The region comes alive during the Holy Month with traditional Ramadan tents and majalis rooted in heritage and the spirit of togetherness. Luxurious properties across the UAE have unveiled their own iterations this Ramadan, from seaside spaces overlooking the iconic Dubai skyline to palatial surrounds in the capital. Here, MOJEH rounds-up the Ramadan experiences to try for iftar and suhoor.
The Majlis, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
The Majlis returns this Ramadan at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. This year, the property collaborates with Emirati artist Shayma Al Mughairy on an installation titled Gift of Time. The installation uses sand as a metaphor for reshaping our actions and reflects the sands of Jumeirah as a meeting place, recalling an era when it was a simple seaside neighbourhood. Now, the neighbourhood hosts Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai on the very same sands and The Majlis honours heritage and tradition by creating a meeting place of its own. For iftar, expect a generous buffet of Middle Eastern favourites as well as signature dishes by Netsu by Ross Shonhan and Tasca by José Avillez while live entertainment sets the scene. Come suhoor, a buffet is complemented by a curated shisha selection to be enjoyed on the beachfront terrace, accompanied by the sound of ebbing waves. Iftar between sunset and 9PM, Dhs395 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 2AM, Dhs300 per person. Book now
Asateer, Atlantis The Palm
Set against panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Atlantis The Palm’s Asateer tent is a must-try for residents and tourists alike. Inspired by tradition and togetherness, the palatial setting promises an iftar to remember with an extensive buffet selection and themed evenings – namely Arabesque, Persian, Khaleeji and Traditional. Highlights include a live cooking station with spit-roasted whole lamb, an oven-baked manakish selection and a fatteh and foul royal bar. Asateer transforms into a serene space for suhoor, swapping the buffet for an à la carte offering and enhancing the evening with traditional tunes courtesy of a live band. Whether you’re enjoying iftar with the family in one of the private majalis or seeing out the winter weather from the garden, Asateer offers plenty of ways to spend time with your loved ones this Ramadan. Iftar between sunset and 8:30PM, starting from Dhs295 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 3AM, starting from Dhs160 per person. Book now
Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams
Journey to the desert this Ramadan for iftar, with a twist. Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams is pulling out all the stops with performances from dancers, musicians and falconers to camel and horse riders. In addition to entertainment and the generous spread of Middle Eastern cuisine (which includes a dedicated luqaimat station, no less), guests can meander a souk to choose handcrafted treasures rooted in centuries of heritage. Iftar from 7PM to 11:00PM, Dhs499 per person. Book now
Bvlgari Majlis, Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Inspired by Bvlgari’s Ramadan campaign, Icons of the Moon, Bvlgari Resort Dubai presents an immersive majlis complete with moon-inspired decor and installations including a fragrance corner and photo opportunities. The Bvlgari Majlis sits on the terrace of Il Caffé and is an intimate affair illuminated by twinkling fairy lights and candlelight. The resort’s award-winning culinary team has curated an elegant buffet that marries Middle Eastern specialties with Italian dishes; the menu changes daily with a rotating line-up of chefs to ensure new delights with every visit. Iftar between sunset and 9PM, Dhs600 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 3AM, Dhs450 per person. Book now
AMASSI by Selma Benomar, One&Only One Za’abeel
The region’s first haute couture-inspired Ramadan tent returns for its second year. AMASSI is the brainchild of Moroccan-French designer Selma Benomar; fittingly, the brand is named after the Arabic word meaning ‘the time from afternoon to sunset or midnight’. The space brings to life the same craftsmanship and attention to detail found throughout Selma’s creations, with a handmade feature wall inspired by embroidery techniques and a soft interplay of fabrics. A traditional buffet experience unfolds for iftar, while an à la carte menu and live performances accompany suhoor. Iftar between sunset and 9PM, Dhs345 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 1AM, starting from Dhs150 per person. Book now
Ramadan Garden, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
On the lawn of Jumeirah Beach Hotel amidst the surroundings of Janat Al Bahar, the property’s Ramadan Garden arrives for another year. The open-air majlis makes for the perfect iftar setting thanks to views of both sea and skyline that keep the space rooted in serenity. It offers a buffet of traditional and international flavours during iftar and suhoor, the latter a curated selection of comfort food served in a slower ambiance to reflect the sentiment of the season. Larger groups can avail of private majalis that accommodate up to 20 guests and little ones will be entertained by crafts, activities and live entertainment in the dedicated children’s area. Iftar between sunset and 8:30PM, Dhs350 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 2AM, Dhs250 per person. Book now
Majlis by the Sea, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Majlis by the Sea is settled on the water’s edge within the Palace grounds, serving iftar and suhoor with a side of breathtaking views. The iftar is a celebration of regional cuisine – warming soups meet Emirati specialities, traditional desserts and classic juices – and is complemented by five live stations with signature dishes from the property’s restaurants, including Talea by Antonio Guida, Hakkasan and Strawfire by Ross Shonhan. The evening also sees live music and fire performances throughout. At Majlis by the Sea, suhoor is tailored to your group, with an à la carte option for intimate groups and a buffet for parties of 40 or above. Iftar between sunset and 8:30PM, Dhs365 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 2AM, starting from Dhs200 per person. Book now
The Majlis at Four Seasons, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Illuminated by the gentle glow of candlelight and tucked away on the shores of Jumeirah Beach is The Majlis at Four Seasons; it honours the traditional majlis, where poets and travellers once gathered for conversation and to share in moments of togetherness. Live entertainment accompanies the celebration of regional ingredients in a magical space that encourages you to settle in and stay a while. Iftar between sunset and 9:00PM, Dhs450 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 2AM, Dhs290 per person. Book now
Al Diwan, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
An iconic backdrop, cooking stations and live performances await at Al Diwan, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab’s annual Ramadan tent. Iftar serves a selection of Arabic and international dishes, from lamb ouzi and biryani to sushi, ending on a sweet note with decadent regional desserts. Following iftar, a wave of calm washes over the tent, allowing guests to relax and unwind to the sounds of live oud while tucking into a late-night buffet of Ramadan favourites. Iftar between sunset and 8:30PM, Dhs470 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 2AM, Dhs330 per person. Book now
Peregrine Garden Majlis, One&Only Royal Mirage
The Arabian courtyard at One&Only Royal Mirage transforms into the Peregrine Majlis this Ramadan. Surrounded by the property’s lantern-lit winding pathways, the courtyard invites diners to dive into an Arabic and Levantine buffet of signature dishes that celebrate culinary traditions. Come suhoor, expect a wind-down with an à la carte menu and shisha enjoyed under the stars. Iftar between sunset and 9:00PM, Dhs395 per person. Suhoor from 10PM to 2AM. Book now
