28-02-2025
Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: Try an iftar with a fine-dining twist
From a luxurious iftar meal in the desert with a view of the stars to an intimate dining experience perched inside the highest restaurant in the world, eateries in the UAE are embracing the Ramadan spirit. They are putting forth unique offerings to help residents and visitors indulge in the spirit of the month. Some are ultra-luxurious while others offer a communal feeling inherent to the month. Still others treat their diners to unparalleled Michelin-starred flavours and unique fusion dishes.
Platinum Heritage is offering a chance to its guests to break their fast in the middle of the desert surrounded by beautiful dunes with a six-course meal in a private cabana and a sunset camel ride. The luxurious iftar will come after a nature safari through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and a visit to the exclusive Royal Lake bird sanctuary as fire dancers and acrobats entertain you. Priced at Dh1,950 per person, the meal is also followed by a session of stargazing.
Meanwhile, for those who prefer the glamour of the city over the desert vibes, there is an iftar at the highest restaurant in the world — in the Burj Khalifa, which sits 442 metres above ground. Serving up traditional Middle Eastern tastes, the three-course iftar, which includes slow-roasted lamb shoulder and delectable truffle risotto, is priced at Dh650 per person.
According to Mohamed AlMarzouqi, director of events at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Ramadan coinciding with Dubai's peak tourism season creates 'a unique opportunity' for visitors to experience the city's rich cultural traditions. 'For iftar, we see demand from families and larger groups looking to break their fast in a warm, elegantly designed Arabesque setting,' he said. 'Meanwhile, our suhoor attracts those seeking a more leisurely and social dining experience that extends into the late hours.'
He added that the décor and performances are used to create different atmospheres for each dining period. Priced at Dh235 per person, the iftar offering includes a lavish spread featuring traditional Emirati and Middle Eastern classics along with international cuisines.
Corporate bookings
For many companies, this is a time to build bonds and host family gatherings. This year, the largest Ramadan tent in Sharjah makes its debut at Aljada. Alsimrah offers a blend of tradition and luxury, and is inspired by the rich Emirati tradition of simrah — a gathering of warmth and connection. According to Amit Arora, COO at Arada, corporate bookings make up a big chunk of their business during the month. 'These make up 20-25 per cent of total bookings,' he said. 'Located next to major universities and government entities, Aljada is a preferred choice for businesses looking to host client appreciation gatherings, networking events, recognition ceremonies, and team-building sessions.'
Rayan Nicolas, CEO and founder of Japanese Peruvian restaurant Amelia, said he had observed a trend among senior executives and business leaders. 'They often prefer to conduct meetings and networking sessions during or after iftar,' he said. 'These tend to be more intimate, focusing on discussions over a meal rather than large formal events. Exhibitions and conferences follow their usual schedules, business dinners, and high-level networking events become more common in the evenings, as they provide a relaxed setting for decision-makers to connect and engage.'
To meet this demand, many restaurants offer private majlises of varying sizes and costs. At the Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, a private suite for iftar costs Dh800 per person for a group of 10. Meanwhile, the private majlis at Madinat Jumeirah is good for up to 12 people with a minimum spend of Dh6,000.
For iftar, we see demand from families and larger groups looking to break their fast in a warm, elegantly designed Arabesque setting"
Mohamed Almarzouqi, Director Of Events, Dubai World Trade Centre
Dip in business
Many restaurants, which typically observe a dip in business, adjust their operations to meet the change in eating habits during the month. 'We observe a dip in revenue during Ramadan, as many people choose to respect religious practices, which naturally impacts dining and entertainment habits,' said Maxime Lejuez, group general manager for Salvaje, which operates Arrogante and Amor. 'We always anticipate the impact of Ramadan when forecasting our annual budget. We proactively adjust our staffing levels and implement a tighter payment and cost-control schedule during the Holy Month. This ensures that our operations remain efficient while aligning with the shift in demand, even though it falls within the peak tourism season.'
Located in the prestigious Dubai Opera, the eatery offers a unique view of the Burj Khalifa. The restaurant is serving a Sapori del Ramadan — a four-course iftar priced at Dh250 per person and a three-course suhoor at Dh300 per person.
One-of-a-kind experiences
During Ramadan, many venues offer unique experiences to diners around the country. While some aim for beautiful views and luxurious food, others opt to capture the essence of the month and recreate the communal feeling of family gatherings.
Creative café A Normal Day is coming together with kebab house Al Naqa for a special Ramadan supper club that takes place only over three weekends between March 6 and 21. With only 37 seats per service, the supper club is priced at Dh350 per person and will feature six courses, with one standout dish designed to be a family-style feast. Three-Michelin-starred chef Dani García will bring his signature touch to iftar at Leña Dubai. Beginning with Medjool Dates and Puchero Soup, he will give Arabic flavours a Spanish touch with Majboos Lamb Paella.
Those looking to enjoy the beauty of the desert can head to the unique Ramadan nights by Nara, which allows visitors to stay overnight in a Nest Camp. Priced at Dh2,070 per nest, the camp includes an authentic Arabic spice market-style décor with live stations and lounge areas.
This year, the iconic Zuma is also headed to the desert to wow its diners with a pop-up. With tables set amid the dunes of The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, the world-renowned Japanese izakaya will serve its signature dishes as a sharing set menu priced at Dh275 per person which includes miso-marinated black cod, the grilled Australian wagyu sirloin served with truffle mayo and a beautifully arranged Deluxe dessert platter.
For those wanting to have iftar on the waters, the iconic ship Queen Elizabeth 2 will host a lavish iftar Al Malika at the Lido Restaurant with slow-cooked lamb ouzi, succulent grills, and a selection of dishes priced at Dh159 per person.
