Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Where? Café 37
How much? Dhs115 with juices
The lowdown Tee off this Ramadan with a traditional iftar at Café 37. The buffet will be open ’til late, with beverages and shisha (for Dhs30) on the terrace, together with views sweeping down across the famed National Course. (Shisha)
Sas Al Nakhl (02 558 8990)
Al Maha Arjaan
Where? City Café
How much? Dhs95++ with juices; half price for six-12 year olds; under sixes eat for free.
The lowdown A laid- back iftar held in the serene surrounds of the City Café greet those who choose to break their fast at Al Maha Arjaan. The full buffet treatment and a wide selection of traditional treats are on offer throughout Ramadan. (Discount for kids)
Hamdan Street (02 610 6666)
Aloft Abu Dhabi
Where? Ramadan marquee
How much? Dhs135++ with coffee, tea, juices and water; Dhs120++ food only; half price for six-12 year olds; under sixes eat for free.
The lowdown Break your fast with a sumptuous range of Arabic delicacies and then, from 9pm, enjoy a suhoor menu, flavoured shisha and classical Arabic background music. Booking in advance is recommended. (Live music, shisha, suhoor, discount for kids)
Adnec (02 654 5114; 3357.maicafe@alofthotels.com)
Al Raha Beach Hotel
Where? Sevilla and the attached Ramadan Tent
How much? Dhs165++ with juices and water; half price for six-12 year olds; under sixes eat for free.
The lowdown Celebrate iftar at the Sevilla restaurant and tent. Tasty Arabic delicacies, a haze of shisha and the melodious sounds of the oud can all be found here. There is also a suhoor buffet and large groups can be accommodated in the private suites. (Live music, shisha, discount for kids)
Al Raha (02 508 0555)
Al Raha Mall
Where? Boulevard and Zari Zardosi
How much? Various prices
The lowdown Zari Zardosi is offering eight different menus (priced Dhs75-200) from 6pm-midnight, so your iftar dishes will be cooked fresh long into the night. Boulevard (aka Tche Tche) will serve up a mix of Arabic and continental dishes, along with shisha, with prices starting at around Dhs100. (Shisha, suhoor)
Al Raha (02 556 2229)
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
Where? Diwan Ballroom
How much? Dhs155++
The lowdown Host a memorable iftar for family and friends this Ramadan with the Beach Rotana’s lavish iftar buffet at the Diwan Ballroom, where you can choose from a variety of traditional and international delicacies.
Tourist Club Area (02 697 9011; fb.beach@rotana.com)
City Seasons Al Hamra Abu Dhabi
Where? City Seasons Restaurant
How much? Dhs75 with juices
The lowdown Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the City Seasons Al Hamra Abu Dhabi will feature a sumptuous iftar buffet offering a host of hot dishes, salads, soups and sweets as well as a wide range of beverages. There is also a prayer room adjacent to the restaurant.
Sheikh Zayed the Second Street (02 672 5000)
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
Where? The Garden
Price? Dhs125 with juices; Dhs75 for six-12 year olds; under sixes eat for free.
The lowdown Get into the charitable spirit of Ramadan at the Crowne Plaza: enjoy the iftar buffet at The Garden restaurant, and Dhs5 of your bill will buy a brick for the new Special Care Centre in Abu Dhabi. Special rates for private iftars are also available and Ramdan room rates are staring at a bargainous Dhs325++. (Discount for kids)
Hamdan Street (02 616 6838)
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Where? Jing Asia and Barouk
How much? Dhs105++
The lowdown Enjoy a traditional iftar buffet along with international specialities with your family and friends in Jing Asia until 8.30pm. Next you can roll over to Barouk restaurant to enjoy suhoor and music from an oud player, from 9pm ’til late. Contact the hotel for information on group bookings with discounts available.(Live music, suhoor)
Yas Island (02 656 3053; restaurants@cpyas.com)
Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna
Where? Tides and Al Nakhel Café
How much? Dhs150++ with juices; half price for under 12s
The lowdown An iftar buffet is available at Tides restaurant, where an array of Arabic cuisine, live cooking and traditional Ramadan juices are on offer. Evening suhoor is also available from 7pm-2am at Al Nakhel Ramadan Café along with flavoured shisha and light snacks. (Shisha, suhoor, discount for kids)
Jebel Dhanna (02 801 2222)
Emirates Palace
Where? Ramadan tent, Diwan L’Auberge and Anar
How much? Ramadan Tent Dhs215++; Diwan L’Auberge 250++; Anar Dhs175++. All prices include Ramadan juices.
The lowdown Being Emirates Palace, this is the place to head for a lavish iftar and suhoor. Each of these venues will hold an iftar buffet and then the tent will continue into the night with a suhoor a la carte menu, live Arabic musicians, board games and playing cards, plus shisha. (Live music, games, shisha, discount for kids)
Al Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 9000)
Empros
Where? Aboard the Empros yacht
How much? Dhs185 per person, with a minimum of 20 persons.
The lowdown Enjoy a traditional iftar and suhoor buffet while Arabic music plays as you cruise along the Corniche with stunning views of the capital’s skyline. Get in touch to tailor-make your experience, with possible entertainment including belly dancing (for an extra charge). (Suhoor, discount for kids)
Mina Port Zayed (02 667 9776; info@empros.ae)
Fairmont Bab al Bahr
Where? CuiScene and adjacent Ramadan tent
How much? Dhs185 with juices and Arabic coffee.
The lowdown An iftar spread including cold and hot mezze, juicy grills, ouzi lamb and sweet delights such as konafa, basbousa and katayef can be found throughout Elements and the air-conditioned Ramadan tent until 8pm. With views of Abu Dhabi Creek, you can then enjoy a suhoor a la carte menu, plus shisha and an oud and tabla player. From Saturday to Wednesday suhoor will continue until 1am, Thursday and Friday until 2am. The Fairmont also offers its Saker ballroom for corporate and private iftars and suhoors. Call above number for details. (Live music, shisha, suhoor)
Between the Bridges (02 654 3238; dining.bab@fairmont.com)
Hilton Abu Dhabi
Where? La Terezza and Ramadan Suhoor Tent.
How much? Dhs155++ with Ramadan juices.
The lowdown Break your fast at La Terrazza with the elaborate traditional Arabic buffet. Guest chefs Mohamed and Zakaria from Ramses Hilton in Cairo will be joining the team to help prepare mouth-watering mixed grills, lamb ouzi, umm ali and more. After this feast you can retreat to the Ramadan tent to enjoy the oud performers, shisha and, if you have room, dishes from the a la carte suhoor menu. Minimum consumption charge per person applies. Tent is open 8pm-2am week nights, 8pm-3am weekends. The Liwa and Al Qasr ballroom are available for corporate and private iftars (minimum 30 guests).
Corniche Road (02 681 1900)
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Where? Silk Route Café
How much? Dhs125++ with Ramadan juices; Dhs65++ for six-12 year olds; under sixes eat for free.
The lowdown Celebrate your Ramadan this year with your family and friends at Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi. Its iftar buffet spread offers traditional Arabic culinary delights and Ramadan beverages, plus special rates are available for large gatherings and corporate private iftar parties. Contact for more details. (Discount for kids)
31st Street (02 657 4856/57)
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Where? Selections
How much? Dhs185 with juices
The lowdown Overlook the lights of the marina while you enjoy the sumptuous iftar buffet and live oud and tabla players at Selections. After this, you can retire to the Piano Lounge, where a kanoun player will entertain and Arabic sweets, dates and Moroccan teas will be on offer. (Live music, suhoor)
Al Khalidya Street (02 666 6888 / 0800 423 463)
InterContinental Al Ain
Where? Layali Al Kamar
How much? Dhs105 for iftar; suhour starts at Dhs45 for two and Dhs60 for three.
The lowdown Enjoy iftar and suhoor at InterContinental Al Ain, along with an oud player, special gifts and VIP areas for more privacy. Plus, your loyalty will pay here: for every 10 iftars you dine at, you will receive two free iftar vouchers, and for every iftar you visit you will get Dhs10-worth of vouchers off your suhoor meal. (Live music, suhoor)
Ta’laan Street, Al Nyadat East, Al Ain (03 768 6686)
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi
Where? La Brasserie
How much? Dhs145++ with water and juices.
The lowdown La Brasserie at Le Méridien will be holding a traditional Arabic buffet, which will change daily, until 8pm, when its regular famed theme nights and international buffet will begin. For iftar there will also be three live outdoor cooking stations, traditional local dishes, dates and nuts, Ramadan juices and Arabic coffee. There are also options of at-home banqueting for groups of 25 or more – get in touch for more details.
Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666)
Le Royal Méridien
Where? L’Opera and Ramadan Suhoor Tent
How much? L’Opera iftar Dhs145++ with juices, water and coffee; Ramadan tent entrance fee and selection of cold mezze Dhs35++ (weekdays), Dhs55++ (weekends).
The lowdown Break your fast with the iftar buffet in L’Opera and then head to the hugely popular Ramadan tent to enjoy mezze, shisha, games and entertainment. Plus, you can enter raffles with chances to win trips, jewellery and more. (Live music, games, shisha, suhoor)
Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 674 2020 / 800 101 101)
Millenium Hotel
Where? Citrus Restaurants and Layali El Alfeya tent.
How much? Dhs135++; half price for six-12 year olds; under sixes eat for free.
The lowdown During the month of Ramadan from sunset-10.30pm, Citrus Restaurant will be serving an elaborate Oriental buffet featuring appetisers and mezze. Meanwhile, the Layali El Alfeya tent (7pm-3am) covers a Ramadan snack menu with beverages, shisha and live oud music. For those who like a personal touch, the Millennium’s Ballroom is hosting private iftar receptions for Dhs140++ per person. (Live music, shisha, suhoor, discount for kids)
Khalifa Street (02 626 2700)
The One
Where? The One Café
How much? Dhs79 with soft drinks; Dhs39 for under 12s
The lowdown After perusing the gorgeous furniture, head up to The One Café (our favourite) and enjoy the buffet, which changes daily and features Ramadan-inspired dishes as well as international favourites. (Discount for kids)
Khalidiyah (02 681 6500)
OneToOne – the Village
Where? The Village Club Ramadan tent and Shariye.
How much? Dhs110++
The lowdown Choose between these two settings to enjoy their iftar buffets, traditional delicacies, refreshments and live oud performance (from 8pm onwards) at The Village Club Ramadan tent & Sahriye, 8pm onwards. (Live music, shisha, suhoor)
Al Dhafra (02 495 2000)
Park Rotana
Where? Grand Park Ballroom
How much? Dhs170++ with coffee, tea, juices and water.
The lowdown The fact this iftar is held in the ballroom says it all – it’s set to be a lavish affair. If you are in a group of 20 or more (and iftar is a time for getting together with family and friends), each diner will receive a Dhs20 discount.
Al Salam Street (02 6573333)
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Where? Assymetri
How much? Dhs99 with soft drinks.
The lowdown Starting at sunset every day, a lavish iftar buffet will be spread out at the Assymetri restaurant. A connoisseur’s delight, the iftar buffet will comprise of mezze, Arabic & oriental cuisine and desserts. Tailor-made packages for corporate iftar parties are also on offer. Call for details.
Yas Island (02 656 2000)
Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
Where? Sofra Bld, Al Khaima Ramadan tent and Bord Eau
How much? Dhs170++ with juices for Sofra Bld iftar.
The low down You can choose from three iftars at the Shangri-La. For something different, you can enjoy a five-course French set menu at the decadent Bord Eau until 8pm, or go for the traditional Arabic iftar buffet at Sofra Bld, along with special dishes from Hoi An and Shang Palace restaurants. If you want to enjoy iftar with your family and friends in private, you can book an iftar dinner in the Al Khaima Ramadan tent (call 02 509 8888 to book). At 9pm, the suhoor celebrations will begin and are open to everyone, with live Arabic music, shisha, traditional Arabic coffee, and an a la carte menu of sumptuous cuisine. A minimum consumption charge of Dhs75 applies (shisha excluded). (Live music, shisha, suhoor)
Between the Bridges (02 509 8555; restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com)
Something different
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Where? In the car park
How much? Free
The lowdown One of the more dramatic sights during the Holy Month, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque iftar is now in its fourth year. Workers from across the city break their fasts sat side-by-side with sheikhs, dignitaries, businesspeople and anyone who wants to come along, resulting with numbers in the 10s of thousands every night. You don’t have to be Muslim to attend, so everyone can join in this occasion.
Between the Bridges (800 555)
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel
Where? Flavours and Bravo
How much? Dhs165 for iftar
The lowdown This Ramadan enjoy a lavish iftar buffet, with Arabic and international dishes, at Flavours Restaurant. For suhoor, you can head for Bravo, which has been converted into a Ramadan tent, complete with snacks and drinks, games including backgammon and cards, cushioned seating, shisha and TV screens. (Games, shisha, suhoor)
Corniche Road (02 677 3333)
Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel
Where? La Veranda
How much? Dhs150 with Arabic juices; six-12 year olds half price; under sixes eat for free (at manager’s discretion). Food only
The lowdown The Sheraton Khalidaya makes use of its all-day dining restaurant La Veranda to accommodate up to 80 diners from sunset until 8pm and offer a classic iftar buffet with plenty of excellent Arabic fare on offer. (Discount for kids)
Khalidiya (02 666 6220)
Trader’s Hotel
Where? Afya
How much? Dhs99++ with select beverages
The lowdown Head to Afya restaurant at sunset and indulge in a sumptuous Middle Eastern buffet for iftar this Ramadan.
Qaryat Al-Beri, Between the Bridges (02 510 8818; afya.thad@shangri-la.com)
The Yas Hotel
Where? Nautilus, Origins and Atayeb restaurants.
How much? Dhs145
The lowdown From the beginning of Ramadan until August 25, Nautilus will be home to the Yas Hotel’s iftar, after which it will move to Origins. At Nautilus there will be an iftar buffet spread with oyster bar and a la carte option until 8.30pm, after which dinner will be served a la carte. At Origins, from August 26, you can enjoy an iftar buffet and juices until 8.30pm. To eat late into the night, head to Atayeb where you can enjoy a la carte or a set menu (Dhs145) with shisha and games from 8pm-3am. (Games, shisha, suhoor)
Yas Island (02 656 0000; dining@TheYasHotel.com)
