From traditional buffet spreads to special set menus, here’s where you can get a taste of this unique Ramadan experience in Abu Dhabi…

Ramadan is nearly upon us. It’s a time when friends and families often gather together for meals, and many hotels and restaurants across the capital put on a special feast for the occasion.

For those of you who are unaware, “iftar” is the meal served at sunset to break the long day of fasting (the word literally means “break fast”), while “suhoor” is officially the pre-dawn meal consumed by fasters just before the sun appears.

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

99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant

The award-winning restaurant is going all out this Ramadan with a whopping 10-course menu of signature favourites and culinary classics for just Dhs199. The menu will be available for guests throughout iftar and suhoor.

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, sunset to 9pm and 10.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs199. Tel: (02) 6723333. @thegalleriaUAE

Aloft Abu Dhabi

Dine is hosting an iftar buffet at Aloft for a steal at Dhs99, while guests can also suhoor under the stars at Mai Café for Dhs130 (set menu and shisha).

Aloft Abu Dhabi, sunset, Dhs99. Tel: (02) 6545193. facebook.com/AloftAbuDhabi

Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

For the first time, iftar will be served at 165 Below Art Gallery where Emirati-inspired art will be on display while guests enjoy a feast of salads, soups, hot dishes, live stations, and more.

Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, sunset to 9.30pm, Dhs195. Discounts for children. Tel: (02) 5961441. hyatt.com

Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences

Al Tasamoh tent is one of the largest Ramadan tents in the city famed for its glassed tile floor and Arabesque décor. The gourmet iftar buffet features an assortment of authentic and traditional Arabic and international delicacies complete with live cooking stations, Arabic sweets and desserts including freshly baked kunafa.

Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences, sunset to 9pm, Dhs180 (iftar), Dhs100 minimum spend (suhOor). Tel: (02) 2053026. babalqasr.com

 Barfly

Try an Asian fusion four course iftar at Barfly this Ramadan. Or suhoor with shisha from 9pm to 2am.

Venetian Village, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs190. Tel: (056) 9968845. venetianvillage.ae

 Basiligo

If you don’t want to worry about blowing it at the buffet, Basiligo, the healthy delivery and cafe in Reem Island’s Boutik Mall, is offering a special iftar meal plan starting at Dhs99. The company caters to a number of diets, including Paleo and Keto and also offerS an Emirati-style healthy biryani platter, with the choice of quinoa, white or brown rice.

Basiligo, Boutik Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs99. sunset to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6789782 basiligo.ae

Beach Rotana

An authentic iftar buffet at Essence restaurant with mezze, salads, Arabic dishes and a selection of intercontinental specialities. There’s also buy one, get one iftar deal for the first five days of Ramadan (max eight guests).

Beach Rotana, Dhs230, Dhs200 per person for groups of 10 guests or more. Discounts for children. Tel: (02) 6979011. rotana.com

Byblos Sur Mer

Gather around the iftar table surrounded by the beautiful view of the marina at Byblos’ Ramadan tent. The menu includes 20 cold and hot mezze, Ramadan juices plus the daily grill and the special dish of the day. Meanwhile the suhoor set menu costs Dhs95 per person.

Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8.30pm (iftar), 9.30pm to 3am (suhoor), Dhs250 (iftar). Tel: (800) 423463. icad.ae

Centro Capital Centre

Enjoy hot and cold mezze, live cooking stations and a wide array of main courses and desserts with unlimited Ramadan drinks at c.taste.

Centro Capital Centre, sunset, Dhs135. Tel: (02) 4096512. rotana.com 

Chamas

Iftar Brazilian style with 16 cuts of meat and a rich salad buffet, plus a selection of Ramadan mocktails.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs318. Tel: (800) 423463. icad.ae

Cho Gao Marina Walk

Cho Gao Iftar set menu includes pan-Asian dishes such as wasabi prawns, chicken percik and wok tossed green vegetables for Dhs250.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, sunset to 10pm, Dhs250. Tel: (800) 423463. icad.ae

Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi

Traditional Lebanese cold mezze, seafood tagine with Moroccan spices and lamb mansaf are just some of the highlights at the special iftar buffet at all-day dining Bistro restaurant.

Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, sunset, Dhs170. Discounts for children. diningatcourtyardmarriottabudhabi.com

Coya

Diners visiting this What’s On Award-winning restaurant for iftar will be treated to quintessentially Peruvian creations with a twist, including Charentais melon soup, seabass croquettes, chicken tacos, spicy short rib, salmon fillet and more.

The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs199. Tel: (02) 3067000. coyarestaurant.com/abu-dhabi

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Live oud performances, traditional Arabic and international dishes combine to create an authentic iftar at all-day dining restaurant Jing Asia. Suhoor comes in the form of a set menu and is available from 8pm to 2am on weekdays and 8pm to 3am on weekends.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, sunset to 11pm, Dhs170. Tel: (02) 6563055. ihg.com

Danat Al Ain Resort

Arabesque Restaurant hosts an iftar buffet with Arabic drinks for Dhs109 on weekdays and Dhs125 on weekends. Meanwhile,
suhoor takes place at Blue Oasis Café.

Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Dhs109 (weekdays), Dhs125 (weekends), sunset. Tel: (03) 7046000. alain.danathotels.com

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Iftar doesn’t have to be a big deal, but it should be delicious. Pop into the authentic Texas eatery Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Yas Mall – the first international outlet – for a special meal deal. Dickey’s iftar menu includes three dates, soup, a two-meat platter with two sides of your choice (the BBQ beans and mac n cheese are tops) and a bottle of water.

Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Daily from iftar to 2am in-store and through Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Carriage. dickeys.com

Emirates Bio Farm

Offering a Ramadan experience unlike any other, at Emirates Bio Farm in Al Ain, expect an extensive field to plate menu of same-day harvested organic produce coming straight from our farm. They will also be offering locally sourced Bedouin style lamb slow cooked in an earthen oven for over five hours. Iftar on the farm is held every Friday during Ramadan only.

Al Shuwaib, Al Ain, sunset, Dhs180 (including a farm tour), Dhs80 for children. Tel: (03) 7838422. emiratesbiofarm.com

Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace’s custom-built Ramadan pavilion sits on the Palace Terrace with epic views of the beach. Signature dishes and traditional delicacies will be offered in a huge buffet every night for iftar where live cooking and carving stations take centre stage. There’s also a special a la carte suhoor menu available until 2am.

Emirates Palace, sunset, Dhs295 (iftar). Tel: (02) 6907999. emiratespalace.ae

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

The glimmering gold features of Al Andalus Tent is the setting for iftar and suhoor at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. Expect an extensive iftar buffet inside a luxurious tent that can comfortably accommodate up to 500 guests.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, sunset to 9pm, Dhs235. Tel: (02) 6543238. fairmont.com

Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel

A bespoke menu of traditional dishes with a live music performance. Alternatively, enjoy a suhoor buffet 390ft high at Sky Lounge Thirty-One with live cooking stations, shisha and live entertainment for Dhs120 from 8.30pm to 2am.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel, sunset, Dhs190. Discounts for children. Tel: (02) 4953890. millenniumhotels.com

Hakkasan

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi is serving a four-course set menu of fresh, wholesome and appetizing Chinese delicacies. From its signature Peking duck to a selection of curated dishes, this is certainly an alternative way to break fast.

Emirates Palace, 7pm to 8pm, Dhs228. Tel: (02) 6907739. emiratespalace.ae

Hilton Capital Grand

Chef Vassilis Sigoilakis and his team have created a special iftar buffet of Middle Eastern cuisine featuring slow roasted lamb ouzi. Guests will dine inside the impressive Umsyat tent complete with music, large TV screens and various games available.

Hilton Capital Grand, sunset, Dhs190. Tel: (02) 6170000. hilton.com

Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa

Break your fast during the holy month with an iftar buffet in the bright and spacious Bait Al Hanine, an area designed to bring families, friends and colleagues together. Dishes are prepared in big open-style kitchens showcasing charcoal kebab grills and a traditional saj oven.

Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa, sunset, Dhs185. Discounts for children. Tel: (02) 2044444. jumeirah.com

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

An authentic iftar buffet overlooking the hotel pool in the bright and lively eatery Rosewater. This expansive iftar features juicy mixed grills served with all your Arabic favourites and traditional beverages, served to the soothing sounds of a live oud.

Rosewater, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. Dhs220, sunset to 8.30pm. Tel: (02) 8115666. jumeirah.com

Kahraman

Break your fast with traditional Arabic delicacies and unlimited Ramadan juices, soft drinks and water.

Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, sunset to 10pm, Dhs115. Tel: (02) 8184888. tsogosun.com

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

Head for Khaymetna, the popular Ramadan tent at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana for an iftar buffet with live cooking stations and dedicated desserts counter. A suhoor a la carte menu is also available alongside a live oud performance, shisha, backgammon and more.

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, sunset to 9pm, Dhs170, 9.30pm to 2.30am (suhoor). Tel: (02) 6570152. rotana.com

La Brasserie

Go French for iftar with a three-course meal at La Brasserie featuring crispy goat cheese pastille, niçoise salad, and grilled honey glazed chicken for Dhs160.

Venetian Village, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs160. Tel: (056) 9968845. venetianvillage.ae

La Petite Maison

Sample a variety of starters including green lentils, quinoa salad, and calamari, followed by main course dishes such as grilled sirloin, grilled lamb cutlets, and finish off with cheesecake or warm chocolate mousse with malt ice cream or pistachio cake.

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, 6.45pm to 8pm, Dhs240. Tel: (02) 6929600. lpmrestaurants.com

Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi

Head to Layali El Hilmiya at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi for iftar with interactive cooking stations, food trucks, traditional favourites and live entertainment. Special set menus are available at suhoor from Dhs75. There’s a 2-for-1 deal on shisha until May 10.

Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs180. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

Latest Recipe

It’s buy two iftars get one free at Latest Recipe where the buffet features Middle Eastern favourites such as baba ghanoush, stuffed vine leaves, red lentil soup and fried pita bread, meat kibbeh, lamb ouzi and more. Extend your evening with shisha in the garden-like atmosphere at The Village.

The Village at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, sunset to 11pm, Dhs169. Tel: (02) 6446666. thevillageatlemeridienabudhabi.com

Market at Edition

A traditional iftar with a contemporary touch at The Abu Dhabi Edition, featuring live cooking and carving stations, flavours of the Middle East, sushi selections, traditional sweets and pastries, and freshly-squeezed juices.

The Abu Dhabi Edition, sunset to 9.30pm, Dhs180. Tel: (02) 2080000. editionhotels.com

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Celebrate Ramadan with a traditional iftar buffet at Khayal, including Arabic flavours and an international spread for Dhs210 and Dhs90 for children (6-12 years). Alternatively, head to The Grill for a special four-course set menu for Dhs300.

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 9.30pm (Khayal), sunset to 11pm (The Grill). Tel: (02) 2014131. marriott.com

Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

Celebrate the spirit of Ramadan with family and friends at Kuzbara where authentic Arabic dishes and a variety of international options are available. Meanwhile suhoor takes place at AT25 by the pool with a special a la carte menu.

Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, sunset to 9.30pm, Dhs190. Tel: (02) 3047777. marriott.com

Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate Hotel

The hotel is hosting an iftar buffet in the lobby of the hotel for Dhs139.

Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate Hotel, sunset, Dhs139. Tel: (050) 6341157. accorhotels.com

Pearl Rotana

International and Middle Eastern inspired specialities including a shawarma cutting station, ouzi and Arabic specialties as well as an array of sweet desserts. On the Thursday and Friday iftars, My First Gym will entertain children. Guests will also be enrolled into a raffle for a chance to win a weekend stay and flights to Beirut.

Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, sunset, Dhs165. Tel: (02) 3075591. rotana.com

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche

Lamb ouzi, harees and malfouf, plus indulgent desserts such as kunafa and baklava are the stars of the show at The Radisson Blu Corniche Tent.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, sunset to 9pm, Dhs169. Tel: (02) 6811900. radissonblu.com

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain

Flavours restaurant hosts iftar where you’ll find mezze, family favourite soups, lamb ouzi, fish sayadyeh and more. Suhoor also takes place at Flavours for Dhs60.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain, sunset to 10.30pm, Dhs120. Tel: (03) 7686666. radissonblu.com

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Opening its door at sunset, the Iftar buffet at Giornotte features Arabian family recipes, delicious Ramadan drinks and live cooking stations. A traditional Qanun player sets an authentic Arabian ambiance. Suhoor takes place at Mijana with an a la carte menu and shisha is available.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, sunset to 9pm, Dhs235. Tel: (02) 8188282. ritzcarlton.com

Rixos Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi’s first all-inclusive, all-exclusive luxury resort celebrates its first Ramadan with a fusion of Turkish and Arabic buffet coupled with live cooking stations.

Turquoise, Rixos Saadiyat Island, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs260. Tel: (02) 4922222. saadiyatisland.rixos.com

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

One of the most picturesque iftar locations in the city can be found at Rosewood Abu Dhabi in the Sambusek Tent, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and featuring the oud duo Khalid & Razan. While it is open to the public nightly, the tent can also be booked for private events and is capable of hosting up to 400 people.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Dhs205 during the first week, Dhs240 thereafter, sunset. Tel: (02) 8135550 rosewoodhotels.com

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

The resort hosts a special market iftar withint Sim Sim restaurant where live stations showcase over 100 dishes from around the world. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients and flavours. For the little ones, Market iftar hosts arts, crafts and educational activities that celebrate Emirati culture.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, sunset to 10pm, Dhs199. Discounts for children. Tel: (02) 6970000. rotana.com

Sanderson’s

Sanderson’s will be open daily from iftar until 2am, serving their full mood-food menu. But the chefs are using Ramadan as a time to get creative by offering an assortment of delicious cakes, éclairs and croissants not regularly on the menu. Tuck into chocolate, mixed nut and date kunafa cake and Basboussa cheesecake, or choose from whipped pistachio, nutella or red velvet kunafa éclairs, date-stuffed Loqaimat croquembouche and mouth-watering orange and pistachio yoghurt puddings. Sanderson’s special Ramadan desserts will be available to purchase for the family to enjoy at home or in single servings.

Sanderson’s, The Walk at Al Seef Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi. Daily from iftar to 2am. Tel: (02) 2221142 wearesandersons.com

Shangri-la Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

The Grand Iftar Buffet features a Ramadan ‘old bazaar’ brimming with dates, raw nuts, dried fruits and a baklava tower. At
Sofra, the focus on Emirati cuisine and culture is reflected in the soups, sweets and special Ramadan stations. The dishes offered range from the desert to the sea, including slow roasted camel, grilled goat and prawns, seabream and red snapper. Save room for Madluka pistachio with astha cream.

Sofra bld, the Shangri-la Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Dhs250. Discounts for children, sunset to 8pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

Sheraton Abu Dhabi

Sheraton Abu Dhabi will be welcoming diners to the main restaurant, Flavors during Ramadan. The hotel’s iftar buffet features classic Middle Eastern favourites and a few surprises. The buffet will also feature Asian and Indian delicacies as well as a variety of carving stations with roasted chicken, turkey, beef brisket, lamb leg, beef short ribs and salmon.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, sunset to 9pm, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 6970224. sheratonabudhabi.com

St Regis

Break fast with an iftar buffet at The Terrace on the Corniche that explores cuisine from across the region, with live cooking stations, authentic dishes and traditional flavours. Then suhoor with shisha and a set menu at Azura Panoramic Lounge.

The St Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Tower, Corniche, sunset to 11pm, Dhs235. Tel: (02) 6944553. stregis.com

Tean

Experience an evening of authentic Lebanese cuisine just steps away from the sea.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, sunset, Dhs195. Tel: (02) 8114342. jumeirah.com

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