1. Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Dubai’s wave-shaped hotel has a Ramadan Garden overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the distinct sail-shaped landmark, Burj Al Arab. Choose what you eat from an array of live cooking stations serving all manner of dishes inspired by Middle Eastern traditions, while live music is performed care of a qanun and oud player. There’s also a children’s play area, with activities including arts and crafts, face painting, football and an outdoor cinema.
When: Until 9pm
Address: Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, UAE
2. Madinat Jumeirah Al Majlis
Madinat Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions and every Ramadan it transforms its arena area into a majlis befitting the occasion. A buffet spread for iftar features classic mezze dishes, freshly baked breads, plus Middle Eastern mains and international staples. On the 10th day of Ramadan, a specially created outdoor VIP lounge, called the Ramadan Nights Garden, will also pop up, with various packages available to book.
When: Until 8.30pm
Address: Madinat Arena Building Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah St, Dubai, UAE
3. Expo City
One of Dubai’s newest neighbourhoods hosts the city’s most activity-packed schedule during the Holy Month. Hai Ramadan takes place throughout the sprawling district which was host to Expo 2020 Dubai. See the cannon go off each evening, an ancient Arab tradition where a single shot is fired at sunset to announce iftar, then enjoy the main festivities in Al Wasl Plaza, where a series of specially created immersive projections play throughout the night and workshops, games and live performances are put on for the kids. There is also a festive souq and more than 20 outlets and food carts to choose from for your evening meal, and a special iftar at the Surreal water feature.
When: Until midnight
Address: Expo City Dubai
4. Atlantis, The Palm
It’s the glittering skyline views that stand out at Atlantis, The Palm’s famous Asateer Tent, which is set up every year to celebrate Ramadan. In 2024, it’s bigger than ever, with traditional décor in contemporary style and a fusion buffet for iftar with daily rotating themes. These include dishes from the Gulf and Turkey, as well as Middle Eastern, international and Persian cuisines, from Jordanian lamb mansaf to a western carving station and regional favourite sweet treat, kunafa. The seafront setting has indoor and outdoor seating, with capacity for up to 1,400 guests per night, lending it a buzzing vibe.
When: Until 8.30pm ,
Address: Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
5. Dubai World Trade Centre
One of the largest, longest-running Ramadan majlises is found at the Dubai World Trade Centre building on Sheikh Zayed Road. This vast space offers three dedicated areas for iftar and suhoor (the late-evening meal during Ramadan), with the added bonus of prayer rooms and a kids’ play area. A buffet of traditional Ramadan dishes is served, alongside live cooking stations with international selections, from pasta made to order and freshly rolled sushi. There’s also a dedicated Emirati section, where guests can sample local cuisine, including the chefs’ signature date toffee pudding.
When: From 6pm onwards
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Centre, Trade Centre 2, Dubai, UAE
6. The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai
The Middle East’s first Dorchester Collection hotel is hosting its first Ramadan weeks after opening its doors. For iftar and suhoor, the team has transformed The Lana’s ballroom into a resplendent space, with traditional yet refined décor befitting the atmosphere. Sit indoors or on the outdoor terrace to enjoy tunes from the traditional qanun player, and explore Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian and Italian cuisine across the buffet for iftar. This includes hot and cold mezze to a seafood bar and charcuterie station. You’ll also find chefs whipping up falafel, pasta and kunafa made to order, plus a range of signature dishes specially created by the hotel’s restaurants.
When: Until 8.30pm
Address: Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
7. Bab Al Shams
For a truly Arabian experience, book a place at Dubai’s longest-running desert resort. The property, which reopened last year as the world’s first from Kerzner International’s Rare Finds Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a range of activities for Ramadan, including an iftar at Al Hadheerah. The self-described “Arabian theatre” offers a unique open-air dining experience with live entertainment deeply rooted in UAE heritage. Expect a vast spread of traditional dishes accompanied by a theatrical display of dancers and musicians, as well as falconers and horse riders. The resort also has a souq to explore with stalls selling everything from handmade carpets to camel-wool pashminas.
When: Until 10pm
Address: Al Qudra Road, opposite Endurance City, Dubai, UAE
8. The Guild
The Guild marks its first Ramadan with an iftar menu that combines classic European cooking techniques with Arabian flair. This homegrown restaurant, inspired by the world’s bustling brasseries, is split into various sections. During Ramadan, choose to enjoy the iftar set menu in seafood haven The Rockpool or The Salon, a tribute to the grand dining rooms of Europe and New York. Standout dishes include the porcini mushroom velouté with aged Parmesan, seafood risotto with crispy prawns and Australian mussels, and a spiced lamb shoulder with smoked aubergine puree. Round off the evening with a saffron milk cake or baklava with rose ice cream.
When: Until 8pm
Address: ICD Brookfield Place, Trade Centre, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
