Outdoor iftars are popular, but these ones are worth checking out
Why not make the most of the beautiful weather with outdoor iftars in Dubai, it’s the season after all. Break your fast under the night sky, either by the waters edge, under the Burj Khalifa, in the desert or even next to a huge ship. The choice really is yours.. See the master list here too.
Armani/Amal
Nestled within the iconic Armani Hotel Dubai and Burj Khalifa on the third floor, and framed by panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Fountain, Armani/Amal offers an opulent setting bringing authentic Indian flavours with contemporary flair in true Armani fashion. Enjoy a four-course iftar of both Indian and Middle Eastern flavours.
Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, sunset to 9pm, Dhs375. Tel: (0)4 888 3666. armanihotels.com
Atlantis, The Palm
The quintessential iftar event returns to Atlantis, The Palm’s renowned Asateer Tent. In addition to the elegant yet modern look and feel of the ambience and décor, diners can enjoy a fusion buffet featuring various theme nights, including international, Arabesque, Khaleeji, Persian, and Turkish cuisine. There are a variety of seating arrangements, including a Royal Majlis, four VIP Majlis areas, as well as booth seating and 120 dining tables.
Atlantis, The Palm, sunset to 8pm, Dhs295 (Mon to Thur), Dhs325 (Fri to Sun). Tel: (0)4 426 0800. @atlantisthepalm
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Arguably one of the most captivating ways to spend Ramadan would be enjoying iftar at Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams. Guests experience an authentic Arabian feast alongside mesmerising live performances inspired by the region’s rich heritage. As the night unfolds, visitors can meander through a colourful souk, before a very special show commences, which features dancers, musicians, falconers, camel and horse riders to bring the soul of Arabian heritage alive.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, from 6.30pm, Dhs449, Dhs275 aged four to 11. Tel: (0)4 809 6194. @babalshamshotel
Blue Door
If an Anatolian and Levantine iftar is what you’re after, you can find it at Blue Door, inside Delano Dubai. Their Iftar menu invites you to enjoy a sharing menu under the stars of soup, platters, mezze and live stations featuring Anatolian classics like adana kebab and sis tavuk infused with aromatic spices. For dessert, Turkish twists like pistachio baklava and sekerpare (syrup-drenched semolina cookies).
Delano Dubai, Bluewaters, sunset to 9.30pm, Dhs280 adults, Dhs140 children. Tel: (0)4 556 6455. delanodubai.com
Emirates Golf Club
Amidst meticulously curated Lawn and Pavilion settings, the Royal Iftar at Emirates Golf Club has long been a favourite in the city. Priced at Dhs295 per person, this royal experience invites you to indulge in a delightful array of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, perfectly complemented by the backdrop of Dubai’s skyline and the lush greenery of the golf course.
Emirates Golf Club, sunset to 9pm, Dhs295, Dhs95 children five to 12 years. dubaigolf.com/ramadan
Fairmont The Palm
The beloved Ramadan pop-up in Fairmont’s pretty Fairuz garden returns, and it’s a stunning alfresco setting for iftar. Adorned in the hues of the season, a variety of seating options are available for guests to relax as they enjoy an open buffet and live music. Flavourful stations feature Middle Eastern and international dishes of seafood, poultry and vegetarian staples.
Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, sunset to 9pm, Dhs315, Dhs125 children aged six. Tel: (0)4 457 3457. fairmont.com/palm-dubai
Four Seasons Resort Dubai
Recreating the grandeur of historic gatherings that defined Islamic culture through time, The Majlis at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is a beautiful Ramadan pop-up that will serve iftar and suhoor daily in the resort’s event garden. Laced with a contemporary touch, dine under the warm lights of this grand open-air majlis, on a buffet featuring dishes like lentil soup, crispy kibbeh and smoky baba ghanoush to start, followed by options like lamb ouzi and the barbecue mixed grill. For dessert, an indulgent spread concludes the evening on a sweet note.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, sunset to 9pm, Dhs410, Dhs225 children six to 12. Tel: (0)4 270 7777. @fsdubai
Jumeirah Al Qasr
A stunning iftar within the palatial walls of Jumeirah Al Qasr, this experience features a generous buffet international and regional dishes, live grill station, and a serene setting designed for relaxed Ramadan evenings.
Jumeirah Al Qasr, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs320, Dhs160 for children four to 11. Tel: (800) 323 232. jumeirah.com
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Returning this year is the stunning Ramadan Garden overlooking scenic views of the Arabian Gulf and iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Discover an array of live stations serving up mouth-watering dishes inspired by the traditions of the Middle East, further elevated with traditional tunes from the live qanun and oud player. There’s a dedicated kids’ area too.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, 6pm to 8.30pm, Dhs350, Dhs200 children aged four to 11. Tel: (800) 323 232. jumeirah.com
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
An iftar beneath the iconic sail, Al Diwan returns this year with an elevated experience, diners can savour a lavish iftar buffet with Arabic classics and international delights, live stations and fabulous evening entertainment
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs450, Dhs225 for children four to 11. Tel: (800) 323 232. jumeirah.com
Nara
The sand-hued and oh-so-aesthetic Nara Desert Camp takes on a special Ramadan theme for the Holy Month. The camp will transform into an Arabian spice market, with guests treated to live food stations serving Middle Eastern classics as well as some international dishes. All the best bits of the desert camp remain, including camel rides, a falcon show, and live music. After iftar, relax in the lounge with Arabic coffee, and order shisha a la carte. Shuttles to and from Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve are also included.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, 5.30pm to 9pm, Dhs490, Dhs210 children aged six to 12. Tel: (0)50 336 7909. nara.ae
Park Hyatt Dubai
The Palm Garden is the perfect place for iftar at Park Hyatt Dubai and you’ll be transported to another world as you walk down the outdoor stairs. Enjoy the buffet that includes a dedicated salad bar, cold station, cheese table, soup station along with main courses from around the world.
Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek, sunset to 9pm, Dhs335. Tel: (0)4 246 6777. paramounthotelsdubai.com
Queen Elizabeth 2
Hop aboard the QE2 and enjoy iftar under the stars within the dedicated Majlis setting, where the culinary team has prepared a buffet featuring a range of regional delights, including lamb ouzi with oriental rice.
Port Rashid, 6.30pm to 8pm, Dhs285, Dhs90 children six to 11 years. Tel: (0)4 526 8040. @qe2dubai
Sunset 55
Ramadan evenings at Sunset 55 bring families and friends together for a Turkish-inspired iftar by the sea. Shared mezze platters open the experience, followed by live grill stations and traditional Turkish counters offering hot dishes and desserts. Arabic coffee, and dates complete a setting designed for meaningful gatherings in an open-air coastal atmosphere.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, sunset to 9pm, Dhs298, Dhs149 children six to 12. Tel: (0)4 818 2222. @sunset55_dubai
Vida Dubai Mall
Set on Vida Dubai Mall’s Banquet Terrace, the experience pairs live cooking stations and rich Arabic flavours with Burj Khalifa views that glow just as the call to prayer echoes across Downtown. This iftar will also be paired with soft Oud music, adding to the easygoing terrace atmosphere.
Vida Dubai Mall 6.30pm to 10pm, Dhs215, Dhs108 children aged six to 12. Tel: (0)4 549 8888. vidahotels.com
