Latest news with #PlatinumHeritage
The National
07-03-2025
- The National
Iftar of the week: Falconry, fine-dining and stargazing on a Platinum Desert Safari
If a great iftar is defined by its ambience, then the Platinum Desert Safari Ramadan experience has vibes to spare. This seven-hour programme from Platinum Heritage includes a wildlife visit to Dubai Conservation Park, a falconry exhibition, a stargazing session and an elegant dinner and dance show, making it an enchanting way to end the fasting day. Running until March 30, the package includes pick-up and drop-off from your Dubai home or hotel and starts at approximately 2pm, lasting until 9pm. It all begins at my doorstep when a luxury off-road vehicle picks me up for a 50-minute journey down Al Ain Road to Dubai Conservation Park. Along the way, there is plenty to see and learn about the emirate's heritage. We cruise past Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where we spot its famous residents – the greater flamingos – bathing in the mangroves against the golden hues of the late afternoon sun. At the gates of the conservation park, guests receive a traditional headscarf and take photos before exploring the rolling hills of the reserve, where they can spot groups of oryx and baby gazelles. In the hour leading up to iftar, we are dropped off at a breathtaking outdoor majlis ensconced in the sand dunes for a falconry exhibition – showcasing the birds' speed and resilience – qualities essential for survival in desert environments. After posing for photos with a falcon on my arm, we head to the main camp for iftar. My dining partner and I had pre-ordered our five-course set menus. I chose the Italian-inspired Mediterranean Treasures while my partner picked the regionally inspired Contemporary Middle Eastern Flavours. A vegan-friendly option is also available: The Vegan Plate. The watermelon and burrata makes an ideal starter. The refreshing, juicy sweetness of the watermelon provides a welcome dose of hydration while the creamy richness of burrata pairs well with peppery arugula. The king prawn minestrone soup is a more decadent take on the rustic Italian favourite. Fresh vegetables meld with the deep umami notes of the king prawn, creating a rich and flavourful bowl. The main course features free-range chicken in a puttanesca-style sauce rich with tomatoes and briny olives. It is elegant comfort food. The Middle Eastern-inspired set menu adds flair to classic favourites. One appetiser features a well-seared snapper fillet with a silky red pepper and chickpea puree. The sweet, smoky notes of the sauce elevate it beyond a modern take on hummus, while the brininess of the fish adds depth. The rack of ouzi lamb, thankfully, has not undergone any unnecessary innovations. Slow-cooked to perfection, it is served with fragrant saffron rice and coarse roasted vegetables that add a comforting, home-cooked feel. Our desserts, a frothy Arabic coffee chocolate mousse and saffron panna cotta with berries, are a satisfying conclusion to the meal. It will be hard to find a more idyllic spot to dine this Ramadan. The main camp resembles an oasis, with elegant dining huts – ranging from intimate two-person set-ups to family-sized spaces – dotted around a lake. Oud music flows from the speakers as waiters deliver meals from a purpose-built kitchen and a bar serving a variety of fruit juices, mocktails and tea. A circus ring near the centre of the site doubles as a stage. Around 8pm, the camp lights dim, replaced by neon blue spotlights as a dancer delivers a dazzling acrobatic routine against a soundtrack of ethereal electronic music. A hooded companion then comes on stage for a fire-twirling display that builds with a musical crescendo. That energy soon gives way to the stillness of the night sky as we join a guide for a stargazing session, spotting Mars and Jupiter, along with the Orion star system. Our cars then arrive to take us away from the serenity of the desert and back to the hustle and bustle of the city, bringing an end to a memorable evening. This review was conducted at the invitation of Platinum Heritage. The Platinum Desert Safari runs during Ramadan until March 30, with prices starting at Dh1,950. Pickup is between 2.30pm and 3pm while drop-off is between 9.30pm and 10pm; 04 412 6333
Khaleej Times
28-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
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.
