Dubai comes alive every Ramadan with plenty of sumptuous iftars, tranquil suhoors, and cultural moments across the city
Slower days, moments of quiet contemplation, shared rituals, and family gatherings are just around the corner with Ramadan set to arrive next week. Following the sighting of the new crescent moon, the Holy Month casts a peaceful glow on the city, encouraging people to take a break from the regular Dubai hustle and focus on spirituality, togetherness, and being more present. The celebratory mood is felt in every corner of the city, with mosques filled with evening prayers, schools and offices easing their schedules, and homes glowing with lanterns.
For everyone living in the UAE, whether you observe the sacred season or not, the occasion offers an ideal opportunity to discover traditional dining, wellness experiences, and relaxing getaways. To help you truly get into the spirit, Katch has compiled a list of all the best things to do during Ramadan in Dubai.
Must-Try Iftar & Suhoors in Dubai
There really is no shortage of exceptional Ramadan dining experiences in Dubai, meaning there’s something to satisfy every pre- or post-fast craving. For a taste of tradition, gather the whole family and head to Aqua at JA Ocean View Hotel for a hearty iftar buffet filled with time-honoured Arabian recipes. Seated within the inviting restaurant or on the breezy terrace, the evening unfolds over a tantalising spread of comforting soups, classic mezze, grilled kebabs, and decadent desserts, complete with live cooking stations and an oud player creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Another JA property that’s going all out for the sacred season is JA Lake View Hotel, where diners can delight in an elevated iftar experience at Kinara. Surrounded by the restaurant’s majestic interiors, the experience kicks off after sunset with refreshing welcome drinks and a platter of nuts. For the main event, guests can tuck into a sharing-style meal of contemporary Indian-inspired creations, all thoughtfully curated by the famed chef Vikas Khanna.
The Holy Month is all about community, and Rove Hotels is here to help you give back with the return of its ‘Pass It On’ initiative. Held at The Daily restaurant at Rove properties across the city, each diner who enjoys an iftar receives a complimentary voucher for a second iftar, which can be passed on to friends, family, colleagues, or someone in need. Throughout the month, the buffet-style feast will be brimming with Arabic flavours and globally inspired delights, alongside Ramadan juices, coffee, and a live Turkish ice cream station.
Perched on the shores of JBR, Address Beach Resort’s signature iftar perfectly captures the gentle pace and quiet elegance of the season. Taking place at The Restaurant, guests are greeted by festive décor and the rich melodies of a live oud player. The evening unfolds around a generous buffet spread, featuring live cooking stations, traditional Holy Month staples, an array of cold and hot mezze, perfectly grilled meats, and an impressive spread of Arabic sweets and international desserts.
Over on Palm Jumeirah, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is taking a more traditional approach to iftar with a buffet-style feast at A La Turca, inspired by the ‘Routes of Gathering’ theme. Influenced by the spice routes and the journeys of ancient traders and pilgrims, the spread is bursting with timeless Ramadan flavours, Turkish-inspired dishes, and local creations. Combining bold flavours with the property’s warm hospitality, it’s a reminder of Ramadan’s enduring role in bringing people together.
Continuing the Ramadan rituals well into the evening, suhoors across Dubai offer a more relaxed, intimate way to observe the season while the rest of the city sleeps. Located within Al Habtoor Polo Resort, the Equestrian Lounge creates a serene backdrop for dining after dark, set on the breezy outdoor terrace overlooking the lush polo field. Once you’ve settled at your table under the stars, diners choose from a crowd-pleasing à la carte menu, brimming with both Middle Eastern flavours and international favourites.
Family-Friendly Ramadan Experiences
The Holy Month truly is a magical occasion for all ages, making it an ideal time to make memories with loved ones and share time-honoured traditions. Adding a touch of nostalgia to the sacred season, Jewel of the Creek will be hosting a vibrant Ramadan market throughout the month, loaded with delicious bites such as dates and teas, alongside handmade décor, abayas, jewellery, and much more. Taking place on the picturesque promenade of Dubai Creek, the atmosphere is further elevated with live Qanun and Oud performances, encouraging guests to enjoy a leisurely browse.
As for younger guests, they can let loose at the dedicated Kids Zone, which is brimming with exciting Ramadan-themed workshops, arts and crafts, lantern making, storytelling, henna art, and interactive games. Elsewhere, the Ramadan market keeps things lively with a Bedouin cultural showcase, featuring Arabic gahwa and dates, aromatic bukhoor rituals, and camels ready for a photo moment or two.
Another must-visit destination for anyone with little ones this Ramadan is none other than soft play paradise Boo Boo Laand in Dubai Mall. Ahead of the Holy Month, this vibrant indoor playground is pulling out all the stops to ensure a memorable celebration for little adventurers with a magical Light of Ramadan activation. To honour the occasion, Boo Boo Laand’s colourful DIY room will undergo a full festive makeover, transforming the space into a creative Ramadan-themed hub where kids can unleash their inner artist through daily workshops.
Ramadan Spa Offers
Ramadan is all about connection, reflection, and long evenings shared with family and friends. However, between daily fasts, running last-minute errands for iftar essentials, and socialising after sunset, it’s easy to forget to take a second to pause. Prioritising ‘me time’ and giving yourself the space to recharge can really make all the difference, which is why a soothing spa treatment had to earn its place on our Ramadan listicle.
Conveniently located on Sheikh Zayed Road within The H Dubai, the award-winning Santai Spa is a tranquil haven where switching off and tuning out the outside world comes effortlessly. During the Holy Month, guests are in for an extra treat with an exclusive Ramadan Spa Offer that allows you to pick any two 30-minute treatments for an absolute steal. Opt for a tension-relieving massage, an invigorating body scrub, or unlock your inner glow with a soothing facial, all ideal for winding down post-iftar or simply boosting overall wellbeing.
Tranquil Staycations
In addition to gatherings and spa experiences, the sacred season is also a popular time for residents to book a well-earned staycation, and in anticipation, some of the best properties around are offering exclusive Ramadan staycation offers. Perfect for slower days and exploring the great outdoors, JA Hatta Fort Hotel unveils a special Ramadan stay package, including savings on dining, resort activities, and nearby attractions. Surrounded by breathtaking views of rugged peaks, guests can relish the crisp mountain air and the stillness of nature from a choice of chalet-style rooms or rustic Terra Cabins.
Spend your retreat enjoying activities such as padel tennis, mini-golf, tennis, archery, and airgun shooting at the property, explore Hatta Honeybee Farm, or conquer adrenaline-fuelled adventures at Hatta Outdoor. Alternatively, take the time to unwind with a gentle guided hike through the Hajar Mountains, spa treatments at Terra Wellness, or simply lounge by the pool. As the sun sets over the hills, make your way to Jeema Restaurant for a mouthwatering iftar buffet or savour a sharing-style set menu at the open-air Hikaya.
For those who prefer to spend the occasion in the city, look no further than The H Dubai’s Ramadan Stay Package. Located beside the Dubai World Trade Centre, this dynamic lifestyle hub is just a stone’s throw away from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, making it the perfect spot to experience the spirit of the Holy Month in Dubai. The hotel itself has plenty of ways to mark this auspicious time too, with each overnight stay including a choice of in-room suhoor or breakfast and a mouthwatering iftar buffet in Al Massa’s traditional Ramadan tent.
As if this getaway wasn’t tempting enough, guests also receive credit for Santai Spa, where you can enjoy a well-earned pampering session with signature Balinese treatments. A great option for families with little ones, the package also offers free stays and dining for kids under six, promising a staycation that ticks everyone’s boxes.
Ramadan Kareem
With the Holy Month just around the corner, now’s the time to start planning your Ramadan celebrations. Even if you’re not fasting, embrace the occasion by experiencing an iftar, wishing someone a ‘Ramadan Kareem’, or doing a small act of kindness along the way. One of the most meaningful times of the year in the city, Ramadan is all about slowing down, showing generosity, and coming together, and that’s something everyone can be part of.
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