runs daily throughout Ramadan from 6pm to 8pm, and tickets start at AED 180.
GO: Visit https://cultures.ae for more information.
Join the Jameel Arts Centre for fun-filled Ramadan Nights from 14 to 16 March and experience a range of activities for the whole family. Explore wellness and mindfulness through workshops, storytelling, and meditation or engage in crafting activities and bonding with friends and family over shared traditions. Indulge in traditional delicacies and late-night delights at the farm-to-fork restaurant, Teible.
Experience the age-old tradition of the Ramadan Cannon Firing across Dubai's iconic landmarks. As the sun sets and mosques call for prayer, cannons reverberate across the emirate, marking the end of the fast for the day. You can watch it live from various locations such as Burj Khalifa, Damac Hills, Dubai Festival City, Vida Creek Harbour and Wasl Avenue at Expo City Dubai. It's one must-see if spending Ramadan in the UAE.
GO: Visit www.visitdubai.com for more information.
Head over to City Walk from 5 to 9 March and immerse yourself in the lively ambience of Ramadan. Indulge in a variety of delicious iftar and suhoor options while exploring the plethora of shops or watch nightly performances at 9pm and 10pm, all amidst gorgeous Ramadan-themed decorations.
GO: Visit www.citywalk.ae for more information.
Step into a world of timeless tradition and effortless style with the Keshta experience this Ramadan. Embrace the charm of Bedouin hospitality as you gather with loved ones for a cosy iftar in the desert or a serene suhoor under the starlit sky led by 365 Adventures. Prices vary for different Keshta experiences, but with the winter season still running across the UAE, it's the perfect time to book now.
GO: Visit https://365adventures.me for reservations and more information.
Discover the wonders of Ramadan in the UAE at Global Village, where delicious food, cultural entertainment, and festive vibes await. Experience the charm of a traditional Emirati market showcasing Ramadan-themed samples from pavilions across the destination. Plus, with opening hours changing from 6pm until 2am, you're in for a fun night out.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for reservations and more information.
Indulge in a sumptuous iftar experience at Topgolf Dubai, nestled within the Emirates Golf Club. Please your palate with a selection of dishes, ranging from Korean BBQ ribs and buffalo wings to traditional favourites like bill laham and baklava. Take your pick between the Western or Arabic package, each promising two hours of gameplay accompanied by delectable food and beverages, ideal for up to six guests.
GO: Visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net for reservations and more information.
A must-see during Ramadan in the UAE is the spectacular iftar at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. While free iftar meals are common across the UAE, the scale and ambiance of this iftar are unparalleled. Whether you choose to break your fast at sunset here or simply join others for iftar, you'll sense the profound spirit of togetherness amidst the grandeur of this iconic setting.
GO: Visit www.szgmc.gov.ae for reservations and more information.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
an hour ago
- Gulf Today
Salik records Dhs1.53b revenue in H1 of this year, up 39.5% YoY
Staff Reporter, Gulf Today Salik Company, Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator, on Wednesday announced its financial results for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 ('Q2 2025' and 'H1 2025'). Total revenue for H1 2025 increased 39.5 per cent YoY to Dhs 1,527.3 million (Dhs1.53 billion), supported by a 45.6 per cent YoY increase in Q2 2025. EBITDA grew 44.2per cent in H1 2025 to Dhs 1,065.0 million with an EBITDA margin of 69.7 per cent. The solid results were driven by the two new gates introduced in November 2024 amidst an overall positive macro environment and the implementation of variable pricing which came into effect at the end of January 2025, with Q2 marking the first full quarter of the new variable pricing system. In Salik's core tolling business, total chargeable trips reached 318.4 million in H1 2025, with total chargeable trips of 160.4 million in Q2 2025, a 1.6 per cent increase versus 158.0 million in Q1 2025. This was despite Q1 being a seasonally stronger period for Salik compared to Q2, alongside the redistribution of traffic during the Ramadan period in Q1. In view of the strong first half results, the Board of Directors have recommended a cash dividend of Dhs 770.9 million, equivalent to 10.278 fils per share, representing 100per cent of H1 2025 profit. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salik, said: 'Salik's strong performance in the first half of 2025 underscores the strength of its resilient business model and high operational efficiency. During this period, the Company achieved a 39.5 per cent year-on-year increase in total revenue, further solidifying its robust financial position. This performance reaffirms our continued commitment to delivering long-term value for shareholders while supporting Dubai's vision of becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility. In view of the strong first half results and our dedication to our shareholders, the Board of Directors have recommended a cash dividend of Dhs 770.9 million, equivalent to 10.278 fils per share, representing 100per cent of H1 2025 profit. He added: We continue to benefit from the Emirate's economic momentum, bolstered by sustained growth in tourism, real estate, and infrastructure spending. Building on this, and with continued progress across both our core tolling operations and ongoing success in expanding our ancillary revenue streams, we are pleased to be upgrading our full year 2025 guidance, with revenue expected to increase 34-36per cent compared to 2024, up from 28-29per cent previously, and with EBITDA margins expectations in the range of 68.5-69.5per cent. Our new guidance underscores our confidence in Salik's outlook and future growth potential, particularly given our commitment to strengthening our non-core offering and exploring new opportunities within ancillary revenues.' Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of Salik, commented: 'We are pleased to report another solid quarter of performance, with a strong .40per cent YoY growth across all key financial metrics including revenue, EBITDA and net profit growth. Our results reflect the ongoing strength of our tolling business and the growing contribution of our non-tolling initiatives, including our digital partnerships in providing mobility payment solutions which continue to gain traction amongst users. Total trip volumes remained resilient in the period, increasing 39.6per cent compared to H1 2024, supported by the addition of the two new gates, the ongoing population growth and record levels of tourism inflow, which increased 7per cent between January and May compared to last year with hotel occupancy also increasing to 83per cent, up from 81per cent in the prior year. Against this backdrop and with the visibility we now have into the second half of the year, we are highly confident in Salik's future growth, as seen in our revised revenue guidance for 2025, and we remain well-positioned to generate sustained value as we continue to scale, diversify, and innovate across the mobility ecosystem.' The total number of trips, including discounted trips, made through Salik's toll gates grew 39.6 per cent YoY in H1 2025 to record 424.2 million trips, driven by a strong 44.3per cent growth in trips in Q2 2025 reaching 213.4 million, supported by the addition of the two new gates and Dubai's robust macroeconomic conditions, tourism inflow and continued attraction of new residents. Total chargeable trips reached 160.4 million in Q2 2025, a 1.6per cent improvement compared to 158.0 million in Q1 2025, driven by strong growth in the use of Salik toll roads during the peak period (Dhs 6), which yielded 57.7 million trips, up 46.7per cent vs. Q1 2025, mainly due to the introduction of the two new gates, with trips in the past midnight period (Dhs 0), totaling 16.4 million, up 46.8per cent compared to Q1. The Q2 2025 period represented the first full quarter since implementing the new variable pricing system. It is noteworthy that all revenue-generating trips conducted between January 1 and January 30, 2025 during Q1 2025 were categorized under off-peak trips; hence the decline of 19.7per cent in off-peak chargeable trips between Q2 2025 and Q1 2025. Toll usage fees: performance was strong during the first half, increasing 42.3per cent YoY to Dhs 1,356.9 million, with toll usage fees growing 49.4per cent YoY to Dhs 691.3 million in Q2 2025.
Web Release
9 hours ago
- Web Release
Palm West Beach's New Favourite: A Beach Day Pass with a View at voco Dubai The Palm
Happy to let you know that voco Dubai The Palm's Beach Day Pass is proving to be a popular pick this summer. It offers non-resident guests full-day access to the hotel's newly extended private beach, plus generous F&B credit to enjoy everything from relaxed beach bites to the Maison Mathis à la carte menu — all with those signature Palm West Beach views. Available daily from 9am to sunset, the pass includes access to the beach and sunbeds, plus credit to spend at Maison Mathis or the relaxed beach menu — with dishes like beef carpaccio, veggie focaccia, octopus, padron peppers, Belgian croquettes, and a kids' menu for little beachgoers. Pricing (valid through 30 September) is AED 150 on weekdays with AED 130 redeemable, and AED 200 on weekends with AED 150 redeemable. Kids under 12 join free (sunbeds not included). In-house guests, of course, get complimentary access.
Emirates Woman
10 hours ago
- Emirates Woman
6 upcoming Emirati creatives on our radar elevating art and identity
In the ever-evolving landscape of art, design, and entrepreneurship, a new wave of Emirati creatives is emerging. Visionaries who blend heritage with innovation, tradition with modernity, and function with beauty. These six talents are not just shaping industries; they are empowering a generation to see the world through a lens of creativity, authenticity, and bold self-expression. Aisha Abdulaziz View this post on Instagram A post shared by aisha (@odecijournals) Aisha Abdulaziz, co-founder of SCULP Activewear, is redefining what it means to dress for both performance and style. A graduate of the American University of Sharjah in Visual Communication, Aisha first made waves with Lahjtna, a streetwear brand that celebrated Emirati culture with pride. Now, with SCULP, she merges high-performance functionality with sleek, contemporary design, crafting activewear that empowers women to move with confidence. Her work is a testament to how fashion can be both purposeful and poetic. Shamma Buhazza After honing her craft at Parsons in New York and working with global giants like Adidas, Nike, and Apple, Shamma Buhazza has carved a niche where design meets cultural storytelling. Her work thrives in the interplay between language, identity, and visual aesthetics, creating pieces that spark conversation. Whether collaborating with luxury brands like Rimowa or pursuing personal projects, Shamma's designs are a bridge between heritage and the avant-garde, proving that art can be both deeply personal and universally resonant. Discover on @ Wafa Al Falahi View this post on Instagram A post shared by وفا ☻ wafa (@pearsorbet) Wafa Al Falahi is a designer whose work transcends boundaries – spanning interior design, ceramics, and furniture-making. A participant in the prestigious Athath Fellowship, she has since launched Sorbe Studios, a multidisciplinary design studio that crafts bespoke tableware and creative solutions for clients across the UAE. By night, she indulges in personal projects, shaping clay and sketching visions that blend history with modern sensibilities. Wafa's artistry is a reminder that creativity flourishes when curiosity leads the way. Fatima Al Ameemi With a Master's in Strategic Design from Parsons Paris, Fatima Al Ameemi is an artist whose work dances between the abstract and the tangible. Her swirling watercolor pieces capture the fluidity of nature, reflecting an innate understanding of her surroundings. Beyond her art, Fatima's chic, refined aesthetic extends into her personal style, making her a muse for those who see beauty in both discipline and spontaneity. Discover on @fameemi Alya Al Hammadi View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alya (@ Through her platform Escape, Alya Al Hammadi reimagines travel as an intimate, sensory experience. Showcasing hidden gems across the UAE and beyond, her work, both digital and experiential, invites audiences to see destinations through a lens of elegance and discovery. With a feed that blends fashion, food, and breathtaking landscapes, Alya proves that the art of travel lies not just in the journey, but in how it's remembered. Sarah Al Hashmi View this post on Instagram A post shared by سارة الهاشمي (@sarahmalhashmi) Sarah Al Hashmi is a filmmaker with a mission: to tell stories that matter. Her debut documentary, which explored the life of an autistic adult and his family, garnered international acclaim, setting the stage for a career dedicated to amplifying underrepresented narratives. Through her work, Sarah is opening vital conversations, proving that cinema is not just entertainment – it's empowerment in motion. The Future is Theirs to Shape These six creatives are more than just rising stars, they are architects of culture, weaving tradition with innovation, and in doing so, empowering others to dream bigger. In a world where art and identity are constantly evolving, their voices are not just heard; they are essential. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @odecijournals
