During Ramadan, restaurants across the UAE are presenting exclusive iftar experiences, offering both residents and tourists memorable dining moments that range from luxurious desert adventures to elegant cityscapes. These unique iftar gatherings range from Michelin-starred culinary delights to intimate communal meals, each capturing the spirit of Ramadan.
Desert Luxury with Platinum Heritage
Platinum Heritage invites guests to experience an extraordinary iftar in the heart of Dubai’s serene desert landscape. Diners can break their fast amid tranquil dunes with a gourmet six-course meal served privately in elegant cabanas. The event begins with a sunset camel ride, followed by an immersive nature safari at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and a visit to the exclusive Royal Lake bird sanctuary. Guests are entertained by mesmerizing fire dancers and acrobatic performances. Priced at Dh1,950 per person, the evening concludes with stargazing beneath Dubai’s clear night skies.
Elevated Dining at At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa
For those who prefer the glittering city views, the iconic At.mosphere restaurant, located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, offers a luxurious three-course iftar priced at Dh650 per person. Diners can savor traditional Middle Eastern dishes, including succulent slow-roasted lamb shoulder and truffle risotto, while enjoying breathtaking vistas 442 meters above the city. 
Traditional and Contemporary Offerings at Dubai World Trade Centre
Mohamed AlMarzouqi, Director of Events at Dubai World Trade Centre, highlights how Ramadan coinciding with Dubai’s peak tourism season offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience local culture. The centre’s Arabesque-themed iftar, priced at Dh235 per person, attracts families and larger groups, presenting a lavish spread of Emirati, Middle Eastern, and international dishes. The venue transforms atmospherically between iftar and suhoor, catering to both traditional dining and relaxed social interactions.
Corporate Gatherings at Sharjah’s Largest Ramadan Tent
Ramadan also serves as an ideal occasion for corporate gatherings. Sharjah introduces Alsimrah at Aljada, its largest Ramadan tent, combining luxury with traditional Emirati hospitality. Amit Arora, COO at Arada, notes that corporate bookings account for 20-25% of their reservations during Ramadan. Situated conveniently near major universities and government offices, Aljada provides a sophisticated space for corporate events such as networking gatherings, appreciation dinners, and team-building activities.
Executive Networking over Fine Dining
Rayan Nicolas, CEO and founder of Amelia, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, observes a rising trend among executives who prefer intimate, informal meetings during or after iftar. Restaurants across Dubai accommodate this demand with private majlis settings. Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort offers private suites for groups at Dh800 per person, while Madinat Jumeirah provides exclusive majlis experiences accommodating up to 12 guests, starting at Dh6,000.
Adjusting Operations for Ramadan
Restaurants typically experience a slight business dip during Ramadan. Maxime Lejuez, Group General Manager for Salvaje, explains that Ramadan impacts dining and entertainment habits, prompting venues to forecast and adjust their annual budgets accordingly. Operational adjustments such as staffing levels and cost-control measures ensure efficiency and alignment with consumer behaviors, despite coinciding with peak tourism periods.
Exclusive Ramadan Dining Experiences
Throughout Ramadan, eateries across the UAE introduce innovative dining concepts. Creative café A Normal Day collaborates with kebab house Al Naqa for an exclusive Ramadan supper club running only three weekends, featuring a six-course family-style feast priced at Dh350 per person.
Michelin-starred chef Dani García offers a special iftar at Leña Dubai, blending Arabic and Spanish flavors such as Majboos Lamb Paella. Meanwhile, Nara Desert Camp provides overnight Ramadan experiences priced at Dh2,070 per nest, featuring authentic Arabic decor and live cooking stations.
Zuma’s renowned cuisine will temporarily relocate to a picturesque desert setting at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, offering signature dishes like miso-marinated black cod and grilled wagyu sirloin at Dh275 per person.
Finally, for a luxurious waterside iftar, the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship presents Al Malika iftar at Lido Restaurant, offering classic favorites including slow-cooked lamb ouzi and grilled delicacies at Dh159 per person.
Dubai’s Ramadan dining experiences beautifully blend tradition, luxury, and innovation, creating unforgettable iftar memories for everyone.
