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The National
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Iftar of the week: Inside Burj Al Arab's first Ramadan tent
It may be one of the flagship luxury hotels in the emirate, but this is the first time that Burj Al Arab has launched a pop-up tent for Ramadan. Sitting beside the sail-shaped structure on its terrace, the sizable tent is an ideal way to soak up the hotel's charm and get a taste of its culinary offerings during the holy month. Named Al Diwan, the temporary venue is a result of a collaboration with Nakheel and Meraas, and inside awaits a buffet menu crafted by Al Iwan's – the hotel's Arabic restaurant – head chef Solayman Hasan and his team. It's always nice to drive over the bridge toward the Burj Al Arab by night as neon lights illuminate its exterior. Car whisked away by the valet, we jump in a buggy for what turns out to be a short (yet windy) journey around the corner of the lobby entrance towards the terrace, where a transparent dome stands tall. It's chilly this evening, so as we check in (and pose for a picture against the brand wall), we're handed the softest navy and cream pashmina to drape over shoulders, which is a nice touch, and in-keeping with the colour scheme. To enter the Ramadan tent, we walk through a series of archways lit up with orange-hued lights, adding a festive feel to the occasion. Of course, dishes of dates await at every table, ready for fasts to be broken. And, naturally, they are some of the finest we've tasted in a while – soft, sweet and pitted. Over at the dessert table stands a cone-shaped tower constructed of more dates, this time stuffed with different nuts and dried fruits. After a welcome Arabic coffee, we opt for hibiscus juice from the offering of traditional iftar drinks, but fizzy soft drinks are also available upon request. Now, for the main event – the extensive buffet. This evening, the special dish is the lamb ouzi, which is slow-cooked and served with oriental rice and nuts, presented in a supersized circular chafing dish. While three menus are on rotation throughout Ramadan, here's what else is served during our visit. Winding along the buffet stations, we start at the soup station, where lentil and tomato are the options. Next, we fill our plates at the fresh salads and cold mezze stations – think muhammara, avocado hummus, stuffed vine leaves, pickled turnips, ajowan prawn salad and rocca salad. Hot mezze (kept warm a bit further along at the live cooking station) includes falafel, cheese rolls, kibbeh and spinach fatayer. There is almost too much to choose from for the mains available to self-serve. Alongside the lamb, this includes Arabic-style seafood and meat barbeques, veal harees, chicken biriyani, vegetable tagine and kebab with eggplant sauce. Chefs are also at the ready to whip up a pasta dish on demand, with a range of sauces and toppings. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll agree that the best is definitely saved until last. We pick treats from the busy dessert table, which featured a mountain of macarons, plates of cookies and a basbousa cake to one side. Popular desserts from Arab cuisine, including luqaimat, cheese kunafa and inventive baklava bites were also on offer. The fresh waffle and ice cream stations were a nice theatrical touch. This is a space where one can take their time for iftar. It's easy to forget it's a temporary set-up as we scan the venue to see lantern chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, decorative crescent moon displays, lit-up gold archways, rich navy carpets and decorative round tables big enough to seat whole families. Although smaller tables are available for a more intimate dining experience, we join a welcoming round table in the centre of the room and chat with fellow diners. Throughout the evening, gentle live performances from kanoon and oud musicians add to the ambience without overwhelming the evening of chat and laughter with loved ones. As we arrive a little late, it's already dark when we're seated. But with the clear dome overlooking the waters, one imagines it's a memorable viewing spot to countdown to sunset throughout the holy month. Iftar at Al Diwan is priced Dh360 per person and served daily from sunset until 8.30pm. Suhoor, priced at Dh260 per person, is available from 10pm to 1am on weekdays and 10pm to 2am on weekends. This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel. Call 04 301 7333 for reservations
The National
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Impressive Ramadan tents in the UAE, from Burj Al Arab's first to Emirates Palace's new majlis
Every year during the holy month, Ramadan tents add an element of festivity to iftar time. In addition to the wide variety of dishes served, here in the UAE, these purpose-built venues can be visual and architectural marvels. This year, these are some of the striking tents to visit around the emirates. By far one of the most famous iftar and suhoor destination in the UAE, Asateer Tent is back bigger than ever, this year including a new garden by the terrace. Set on a patch overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Palm Island, with a backdrop of Dubai's stunning skyline, this expansive tent features a modern decor with unique traditional Arabian touches. Up to 1,730 guests can dine each night with both indoor and outdoor dining options. Those looking for a bit of exclusivity can choose either the Royal Majlis or the VIP Majlis, which seat up to 20 or 14 guests respectively. Helmed by Atlantis Dubai's executive Arabic chef Ali El Bourji, the international buffet will feature a rotating theme each night for iftar, showcasing Arabic, Khaleeji, Persian and Turkish cuisine. For suhoor, visitors can expect live entertainment alongside a curated menu. Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and priced at Dh285 per person on weekdays and Dh310 per person on weekends; suhoor is served from 10pm until 2.30am, with a minimum spend of Dh180 per person; Royal Majlis and VIP Majlis are charged separately; a smart casual dress code is enforced; Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai; 04 426 0800 The luxury desert destination has launched a Ramadan experience at its stunning camp, which has been transformed into an authentic Arabian spice market. Guests can book for iftar or suhoor seating and enjoy their meals amidst striking dunes in a specially designed setting. On the menu for iftar are a selection of Middle Eastern and international dishes, including live food stations, regional clay pot specialties such as fish sayadieh, tajines, curries and slow cooked spit roast lamb. After breaking their fast, guests can also go on camel rides and enjoy a falcon show as live oud players entertain. Suhoor entertainment includes a fire show as guests relax in the lounges and enjoy shisha and tea. The camp is also fully equipped with prayer tents for both men and women. Iftar is served from 5.30pm until 9pm and is priced at Dh590 for adults and Dh250 for children; suhoor is served from 9pm until midnight; Nara Desert Escape, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve; 050 336 7909 Iftar and suhoor at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab's first Ramadan tent is meant to be as memorable as visiting the Dubai landmark. With a menu designed by Solayman Hasan, the head chef of Al Iwan, the lavish spread includes live cooking stations, as well as elevated traditional Ramadan dishes for iftar. Three menus will be rotated throughout the holy month, with a separately designed suhoor menu. Guests will be entertained by live music every evening. Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and priced at Dh360 per person; suhoor is available from 10pm until 1am on weekdays or until 2am on weekends and priced at Dh260 per person; Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai; 04 301 7333 Another UAE Ramadan staple, The Majlis by the Sea moves to a new location on the grounds of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental this year. The massive tent will feature pop-ups from the hotel's top restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida and Hakkasan Abu Dhabi. There will also be catering from their signature Indian restaurant Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi and Japanese Warayaki from Strawfire. The tent also features a Kids Palace, which includes iftar movie nights, Ramadan crafts and team-building games. Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and priced at Dh355 per person; suhoor is served from 10pm until 2am featuring an a la carte menu with an average spend of Dh200 per person; Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi; 02 690 9000 Spread across 1,600 square metres and making its debut this Ramadan, Alsimrah is the largest tent in Sharjah, according to developer Arada. Located within the sprawling 2.2 square kilometre megaproject Aljada site close to the airport, the tent will offer a mix of Emirati and international delicacies for iftar and suhoor. For those who want a bit of exclusivity, a VIP Majlis with a set menu for a minimum of 15 guests is available. Entertainment and activities include storytelling sessions for kids, Arabic calligraphy and henna work as well as live oud and qanun performances. Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and is priced at Dh195 per person; suhoor is served from 9.30pm until 2am and is a la carte, with a minimum spend of Dh80 per person; Aljada, Sharjah; 04 702 0600
FACT
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Burj Al Arab unveils Al Diwan, its first-ever Ramadan tent
Ramadan is just around the corner, meaning Dubai's most beloved restaurants are gearing up to host iftars and suhoors at their Ramadan tents. Residents and the FACT team already have their favourites, but this year, there's an exciting new addition to the scene. Burj Al Arab is stepping into the spotlight with its first-ever Ramadan tent, Al Diwan. Set against the sail-shaped silhouette of the iconic Burj Al Arab, Al Diwan invites you to enjoy Ramadan under the stars. Celebrating the traditions of the Holy Month with elegance and a feast of Ramadan favourites, this experience is guaranteed to result in a memorable meal. The Ramadan menu at Al Diwan is curated by Chef Solayman Hasan, the Head Chef of Al Iwan restaurant located within Burj Al Arab. Along with his team, his creations promise a contemporary twist on Ramadan classics while keeping the essence of traditional Arabic flavours alive. For iftar, Al Diwan at Burj Al Arab will offer three distinct rotating menus, ensuring that each visit provides a fresh experience. Expect Chicken Biryani, Chicken Laban Emmo, Veal Harees, Vegetable Tagine and the ever-popula Batata Harra. Live cooking stations serving Shawarmas and Seafood Barbecues will also be on site. For suhoor, Al Diwan's family-style dining setup is perfect for enjoying time with loved ones. The menu features Grilled King Prawns, Lamb Ouzi with Oriental Rice and nuts, and a wide selection of beverages and Arabic coffee to make your experience as authentic as possible. Beyond food, Al Diwan promises to engulf you in the aroma of bakhoor and live performances from a kanoon and an oud musician, making this Ramadan tent one to remember. Iftar will be available daily at Burj Al Arab during Ramadan, from sunset to 8.30pm, and is priced at AED 360 per person. Suhoor will be available from 10pm to 1am on weekdays, and until 2am on weekends, priced at AED 260 per person. GO: Visit for more information.
