Ramadan in Dubai is one of the most important months of the year. It is a rare opportunity for a city in constant motion to slow down and appreciate the smaller moments. Those who observe the occasion spend their days fasting followed by iftar, the traditional breaking of the fast in the evening, and the late-night meal of suhoor before the next day’s fast. These are not just meals, however. They are grand social occasions where family and friends come together to break bread and renew their bonds before preparing for the next day. It is also the perfect occasion for newcomers to the city to get a true taste of local culture and hospitality.
Some of Dubai’s most highly acclaimed restaurants offer special late-night suhoor experiences every year, featuring lavish Ramadan menus, a selection of drinks including Turkish coffee and tamarind juice, and an optional side of shisha. Listed below is a selection of Dubai’s best Suhoor venues that enhance the traditional flavours of the region with a five-star touch.
Asateer Tent, Atlantis the Palm
This has become one of the most iconic Ramadan experiences and is an annual attraction in its own right. Located at the Atlantis Resort on Palm Jumeirah, Asateer is a celebration of Middle Eastern heritage with its resplendent decor, live entertainment that includes traditional Emirati dances, and a culinary tour of the region.
From 10 pm onward, Asateer hosts its renowned Suhoor, where diners enjoy an a la carte selection of classic dishes from across Turkey, Persia, the Levant, and the UAE. Private areas are available for a VIP dining experience. Iftar at Asateer, which runs from sunset to 8:30 pm, serves a different themed menu each evening and also offers VIP Iftar options for smaller groups.
Al Majlis, Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach
There was a time when the most noted scholars and poets of the region would gather under the stars to exchange ideas and engage in spirited debate. Al Majlis, hosted by Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah, takes diners on a journey back through time to experience Ramadan in a setting that evokes a bygone era in Islamic culture.
Breaking their fasts against the vivid backdrop of the sunset, guests of Al Majlis can tap into magnificent Iftar buffet offerings and dishes inspired by Oriental feasts. The sweet fragrance of saffron and the rich aroma of roasted lamb wafts through the garden, bringing a slice of culinary history to life.
Iftar lasts until 9 pm and soon after that, the Suhoor experience begins, lasting well into the night. There are private majlis options for groups of up to 10 people, for those who want to spend the evening in a more intimate setting.
Janat Al Bahr, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
One of the best ways to spend an evening in Dubai is by lounging on the beach, surrounded by open views of sky and sea. This experience is given a five-star makeover courtesy of Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Janat Al Bahr, the hotel’s elegant Ramadan garden that overlooks a private beach and has a direct view of the stunning Burj Al Arab.
With both Iftar and Suhoor buffets available, from sunset to 8:30 and from 9:30 onwards respectively, this is a perfect venue for spending a night under the stars, indulging in a variety of local and regional dishes.
Amassi, One&Only One Za’abeel
Past and future come together in a unique Ramadan tent at One&Only One Za’abeel. The hotel’s futuristic and record-breaking high-rise setting will play host to Amassi, an elegant Ramadan tent crafted through the distinctive vision of French-Moroccan designer Selma Benomar.
The name ‘Amassi’ refers to the twilight hours from the afternoon to after sundown, which perfectly captures the spirit of the Holy Month. Colours, patterns, and textures associated with the region are incorporated into the design of the tent, which serves as a beautiful backdrop for enjoying traditional cuisines for both Iftar – served from sunset till 8:30 pm – and Suhoor, from 9:30 pm onwards.
Diners can choose between regular table seating or plush sofas, and there is a private majlis option available for families.
Layali, Kempinski Palm Jumeirah
Layali adds a Middle Eastern twist to the rich Neoclassical aesthetic of the Kempinski at the Palm. Decorated with traditional vaulted arches and splashes of vibrant colour that echo palatial banquet halls of the past, Layali offers a sophisticated indoor dining experience. Alternatively, diners can sit out in the garden and break their fasts under the stars.
Iftar at Layali is served from sunset till 9 pm with Suhoor picking up at 10 pm. There is a richly varied menu comprising both regional and international delicacies, complemented by live entertainment and an electric atmosphere.
Armani Pavilion, Armani Hotel Downtown Dubai
For a true Dubai Ramadan experience, there is no better venue than the Armani Hotel. Set along the lower 15 levels of the Burj Khalifa, the hotel directly overlooks the Dubai Fountains and panoramas of the Downtown district’s glittering skyline.
Armani Pavilion, a multipurpose space that is used to host everything from conferences to weddings, gets transformed into an Oriental garden where diners are treated to a varied spread of cuisines. There are plenty of regional favourites on offer, and as might be expected from a brand like Armani, an extensive Italian menu is also featured.
Hikayat Ramadan Garden, Palazzo Versace
Another Italian-branded Suhoor experience is happening at the majestic Palazzo Versace, located in Jaddaf Waterfront. Hikayat Ramadan Garden is a lovely outdoor courtyard framed by palm trees and looking out over the waters of the Dubai Creek. With an extensive a la carte menu available from 9:30 pm until 3 am, it’s a perfect choice for a lavish meal in an area that’s secluded from the centre of the city.
Palazzo Versace also offers Iftar options from sunset with a Persian set menu at Enigma and a buffet at Italian restaurant Giardino.
Fairuz Garden, Fairmont Palm Jumeirah
Fairuz Garden at the Fairmont The Palm brings us once again back to Palm Jumeirah. This mixed indoor-outdoor venue is another seasonal mainstay, offering a globe-spanning a la carte menu and live entertainment from 9 pm until 3 am in the hotel’s grand courtyard.
The Suhoor experience here follows on directly after the Iftar buffet, which also features an international menu available from sunset until 9 pm.
