From majestic majlis to bombastic buffets.
With an endless list of restaurants and majlis to frequent this Ramadan, team FACT has come to the rescue. The FACT team have scoured the country for the best iftars, so you don’t have to. Read on for our personal picks of eight of the best spots for iftar this Ramadan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Atlantis, The Palm
Visiting Atlantis, The Palm’s Asateer Tent has become a Ramadan tradition for me. The iftar is an epic experience and should be added to every Dubai bucket list. The sprawling site includes 1,400 seats, yet everything runs as smoothly as jallab juice. This year, we were seated outside for the first time, and the dazzling décor boasted bright arches and hanging lanterns. At the live cooking station, every cuisine is covered with biriyanis, pastas and noodles. Each night, there is a different theme: Monday is Arabesque, Tuesday is Turkish, Wednesday is Persian, Thursday is Khaleeji, and Friday to Sunday is traditional. Go on, start a new tradition. Available daily from sunset. AED 285 per person on weekdays and AED 310 per person on weekends. – Kohinoor Sahota, Deputy Editor.
Expo City Dubai
Each year, Expo City Dubai unveils a lavish iftar — coinciding with its Ramadan festival, Hai Ramadan. This year marked the third edition of the event, with the iftar taking place under the grand Wasl Dome. Kicking off the time to break your fast with a cannon, the Expo City Dubai iftar features a selection of Ramadan classics to choose from. Fatayer, samosas, falafel, and many others were part of the buffet. Mains such as lamb ouzi, butter chicken, and mixed grills were on the agenda, too, along with a free-flowing service of Ramadan drinks. For desserts, an ice cream station ensured that the little ones were entertained, whereas adults indulged in the likes of maqamat and Umm Ali. Plus with projections, a live performance by Rashid and Latifa — Expo City Dubai’s mascots — and much more, this is one iftar you don’t want to miss. And once you’re done, don’t forget to explore the Hai Ramadan zone, which features henna art, arts and crafts stations and retail outlets. Available daily, from sunset to 8pm. AED 260 per person.– Shaheera Anwar, Staff Writer.
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Ramadan tents are a tradition in the UAE. But if you’re looking for a lavish iftar within a calm and serene setting with a little less commotion, then Layali Al Qamar in Jumeirah Golf Estates is where you ought to be. Located within the confines of this residential and golfing community, Layali Al Qamar promises a beautiful outdoor venue where you can break your fast under the stars and the twinkling Ramadan decor. With a wide selection of options to choose from — especially an expansive salad section — Jumeirah Golf Estates ensures that your iftar starts on a healthy note. With the likes of samosa, fatayer, king prawns, butter chicken, shawarma, lamb ouzi and many other Middle Eastern delights, this spread is as delicious as it gets. Available throughout Ramadan, except Mondays, from sunset to 9pm. AED 150 (adults) and AED 90 (children aged five to 12). – Shaheera Anwar, Staff Writer.
GO: Visit www.dubaigolf.com for more information.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Paying tribute to the UAE’s rich heritage, Majlis by Mandarin Oriental features exquisite decor and an outdoor terrace adorned with lanterns and plenty of foliage for a memorable meal under the stars. For iftar and suhoor, the menu combines the very best of Middle Eastern cuisine with signature creations from Netsu by Ross Shonhan and Tasca by José Avillez. You can expect traditional favourites such as ouzi, mezze and mixed grills from the extensive buffet spread. Still, being Mandarin Oriental, dishes such as truffle hummus come with an upmarket twist. Available daily from sunset to 9pm. AED 395 per person. – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief.
Topgolf Dubai
If you’re looking for a rather fun and unique way to break your fast this Ramadan, then make your way to Topgolf at Emirates Golf Club. Gather your friends along and indulge in a friendly game of golf while you much on the likes of musakhan rolls, sliders, kababs, cold mezze and much more. With soft beverages on the agenda and the excitement of scoring in the game, this is surely one way to bring a twist to your Ramadan celebrations. Available for 90 minutes of gameplay. AED 1,299 per bay. – Shaheera Anwar, Staff Writer.
GO: Visit https://topgolfdubai.ae for more information.
