CREATE MEMORIES WITH MEANING THIS RAMADAN IN DUBAI
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 March 2023
As the second week of Ramadan in Dubai begins, there is a sense of community togetherness that can be felt across the city. For residents and visitors looking to create unforgettable memories and spend time with friends and families, there are a host of unique cultural experiences to enjoy.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), Ramadan in Dubai captures the best of the city throughout the holy month, and invites everyone to feel welcome at this special time of year. From wandering in contemplation through lantern-lit streets, to breaking fast in the ambiance of a traditional Ramadan tent, from learning more about Emirati traditions, from making charitable donations or even finding time to prioritise fitness and wellbeing, there are hundreds of opportunities to create moments to remember this Ramadan in Dubai.
CITY LIGHTING AND AMBIENCE
View the stunning immersive building projections created for Ramadan in Dubai Reflections, complemented by lantern-lit walkways in Al Seef until 22 April and by Al Habai Mosque until 10 April. Ramadan in Dubai Reflections fills the streets of these historic neighbourhoods with warmth and the spirit of celebration, and creates a space where visitors and residents can gather to celebrate and capture memories.
Find more spectacular projections at Ain Dubai as it lights up for Ramadan, along with the iconic Dubai Frame. At Dubai Festival City Mall, be sure not to miss the IMAGINE Ramadan projections in Festival Bay throughout the holy month.
Dubai’s skies will light up with Ramadan fireworks every Saturday throughout the holy month, at a different location in the city each week. To enjoy this Saturday’s Ramadan Fireworks Nights on 1 April head down to The Beach, Bluewaters and JBR for the perfect view from 10PM. If you’re planning ahead, on 8 April, the fireworks will be at Al Seef and on 15 April at Dubai Festival City Mall.
GASTRONOMY
A new edition to the Ramadan in Dubai calendar, the Ramadan Street Food Festival launches this Friday, 31 March and runs through to 9 April at the Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama. Try authentic flavours from more than 50 participating restaurants, with special menus and promotions priced from just AED10 per person.
At Al Hadheerah open-air restaurant in Bab Al Shams, discover delicious live-cooked cuisine and Ramadan classics served daily from 7PM to 12AM, Monday to Sunday. What’s more, enjoy cultural performances by traditional dancers, musicians, falconers and camel riders in an ambience of true Arabian charm. To make reservations, visit the website.
Looking for a show-stopping venue to break fast with friends and family? Where better than Iftar at Dubai Opera. Sample delectable Arabic and international dishes in this unique location every evening until 19 April, with prices starting at AED 570 per person.
Or try the Bulgari Ramadan experience. Based on the theme ‘The Wonders of Love’, this month-long experience from Bulgari Hotels & Resorts offers live cooking stations plus traditional live entertainment featuring a Qanun player and other Arabic bands. Break fast with iftar for AED 450, beginning at sunset and running until 8:30PM, followed by suhoor for AED 295 from 9:30PM through to 1AM, every evening until 21 April.
THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY
From 10AM to 1AM at the Mall of Emirates, Mawaheb, a Dubai-based art studio for people of determination that are 18 years old and over, have set up an exhibition at Zeman Awwal on floor 2, with 7 art pieces from the abstract and art movement collection. When passing by Ski Dubai, visitors can also stop by the Ramadan Market to learn more about Mawaheb and the students, as well as shop from the unique selections available on products such as coffee cups, scarves, notebooks, dates, water bottles and more, all featuring the artwork of the students. The market and exhibition will run until 3 April, but Mawaheb is otherwise located in Al Quoz 3, Goshi Warehouse village 13 and 14.
The Iftar Cannon by Dubai Police will sound in various locations across the city throughout Ramadan to mark Iftar. This week, the cannon will sound at Lahbab Mosque 1 on 31 March and 1 April; at Al Aweer Grand Mosque on 2 and 3 April; at Ahmed Al Habbai Mosque, Al Khawaneej on 4 and 5 April; and at Bin Dafoos Mosque, Al Twar on 6 and 7 April.
Travel down to Expo City Dubai for an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. Donate at the “Hattan,” clothing donation boxes until 22 April. These boxes have been intricately decorated by talented young artists across Dubai, with each painting inspired by the culture and traditions in the city.
The Dubai Club for People of Determination at Al Qusais invites people of determination and the wider community to celebrate Ramadan together, with a wide variety of educational, entertainment and community events and competitions. Running from 9AM to 12PM until 14 April, up to 350 people are welcome at each event.
MALLS AND SHOPPING
Until 20 April, catch exciting activities and shows at the main stage of Mercato, from 4PM to 10PM, including story time, an Aladdin show, live music, face painting, lantern decorating workshops, and other fun roaming Ramadan mascots. What’s more, shoppers can participate in the Ramadan initiative “Share Your Blessings,” by donating clothes, books, toys and non-perishable food items at the designated donation area by the main entrance of the mall.
From 31 March to 24 April, between 4PM and 12AM, visitors to City Centre Mirdif can enjoy the “Sweet Corner” that will showcase 6 unique and creative dessert concepts that are perfect for iftar and suhoor gatherings. A part of the retailers’ profits will also be donated to a charitable cause.
Shoppers who spend AED 250 and above on F&B at Dubai Festival City Mall are in with a chance to win by verifying their receipts at the customer service desk. Prizes range from a free ticket to Bounce X, to full day access to GLOWLAND, to an Al-Futtaim gift card. Those spending AED 100 or more can also upload their receipts on the BLUE App and win AED 200,000 in collaboration with BLUE Rewards. Pass a visit to the Ramadan-themed Zehi Exhibition, hosting home-grown businesses with a range of goods on display, such as perfumes, local abayas, jewellery and home accessories. Or visit the Ramadan Majlis for delicious food and beverages offered by Hint Café.
AstroLab in Nakheel Mall is hosting free hands-on learning activities for children, with space, science and art workshops happening every day from 2PM to 10PM until 16 April. Catch an engaging 45-minute show by the Mad Scientist at 5PM and 8:30 PM each evening from 31 March to 2 April. The mall will also be hosting a special art exhibition, Art and Music for the Soul with the Emarati jewellery artist, product designer and sculptor Azza Al Qubaisi.
Make the journey to Freej Al Khawaneej in Al Khawaneej Walk and Last Exit Al Khawaneej this weekend, and every weekend in Ramadan to mingle with the community and take part in traditional celebrations and experiences including live music, free kids activities, Hakawati storytelling and Ramadan quizzes. Every weekend from 7:30PM to 11:30PM until 16 April.
Ramadan is the perfect time for families to visit Souk Al Marfa and shop for AED 150 or more to enter a daily draw and stand a chance to win a staycation at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. Running until 25 April, four winners will be announced each week. Visitors to Souk Al Marfa can also make the most of Ramadan offers across homeware, fashion, perfumery and more.
Visit Ramadan at Oasis market at Oasis Mall from 10AM to midnight every day until 21 April, for a chance to pick up seasonal foods including dates, honey and traditional sweets as well as trinkets and decorative items. All visitors are offered dates and gahwa (Arabic coffee) daily after Maghrib prayers. On weekends, be sure to stop by for a free henna session.
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
Experience and support the preservation of Emirarti and Arabian traditions at Al Marmoom Heritage Festival in Al Marmoom Heritage Village. This annual free event, which runs from 6 to 18 April, provides fun for the whole family, with thrilling daily camel races plus live concerts and traditional dance shows from all over the world, including Yemen, India and Africa. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about local culture, and to take home authentic handmade mementoes.
The Polo Masters Cup is the second trophy of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, one of the highest ranked polo tournaments, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Taking place at 3PM from 3 to 8 April at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, book to enjoy the 6 to 8 goal handicap championship sporting event, with everything from lawn picnic to fine dining packages.
On 1 April, families can chose to stay healthy together by taking part in the Spinneys Family Fun Run Series at 7AM in Al Furjan Pavilion Mall. Also happening this week is a series of events at The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club including the Offshore Sailing Series at 8AM on 1 April, Kite Sailing at 8AM on April 1 and 2, the Wednesday Night Pursuit Race on 5 April at 5PM, and the Keelboat Commodore’s Cup on 8 April at 8AM.
And if you’re planning ahead, mark your calendars and register for the Spartan Night Kids Race being held in Expo City Dubai on 15 April. Kids aged 4 to 14 years old can tackle a challenging, fun and safe obstacle course. Challenge starts from 8PM onwards.
There is something for everyone this Ramadan in Dubai – all are welcome to enjoy and participate in unique cultural experiences and create special memorable moments across the city. For more information, visit @StyledByDubai and @CelebrateDubai on social media channels, and www.RamadaninDubai.com.
