Unique Ramadan Iftars under UAE's Starry Nights

Ramadan in the UAE: Unique Iftar Experiences Under Cool Nights

Ramadan is one of the most important and sacred periods for the residents of the United Arab Emirates. The month of prayer, fasting, and charity is not only about spirituality but also about community: friends, families, and strangers sit together to break their fast – often under the starry sky, accompanied by a cool desert breeze. The year 2026 is special as Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18th or 19th, and this year the fasting hours will be about thirty minutes shorter than the previous year.

The Magic of Evening Hours: The Popularity of Outdoor Iftars

The winter period Ramadan creates an exceptional opportunity for iftars that take place in open spaces, surrounded by nature. Desert majlis, beachfront tents, dinners served atop high-rise buildings, and locations evoking traditional Arab ambiance give new meaning to evening communal meals.

The Bab Al Shams desert resort, for instance, offers a true time travel experience. Guests can enjoy their iftar among sand dunes, by torchlight, while live music, dancers, and falconers provide an authentic experience. The evening also includes a traditional Arab market, or souk, where handmade carpets, scents, and decorative items await visitors.

City Lights Above the Night

Those who prefer an urban panorama can have a breathtaking experience at the Paramount Hotel Midtown's 64th-floor Sky Lounge terrace. During the peaceful suhoor, flickering lanterns and a selection of Arabian mezze encourage reflection and introspection. A similarly calm atmosphere awaits guests at the top of the world's tallest hotel, the Ciel Marina Nuage, where suhoor is available from late night to sunrise.

Beachfront Tents and Family-Friendly Experiences

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel Ramadan tent enjoys great popularity year after year. With views of the Arab Gulf, live music, and lavish buffet offerings make the evenings memorable. For those desiring a more special and intimate environment, a private majlis is also available.

At the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, the open tent named Kan Zaman welcomes guests, offering not only international cuisine delicacies but also live Arab music and a children's play area to entertain all family members.

Innovative and Creative Iftar Concepts

Beyond traditional meals, the period of Ramadan offers opportunities for new experiences as well. For example, the Soul Kitchen restaurant hosts iftar dinners with different guest chefs every Saturday, focusing on the flavors of various nations – from Middle Eastern cuisine to South American, Mediterranean, and Mexican dishes. On March 7th, a Ramadan market will also open on-site, showcasing local brands.

This year's campaign at the Rove Hotel, the Pass It On initiative, is available again, where guests can enjoy a substantial iftar meal and also provide the opportunity for another person to do the same, in the form of a voucher. This can be passed on even to those in need.

Games and Community: A New Interpretation of Suhoor

The Bab El Bahr restaurant has incorporated entertainment into its suhoor program this year. Guests can create community experiences with board games such as backgammon and Jakaru, while enjoying classic Levantine dishes like foul medammas, shakshuka, halloumi, and various hummus variations.

Gastronomic Time Travel on the Palm

Rixos The Palm offers a special thematic dinner called “Routes of Gathering,” featuring dishes inspired by historical trade routes and religious pilgrimages. Alongside Turkish-inspired meals, classic Ramadan dishes are also included, bringing centuries of flavors to life on the table.

Conclusion

Ramadan in the UAE is more than just a religious period – it is a time of togetherness, reflection, and new experiences. Whether participating in a majlis among dunes, on top of a skyscraper, in a family tent, or a playful suhoor, the common points of iftar and suhoor events are intimacy and the spirit of celebration. This year's Ramadan offers a particularly favorable environment to spend these special moments under the starry sky, in the cool evening air – whether in the company of loved ones or in the service of a good cause.

This period is not only about carrying forward traditions, but also about discovering new community forms, gastronomic experiences, and empathetic actions. Dubai's nights can make Ramadan 2026 particularly memorable – it's up to us how we experience this unique period.

(The article's source is based on residents' accounts.)