Ramadan 2021 in Dubai: Iftar best option
Ramadan starts when the crescent moon (called hilal) coincides with the astronomical new moon. The exact date is decided by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee, agreed upon by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The date is on Tuesday 13th April 2021.
Ramadan is an important time in the Islamic Calendar, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for around 30 days. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside daily prayer, giving to charity, the declaration of faith and the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
During Ramadan 2021 in Dubai iftars and suhoors are taking place in a socially distanced way in hotels and restaurants around the city, while everyone is urged to act responsibly, wear masks and avoid gatherings.
People are being urged to limit the number of family visits, while only members of the same household can share meals. The National Crisis & Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) also urges people to avoid distributing and exchanging meals. The sharing of meals in public places, as well giving iftar meals in front of homes and mosques, is also not allowed this year.
During Ramadan, iftar is the meal that breaks the fast after sunset each day – and there are hundreds to choose from across the city. The fast is usually broken with dates and a small drink of water, juice or Arabic coffee. Prayers are then undertaken and iftar is served – usually starting with soup, followed by rice, salads, grilled meats and more.
Beluga Restaurant & Lounge
Offering a selection of authentic Arabic dishes, the iftar menu at Beluga Restaurant & Lounge begins with a special Ramadan mocktail, dates and Arabic mezze. To follow, guests can choose between a calzone pizza or the Arabic mixed grill that comes with chicken, beef, lamb and saffron rice.
Prices vary. Daily 7pm-10pm. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah 1
Rove La Mer Beach
Rove La Mer Beach has an iftar buffet with international dishes. The meal is only Dhs99, plus diners will get a free ‘Pass It On’ voucher to come again or gift to someone else.
Dhs99. Daily, sunset onwards. Rove La Mer Beach, La Mer
Al Mashowa
Enjoy a traditional Emirati-style set menu this Ramadan.
Dhs120 (adults), Dhs60 (kids aged six-12), free (kids five and under). Daily, sunset-8.30pm. City Walk
BiCE Ristorante
Head to this longstanding Italian restaurant for live cooking stations and a daily menu featuring both authentic Italian dishes and traditional Arabic dishes.
Dhs225 (adults), half price (kids aged six-12), free (kids five and under). Daily, sunset-11pm. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk, JBR
Brasserie 2.0
Offering Emirati favourites alongside dishes from around the region and beyond, the iftar menu at Brasserie 2.0 has been carefully designed and also features healthy options and a wide range of sweet treats.
Dhs210 (adults), Dhs105 (kids aged six-12), free (kids five and under). Daily, sunset-8.30pm. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina
BOCA
The Mediterranean restaurant has teamed up with Frying Pan adventures for a special iftar. Enjoy a series of dishes that celebrate both Old and New Dubai
Dhs160. Daily sunset-9pm. DIFC
Rove Trade Centre
Rove Trade Centre has an iftar buffet with international dishes. The meal is only Dhs99, plus diners will get a free ‘Pass It On’ voucher to come again or gift to someone else.
Dhs99. Daily, sunset onwards. Rove Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road
EDGE Creekside Hotel
This Deira hotel is hosting an authentic iftar buffet with hummus, moutabel, tabbouleh, spinach and cheese fatayer, soups and meaty mains like shish taouk, lamb kofta, lamb kebab, ouzi and fish sayadieh.
Prices vary. Daily, sunset onwards. Deira
Vivaldi
The family-friendly Italian is serving an international iftar buffet with Arabic specialties, mezze, grilled meats, shawarma, saj and lamb ouzi, plus a load of Arabic sweets and desserts.
Dhs179. Daily, sunset-8.30pm. Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Deira