Each week this Ramadan, we’ll shine the light on three must-try iftars happening across the city…

During Ramadan, “iftar” is the meal served at sunset to break the long day of fasting (the word literally means “break fast”). Friends and families often gather together for this meal, and many hotels and restaurants across Dubai put on a special feast for the occasion.

Even if you’re not fasting, anyone is welcome to come along and experience iftar. In fact, it’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the holy month.

Throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting three iftars to try on a weekly basis. But if you’re hungry for more, you can check out our guide to 86 iftars in Dubai.

Here are three iftars to check out this weekend. 

Dhs110: Common Grounds

This healthy cafe is hosting the city’s first ever vegan iftar, with a packed three course a la carte menu including innovative dishes like the vegan mushroom and chia burger, and vegan bread and butter pudding with tonka ice cream.

Common Grounds, Mall of the Emirates, daily from sunset, Dhs110. Tel: (050) 478 1094. facebook.com/commongroundsdubai

Dhs185: Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding

Open Doors, Open Minds’ is SMCCU’s motto, and where better to get a true taste of the Holy Month? Held in the courtyard of a wind tower in Al Fahidi Historic District, your Emirati hosts will happily answer all your Ramadan questions once the fast is broken. A must-do for every Dubai resident, there is also a children’s club this year.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding, Musallah Road, Bastakiya, daily from 6.30pm. Tel: (04) 353 6666. cultures.ae

Dhs250: Scalini

Serving up fine dining Italian fare to break your fast is Mayfair export Scalini. The contemporary new spot in the Jumeirah restaurant village has both indoor and outdoor seating, dimly lit with twinkly fairy lights outside, and cosy candlelight indoors. The six course sharing menu starts with dates and breads, followed by an antipasti, a soup course, a dedicated pasta course that serves up a top-notch truffle ribbon pasta with veal ragu before a selection of mains and dessert finish things off. It’s a fantastic selection of top quality dishes, and served in just-right portion sizes.

Scalini, Jumeirah Restaurant Village, daily sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs250. Tel: 04 349 0068. scalini-dubai.com 

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