1. Emirates Palace
A truly refined place in which to break fast amid beautiful Arabian surrounds is Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi – a hotel that pays homage to its heritage at every turn. Choose where to take Iftar or Suhoor, at Mezlai, the Arabic restaurant that exemplifies Emirati culture and hospitality; at Martabaan, that fuses contemporary Indian food with a special five-course Iftar menu set against a backdrop of the Arabian Gulf; or at the award-winning Hakkasan, with its three-course Iftar menu serving a lightly balanced meal alongside some of Hakkasan’s signature dishes. Once sated, take yourself to the spa and indulge in a Pamper Me In Timeless Elegance 120-minute massage, complete with hammam.
2. Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
Another cultural gem in the capital is Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, a stunning property with views over the twinkling city skyline, at once timelessly elegant yet modern in its approach. Escape the ordinary for your Ramadan dining at Eclipse Terrace Lounge, which will be serving an al fresco Arabic menu, including homemade shakshuka, mouthwatering shawarma and platters of Arabic grilled meats. Or, dip into a more Oriental Iftar menu, with Asian spring rolls, crispy chicken buns and shrimp tempura maki. Another setting from which to watch the sun slink beyond the horizon before you sate yourself is Cafe Milano – an Italian restaurant with community and fine cuisine at its core, which will be serving classics like burrata (direct from Puglia), the show-stopping Cervia salt crust Branzino and, of course, homemade tiramisu until midnight.
3. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Traditional Arabia doesn’t get more sophisticated than at this exquisite Abu Dhabi property. With its sweeping double marble staircase, the St. Regis’ Ramadan offerings follow suit in grandeur. For a unique Iftar in the sky, join the hotel for a hosted iftar in Art Deco Abu Dhabi Suite – the world’s highest suspended suite – from Thursday to Saturday during Ramadan. Or book The Terrace on the Corniche, for a more relaxed Iftar centred around international cuisine.
4. Coya
For an Iftar with a twist, Coya Abu Dhabi’s Ramadan menu is a gastronomical adventure through the best of Peruvian cuisine. This year, the four-course menu features a refreshing spin in Iftar dining, starting with an assortment of dates and edamame, followed by a selection of soups (Peruvian bean, or pumpkin and veal bacon). Next, you’ll be served Maki rolls, beef cheeks and chargrilled sea bream, followed by Coya’s Isla Flotante dessert, made of green tea, meringue, pistachio, yuzu and more.
5. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
One of the prettiest properties in Dubai, with its twinkling trees flanking the lobby, Ramadan at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is an equally artistic affair. Put a Portuguese twist on Iftar at Tasca by José Avillez, with a multi-course menu served in a traditional Portuguese sharing style with Ramadan-inspired mocktails; or try Dubai’s only Warayaki-style Iftar at Netsu, with a Japanese-themed menu cooked on the city’s only Warayaki grill.
6. Address Beach Resort
As one of Dubai’s newest five-star hotels, all eyes will be on Address Beach Resort’s Ramadan events. Spend your nights taking traditional Iftar at The Restaurant, with its outdoor seats overlooking Dubai Ain and the Bluewaters Island. With The Qix Club right next door, you can relax into your evening as the kids play happily. Or, for a relaxed Suhoor, try The Beach Grill, with hot and cold mezze, mixed grills, soups and seafood.