Ramadan: A time for fasting, giving, healing and a time for feasting when iftar rolls around. With the large expat community in Dubai, iftar tents cater to those who are fasting and those who are not, allowing non-Muslims to get a feel for the Ramadan spirit.
It’s been said that these tents were historically created in Cairo not for Ramadan, but as a place for people to gather to give their condolences, known as saradek.
Eventually, the tradition spread throughout other countries and grew into being a venue to help those in need of shelter and food. They then transitioned into the Ramadan iftar tents we all know today.
Here are our top picks for Ramadan tents Dubai:
The Meydan Dubai
Offering an authentic iftar meal held at the Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, an Emirati host will guide you through the rituals of breaking the fast. Indulge in authentic cuisine for a reasonable price while overlooking a beautiful sky in one of the quietest areas in Dubai.
AED 135 per person. Free for children under 12 years of age.
The Majlis – Dubai World Trade Centre
Another reasonably-priced iftar, The Majilis also offers rooms to host your own private party as well as sohour, staying open until the wee hours of the morning. The menu features an array of exquisite food selections, your favorite teas and a variety of shisha flavors.
AED 135 per person
Qbara
If you haven’t already tried Qbara, then this is your chance. With an Arab fusion style, their mezzes and mains will have your taste buds exploding. One of the items on their Ramadan menu is Mahalabiya Brulee With Camel Milk! We just drooled.
On a side note, did you know that the chandelier in the center has 658 mouth-blown glass bubbles in declining size and colour?
AED 190 per person with a promotional price for 20 guests and more dining together.
Cle
This is Cle’s first time ever to host iftar, and we’re thrilled. Located in DIFC, their menu features Arab-inspired dishes, including Malouf’s Ouzi, a delectable lamb stuffed with herbs and dried nuts.
AED 180 per person for a three-course meal.
JW Marriot Marquis
JW Marriott Marquis is renowned for the way they make their hummus, which is a huge accolade in a city that has so many Arab restaurants to choose from. Break your fast on the 37th floor of the hotel with a live salad station, hot mezzes, carved prime rib beef, traditional Arab dishes and much more. With a three-page menu, they are bound to fulfill your cravings.
AED 195 per person.
H Hotel
Celebrity Chef Silvene Rowe has something special fit for an Ottoman king for iftar and WOW is all we have to say. Featuring 10 of her signature mezze dishes, all with an Arab twist, like Green Shawarma Marinated King Prawns With Green Harissa Mayonnaise… how’s that for iftar?!
AED 160 per person.
Eataly
If tents are not your thing, or you’ve already indulged in more than your fair share of Arab meals, Eataly offers two reasonably-priced iftar menus. Consistently high quality, going Italian for iftar is a great idea, especially here.
Not to mention their Breaded Lamb Cutlet and Slow-Roasted Veal Shank are not only huge in size but incredibly delicious. A little dessert never hurt anyone, so ending your meal with a Date Tiramisu would be the icing on the sundae.
AED 89 per person for pizza or pasta.
AED 119 per person with a choice of veal or fish, plus choice of sides.
LaFayette Gourmet
For all you gluten-free and vegetarian eaters in the city, this is the iftar for you. Dubbed the “Freedom Iftar,” the entire menu features organic items, free from sugar, meat and dairy.
They’ve also created a signature sohour drink (for takeaway only) using ingredients with nourishing elements like chia, activated barley, sun warrior protein powder, coconut water and cacao. Their iftar meals are also available for takeaway if you’d rather eat in the comfort of your own home.
AED 170 per person. AED 30 for children 7 and older.
Cut
Another newbie to the iftar game. Offering a pricier break from Arab cuisine, Cut is known for their phenomenal steaks cooked to perfection. There’s also a mysterious romantic feel to the place, with it’s dimmed lighting and view overlooking the Dubai Fountains.
Some of the chef’s signature dishes are available for iftar. The Wagyu Beef Skewers have been calling our name all day!
Asateer
Asateer is known for their traditional Emirati cusine served in lavish tents featuring palm trees decorated with edibles dates meant to be eaten by guests.
Overlooking the sea, every year this restaurant aims to change their menu but still offer the most sought-out, authentic dishes that are hard to find in the city. For those who have yet to try Thareed, this year that’s one of the dishes on their menu, amongst many delectable others.
AED 195 per person.
Habtoor Grand Beach Resort
Featuring traditional elements and Arabi cuisine Habtoor Grand offers both sohour and iftar. Grab some of your favorites, like chicken shawarma and grilled meats, for this year’s Ramadan celebrations.
AED 149-AED189 per person depending on the type of menu you choose.
One and Only – Tangine
Featuring a Moroccan theme, this iftar will satiate your palette in a beautiful setting. From the lanterns to the arches, it will be hard to tell you are not in Morocco. A must-try is their specialty dish, Roasted Lamb Shoulder With Cumin, succulent and tender.
AED 195 per person.
Downtown – Emaar near Burj Khalifa
Offering rare recipes to entice guests as much as the spectacular view, Emaar’s iftar is worth a try at least once. They feature a wide variety of dishes from the Levant, a buffet-style setup and, of course, shisha.
AED 195 per person on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
AED 225 on Thursday and Friday
Worthy of an honorable mention, Bab Al Shams in also known for its fairy tale iftar experience. If you have the time, it’s worth the drive.
With all these iftars to choose from, just be sure to eat well, but don’t overdo it. Diabetes is a serious health condition in the UAE and it’s the one thing that really spirals throughout this holy month.
Our suggestion: Eat small amounts and wait ten minutes for the message to pass from your stomach to your brain that tells you you’re full. You’ll be thankful in the morning.
WE SAID THIS: Ramadan Kareem from the Empire!
