Latest news with #Ramadan-themed
What's On
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
13 of the best afternoon teas in Dubai in 2025
Sweet and savoury treats, tea prepared by certified sommeliers, music from a grand piano, this is what you can expect from the afternoon tea at The Lana. You will be able to tuck into sandwiches such as smoked Scottish salmon, truffle egg, scones with Devon clotted cream, laminated coffee brioche, and more. With temperatures rising, you can pair your meal with refreshing iced tea or homemade lemonades prepared tableside. To top off your experience, you will get to enjoy stunning views of Downtown Dubai. The Lana, Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai, available daily from 1pm to 6pm, from Dhs600, Tel: (0)4 541 7755. Image: Address Beach Resort has a 1001 Arabian a fternoon t ea. This special Ramadan-themed afternoon tea features an array of Arabic-inspired dishes, accompanied by specialty coffee, and the refreshing mocktail of the month. Address Beach Resort, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, daily 3pm to 10pm, starting at Dhs198 per set, Tel: (0)4 879 8888. Raffles is serving a Traveler's Afternoon Tea with a sumptuous array of savoury delicacies and sweet treats. This afternoon tea will cost you Dhs185 per person including free flowing tea. You can also get a 60-minute massage with an afternoon tea for Dhs550. Little ones joining in can enjoy a dedicated children's afternoon tea (pictured above) with savoury snacks, desserts and a choice of rich hot chocolate or refreshing fruit juices. The children's afternoon tea will cost you Dhs75 per person. Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi, Dubai, daily, 2pm to 6pm, children's afternoon tea Dhs75 per child, Dhs185 per traveller's afternoon tea. Tel: (04) 324 8888. Voted What's On Dubai ‘s best Afternoon Tea 2021, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk afternoon tea serves up its afternoon tea in a sophisticated vault at Bijou Patisserie (lobby lounge). Prices start from Dhs195 for the afternoon tea with tea, coffee and homemade lemonade. You can elevate your experience and enjoy the afternoon tea above the clouds on the 51st floor at the exclusive Club Millesime with prices starting from Dhs385. Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, lobby lounge, Wafi, Dubai, daily 2pm to 6pm, Tel: (0)4 281 4111. A solid choice if you're hosting out-of-towners, this spot offers unbeatable views of Burj Al Arab. The terrace is perfect for those cooler months when you want to enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat. Afternoon tea here is all about variety, think carefully curated sandwiches, cakes, and scones, served in a setting that's elegant yet relaxed. The service is spot on, and there’s an impressive tea menu to choose from if you're a fan of the brew. Al Fayrooz Lounge, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim. Aspen Cafe by Kempinski at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates offers afternoon tea with nibbles ranging from sandwiches and wraps to scones and cakes. For sips, you's have non-alcoholic bubbly and freshly brewed beverages. The offer is available daily from 3pm to 6pm. It costs Dhs200 per adult or Dhs375 for two. Kempinski Hotel, Mall of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 1pm to 7pm, Tel: (04) 409 5999. The Hi-Tea is a decadent affair at the luxury hotel, Palazzo Versace. Sample an assortment of finger sandwiches, plain scones with homemade jam; clotted cream; and lemon curd, and a variety of pastries. Pair it with Damman Freres tea. Only want tea to pair? It's Dhs378 for two guests, but if you want two glasses of Prosecco, it's Dhs504. If you're meeting mates over a quick catch-up, opt for the Cream Tea offer which will get you fruit and plain scones, served with clotted cream, homemade jam and lemon curd and tea for Dhs95 per person. Palazzo Versace, Culture Village, Al Jadaf, Dubai, daily 10.30am to 7pm. Tel: (0)4 556 8888. For tea lovers who think they've seen it all, this spot is a must-try. Set in the vast lobby of one of the world's most famous hotels, it's hard to miss the dramatic water droplet sculpture and the fire walls at the entrance, the setting is as striking as the tea. When it comes to the tea itself, it's all about the experience. With a detailed run-through of the tea-brewing process, you'll get to enjoy a range of top-tier sandwiches and a generous spread of cakes. It's one for the tea connoisseurs who appreciate the finer details. The Royal Tearoom, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 2pm to 5pm, priced at Dhs560 for two people. Tel: (04) 426 2000 Treat yourself to an afternoon of luxury with the Grand Palaces Afternoon Tea, served in the stunning Bluthner Hall. Here you can enjoy decadent desserts inspired by Europe's most famous palaces, including the airy Victoria Sponge Cake and rich Sacher Torte. Alongside, enjoy a selection of savoury bites, sandwiches, tarts, pastries, and scones, all paired with a choice of carefully curated Nina's Marie Antoinette teas, coffee, or hot chocolate. Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)4 248 8888). Image: You'll get a selection of delectable treats at this all-new afternoon tea experience at Peacock Alley. Pick from the brew package, a pink gin cocktail package or a champagne package. The afternoon tea runs daily from 2pm to 6pm and starts at Dhs225 per person. Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah, daily 2pm to 6pm, from Dhs225 for classic, upgrade with a glass of bubbly for Dhs100. Tel:(0) 4 818 2222. Your afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton will include traditional scones, elegant sandwiches, and sweet treats such as truffles, macaroons and cakes. There are two options to pick from: traditional for Dhs215 which comes with tea or hot beverages, and Royal Treat for Dhs305 which includes a glass of champagne. You can even add Dhs150 per person for two hours of free-flowing sparkling wine. The Ritz-Carlton, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 5pm, Dhs215 for traditional and Dhs305 for royal, Tel: (04) 318 6150. Expect dainty bites and elegant flavours at Peacock Alley’s ‘Meet me at the Clock’ afternoon tea. On the savoury side, there’s wild crab with caviar, black truffle pommes mousseline, smoked salmon roulade, and foie gras puffs, alongside classic sandwiches like tuna and aioli on brioche and coronation chicken on whole grain. Sweet treats include strawberry and rose cake, mango cheesecake, pistachio and raspberry mousse, and warm scones served with clotted cream and seasonal jams. A selection of fine teas completes the experience, with the option to add a glass of bubbly if you fancy. Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, available Sunday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm, from Dhs225, Tel: (0)4 515 9818. Shai Salon at Four Seasons Resort Dubai marks a decade of sweet memories with its limited-edition ‘A Decade in Desserts’ afternoon tea. Crafted by Senior Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Lambert, the menu takes guests on a journey through the cities that shaped him, from Hong Kong and St. Petersburg to Dubai. Expect creations like Fra-Sia “Vacherin†with white strawberry, yuzu and basil; a raspberry and almond biscuit layered with lemon cream; and Chocolates “Caprice†with white chocolate brownie and caramelised cocoa nibs. Highlights also include the Honey “Bee†with Hatta Mountain honey and apricot, Exotic “Cloud†with passion fruit and coconut, and Le Clafoutis de Jeannot, a warm blueberry dessert with Tahitian vanilla creme fraiche. Served with your choice of tea or coffee. Shai Salon, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, daily 3pm to 7pm, from Dhs260. Tel: (0)4 270 7805.
Khaleej Times
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
FamCinema launches new Ramadan-themed lineup to meet growing demand for family entertainment
FamCinema, a growing streaming platform focused exclusively on family-friendly content, has launched its new Ramadan-themed programming lineup. This expands its mission to provide entertainment that bridges cultural gaps while maintaining traditional values. A first-generation American with Egyptian heritage, FamCinema was created to counter negative portrayals of Arab and Muslim communities in mainstream media while offering content free from violence, sexual themes, and profanity. "Growing up, I rarely, if ever, saw positive representations of Arab and Muslim communities in film and tv. We were mostly the villains," said Dr Ali Shehata, CEO and founder of FamCinema. "Our mission is to create content where diverse families see themselves represented positively, without compromising on entertainment value." Changing the narrative: Positive representation in family entertainment The platform's Ramadan slate includes a new sitcom with themes centered around the holy month, a comedy cooking programme on FamCinema's YouTube channel showcasing unique Iftar meal preparations, and a travel documentary featuring British hosts Chris and Ben exploring Cairo, Egypt. Unlike major streaming services, FamCinema implements a ticket system designed to encourage families to watch content together rather than promoting solo binge viewing. This approach aims to foster discussion and shared experiences similar to traditional movie outings. "We hope families will watch together, then discuss what they saw - like after a trip to the theatre," Dr Ali explained. "Our viewers should feel seen and valued watching our shows." Bringing families together through shared viewing experiences The company has already seen success with its debut feature film, The Green Game and two original series, The Ramadan Pact and Chris and Ben's Tip-Top Tour. FamCinema plans to increase production next year with four new projects already in development. Media analysts note that while niche streaming services are unlikely to compete directly with giants like Netflix and Disney+, platforms like FamCinema can still achieve significant success by serving underrepresented audiences seeking content aligned with their values. Recent polls indicate parents spend approximately three hours weekly searching for appropriate content for their children, suggesting a substantial market for pre-vetted, values-based programming. "People want these kinds of shows," Dr Ali said. "Why pack every programme with violence or sex? Classic films like Roman Holiday never needed that - and we continue to enjoy them today."
Sharjah 24
02-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2025 achieves 25% sales growth
Diverse offerings and major discounts The festival featured exceptional shopping experiences across Sharjah's malls, commercial centers, and entertainment venues, offering massive discounts of up to 75% on a range of products from both local and international brands. Increased footfall and engagement A significant influx of visitors attended the festival, particularly during the first and second days of Eid Al Fitr. The event included entertainment, retail offers, and prize draws, with attendees participating eagerly in weekly raffles for valuable prizes, including shopping vouchers and gold bars. Strengthening Sharjah's economy and community His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, highlighted the festival's role in stimulating the local economy, while Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI, emphasised its contribution to social cohesion and cultural preservation. Family-friendly and cultural activities Key attractions included the 'Al Layah Ramadan Market' showcasing local products, fashion, and food, as well as the 'Young Chef' competition and Ramadan-themed workshops for children. These activities fostered family engagement and cultural awareness during the holy month. Digital platform and expanded offerings The Sharjah Chamber launched a new digital platform for better coordination with local entities. The festival also featured the 'Ramadan Al-Khair' and 'Fotorkum Hadir' initiatives, along with various cultural performances that enriched the visitor experience.
Sharjah 24
27-03-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ladies Club fosters Ramadan values with inspiring lecture
Strengthening community bonds and engagement Ms Doaa Al-Mehri, Director of Corporate Communications at Sharjah Ladies Club, highlighted the importance of such events, stating: 'Our goal is to enrich the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan, enhance member engagement, and contribute to a well-informed and cohesive community.' To enhance the event's ambience, The Vegan Beauty, the bronze sponsor, and Riyami Events, the supporting sponsor, adorned the venue with Ramadan-themed décor, creating a serene and reflective environment. A legacy of empowerment and wellness Since its establishment in 1982, Sharjah Ladies Club has been at the forefront of empowering women and fostering a supportive environment. The club offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and wellness activities, along with exclusive beauty, hospitality, and fitness services. Recognised as a leader in health and wellbeing, Sharjah Ladies Club has secured the 'Health Hero' title for the fourth consecutive year at the Global Wellness Weekend. It remains the premier destination for women in the UAE, providing a safe and inspiring space for women and children.
Campaign ME
24-03-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Connecting with consumers beyond sales through meaningful Ramadan campaigns
Ramadan is a time for spiritual and cultural sensitivity, with 91 per cent of the MENA audience listening to and reading more religious content. Often, brands turn Ramadan into merely a marketing opportunity to boost sales, losing sight of its important meaningful aspect. Which begs the question, how can companies create more nuanced and meaningful marketing campaigns to build consumer loyalty and establish an emotional connection with their audience in the long-term. The role of cultural and religious sensitivity in Ramadan marketing Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, community, and spirituality, making cultural and religious sensitivity essential for brands looking to connect meaningfully with local audiences in MENA. According to Ipsos research, the majority of the MENA audience practice their faith by increasing their exposure to religious content (91 per cent), praying more (95 per cent), and engaging with the community by helping those in need (95 per cent). Therefore, every detail, colour, symbol, timing, and messaging, plays a crucial role in creating an authentic and respectful marketing campaign. When designing marketing campaigns for Ramadan, it is best to use colours that hold cultural and spiritual significance for Muslims, such as green, which symbolises prosperity and faith, gold, representing generosity and celebration, deep blue, transmitting peace and reflection, and white, signifying purity, sincerity, and spiritual enlightenment. Brands can also use Ramadan-themed visuals, like crescent moons, lanterns, and warm colours, to evoke a sense of tradition and togetherness. Another aspect of communication relates to the mindfulness of the timing of content publication in the evening during Ramadan, particularly for restaurants and food brands. Brands align their campaigns with Ramadan's values, such as generosity, togetherness, and compassion: for instance, Emirates Airline's 'The Journey of Faith' campaign highlights spiritual journeys during Ramadan, featuring travel packages to culturally significant Islamic heritage sites. In another initiative, Emirates Airline celebrated Ramadan by offering culturally inspired meal boxes with traditional dishes and Al Sadu patterns, along with special inflight religious content, making the journey more meaningful for passengers. By respecting cultural nuances and Ramadan's true essence, brands can create impactful marketing campaigns that resonate with their audience in an authentic and meaningful way. The power of inclusive and meaningful content in Ramadan initiatives It is essential for brands to uphold the principle of inclusivity in their social initiatives during Ramadan by supporting charitable projects, selecting the right partners for collaborations, and integrating social agenda into their corporate communications and content. Inclusive content helps brands connect more deeply with their audience and strengthen customer loyalty. TikTok serves as a strong example of how engaging and inclusive content can benefit companies in supporting charitable initiatives and the spirit of giving back to the community. TikTok promotes an inclusive Ramadan community, which is proven by its internal research: 68 per cent of consumers actively search for diverse Ramadan content on TikTok. As a vivid example, The Children with Disability Association (CWDA), a non-profit organisation from Saudi Arabia, became an inspiring example on how social media content can draw an audience's attention to important issues and raise awareness of the work of non-profit organisations. During Ramadan 2023, the CWDA used the power of storytelling and empathy to connect with people and encourage donations through TikTok. Knowing that trust is key, they put the real heroes of their work, children, families, and dedicated staff, at the centre of their content. By using Spark Ads, every like, comment, and share helped grow their community in an authentic way. The response was incredible: in just one month, their TikTok following jumped from 488 to over 16,000, with 22 million video views. This campaign proved how meaningful, heartfelt content can inspire action, especially during Ramadan, a time when generosity and giving are at the heart of people's minds. Authentic storytelling: Social media and content strategies during Ramadan During Ramadan, brands can increase their marketing efforts, focusing on authentic storytelling — creating content that genuinely connects emotionally. Engaging video content, influencer partnerships, and live, interactive campaigns are perfect ways to capture attention and make the message feel more personal. YouTube, being one of the video platforms for online consumption during Ramadan in the Middle East, conducted deep research on video consumption in the region and found out that creator content is found to be 2x times more credible and relatable than branded content, and the creators' authenticity and relatability have a positive impact on content recall. That's why the focus of the content should be on human relationships and images of family coming together — human-centric content truly resonates during Ramadan, promoting the values of generosity, community, family traditions, and spirituality. For instance, the IKEA Ramadan campaign in the UAE, 'Togetherness Assembled,' highlighted the importance of family and togetherness during Ramadan, showing how IKEA's products help create memorable moments and meaningful connections around the Iftar table. Another strong strategy is to collaborate with local talents — artists, influencers, and niche communities — whose authenticity naturally resonates with audiences. An example is Flowwow's Ramadan campaign, where the brand partnered with Emirati artist Mariam Alobeidli to lanch a special card game, «Ramadan Moments: Heart-To-Heart Talks». The deck included 30 uniquely designed cards, with each card featuring a profound question inspired by the richness and diversity of Emirati culture, as well as the long-lasting tradition of gift-giving. The collaboration hit popularity and was featured across over 30 leading UAE media, highlighting a yearning for something meaningful that resonates with the true spirit of Ramadan. Focus on community, generosity, and meaningful experiences Hosting Iftar events is a well-established practice among brands during Ramadan, reinforcing values of generosity and community. However, to stand out, they can add cultural elements, storytelling, or interactive experiences that create deeper connections. For example, Majid Al Futtaim, the retail giant in the MENA region, organised Iftar dinners as part of their charity initiatives this year, offering meals to underprivileged communities across the UAE, while promoting their hypermarkets as community hubs during the holy month. These events not only promoted social responsibility but also created authentic, memorable experiences for customers, allowing the brands to show their commitment to the values of Ramadan beyond marketing. By promoting the true spirit of Ramadan through empathy, cultural sensitivity, and community-driven initiatives, brands can build deeper emotional connections with their audience, encouraging long-term loyalty and creating a richer customer experience. By Irina Tatarinova, Brand Director at Flowwow, a UAE-based gifting marketplace
