MAKE THE MOST OF THE OUTDOORS THIS RAMADAN IN DUBAI
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 March 2023
It’s Ramadan in Dubai – a time for residents and visitors to enjoy the unique spirit and ambiance in the city during this month of reflection and generosity, and create special memories with family and friends. With Ramadan in Dubai taking place until April, it’s also the ideal time to embrace the great weather, with al fresco activities across the city.
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has curated a host of cultural experiences taking place outdoors, including the ever-popular Ramadan markets, unforgettable iftars and suhoors, festive lighting and fireworks, and sports and fitness activities at locations citywide.
CITY LIGHTING AND AMBIENCE
Soak in the seasonal spirit this Ramadan in Dubai with festive lighting installations at locations across the city – lighting up streets, shopping destinations and iconic locales in celebration of the Holy Month.
Ramadan in Dubai Reflections features immersive building projection accompanied by lanterns lighting the way at Al Seef until 22 April and Al Habai Mosque from 28 March to 10 April.
Dubai Frame and Ain Dubai are lighting up for Ramadan, with an extra-special projection at Ain Dubai. At Festival Bay in Dubai Festival City Mall, witness the IMAGINE Ramadan projection daily throughout the Holy Month.
Fireworks will light up the skies on 1 April at The Beach, Bluewaters, and JBR, on 8 April at Al Seef, and on 15 April at Dubai Festival City Mall with the spectacular Ramadan Fireworks Nights.
RAMADAN MARKETS AND CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
Ramadan markets and pop-up experiences across Dubai are the perfect place to spend time with family and loved ones in an ambiance that is unique to this time of the year.
Discover Al Rigga Night Market, an outdoor market that offers great fun every day through April 30 from 4PM to midnight, and is free to enter. This night market, which can be found at Al Rigga Street, is the ideal location to purchase seasonal items for Ramadan, clothing, accessories, and more. Foodies can sample Asian street food and flavours from all over the world.
Visit the Ripe Market Academy Park Ramadan Souk from 1 April to 30 April 30 between 9AM to 9PM on Saturday and 9AM to 7PM on Sunday to explore oriental goods at the Ramadan Souk by local merchants and enjoy Middle Eastern treats. Bring down the whole family to experience the various activities and get some henna done, visit the calligraphy artist, and let the kids try their hand at arts and crafts. Entry is AED 5 for adults, and free for children below 12 years old, seniors above 60, and people of determination.
Enjoy the great outdoors in the mountains at Hatta Hub. Eat, relax, and play in an inspiring environment while sampling international cuisines, browsing through the host of retail outlets, and enjoying a range of entertainment from 4PM to 12AM daily, from 30 March until 1 May.
Visit Al Barsha Pond Park from 4PM to 12AM from 30 March until 1 May for Al Barsha Park Ramadan Market. Perfect for spending time with families and friends, there are international delicacies to sample, along with seasonal entertainment, contests and local retail offerings.
Running every night until 22 April, Al Seef is hosting Ramadan Art Nights & Lights. There is something for everyone at Al Seef, including scrumptious dining options, a Ramadan street market, striking art and lighting installations, and a spectacular fireworks display on 8 April. Keep the whole family entertained all evening with live Ramadan music, quiz nights, and storytelling, from iftar to suhoor.
Until 21 April, Bluewaters offers a range of fun activities and true Emirati hospitality every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Take a photobooth photoshoot with traditional props and clothing, or sample free henna designs while enjoying the Ramadan ambiance and beautiful performances by Oud and Qanon players.
Experience Ramadan Wonders at Global Village with family and friends, and explore the Ramadan Market, Majlis of the World, or choose from a variety of delicious cuisines for iftar and suhoor daily from 6PM.
Make a note in the diary for the unmissable Al Marmoom Heritage Festival, which runs from 6 to 18 April, and celebrate Emirati culture and preserved Arabian traditions. With almost two weeks of entertainment, the festival features daily camel races, live concerts, and international dance shows for an evening rich in heritage.
From 21 March to 22 April, sample appetising dishes covering everything from street food, to regional favourites and international delicacies at Expo City’s Hai Ramadan. What’s more, catch a performance at Al Wasl Plaza, browse unique markets, sign up for sporting and wellness activities or send the little ones to workshops and engaging games from 5PM to midnight.
Celebrate Ramadan at Jumeirah Emirates Towers until 20 April with a wonderful iftar and suhoor at Terrace Between the Towers on level 1, offering a luxury buffet with Middle Eastern favourites and international dishes, along with live entertainment from sunset to 3AM. Individual reservations are priced at AED 295 per guest for iftar and AED 220 per guest for suhoor. On the ground floor, visit the Ramadan District to experience customary Ramadan practices and participate in a range of activities, or indulge in the various food and entertainment opportunities up for visitors to enjoy from 6PM to 2AM, starting 30 March.
Check out the Ramadan Night Market in partnership with Ace Carpet at Souk Al Marfa from 8PM to 2AM, every day until 25 April. Explore a variety of F&B concepts and shop from an array of fashion and jewellery at the waterfront destination, while kids enjoy the inflatables, activities and interactive workshops.
OUTDOOR IFTAR, SUHOOR AND GASTRONOMY EXPERIENCES
A unique foodie adventure awaits at the Ramadan Street Food Fest, which takes place from 31 March to 9 April. Take to Dubai’s streets in the Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama for iftar and suhoor and sample incredible flavours with a variety of authentic and traditional foods.
As well as traditional Ramadan tents where people gather together to break their fast and enjoy Iftar and Suhoor meals as well as music and cultural performances, there are also plenty of outdoor dining options to explore this Ramadan in Dubai.
For an outdoor Iftar, head over with loved ones to the garden area at Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph collection until 21 April, and enjoy authentic delicacies including hot and cold mezza, live cooking stations and more. Iftar begins at sunset and ends at 9PM, priced at AED 190 per person, while suhoor runs from 9PM till 1AM, priced as per consumption.
Visit the Palm Garden at Park Hyatt Dubai to enjoy an exquisite Ramadan feast with loved ones. Choose from a wide variety of international and traditional dishes crafted by talented chefs for iftar from sunset to 8:30PM at AED 325 per person, and from the a la carte menu for suhoor, starting 9:30PM to 1AM throughout the month of Ramadan.
Make sure to not miss out on the authentic outdoor iftar buffet at Al Mashowa at Riverland™ Dubai, at AED 95 for adults, and AED 45 for children between the ages of five to ten, from 31 March to 20 April between 7PM to 9PM. The traditional Emirati seafood restaurant offers age-old traditional recipes, as well as a live barbeque and beverage station.
Enjoy sweeping views of the racecourse and the magnificent Dubai cityscape at dusk at the highest point on Meydan Racecourse, The Sky Bubble, which is providing a five-star buffet for the first time. After sunset, stuffed medjool dates and apricots are placed on the table for guests to consume before a delectable spread of food is served. The cost of the Sky Bubble Iftar package is AED 600 for adults and AED 300 for children (3-12). Every evening until midnight, the outdoor market is open to visitors free of charge.
FITNESS AND SPORTS
There are also plenty of activities to help residents and visitors maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout Ramadan, with many designed to encourage keeping fit together with family and friends, plus a range of sporting events to watch and enjoy.
The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament takes place at 9AM on 13 April at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, and athletes and sports enthusiasts can demonstrate their skills. In a real test of fitness, compete in six categories: running, cycling, padel tennis, jiu-jitsu, volleyball, and wheelchair basketball.
A world-class polo tournament, the Polo Masters Cup is the second trophy of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. The tournament is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai. On 3 to 8 April, Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club will host the 6 to 8 goal handicap championship sporting event. Choose from a variety of seating options, including lawn picnics and fine dining.
The GRIT+TONIC Relay Triathlon at Al Mamzar Beach Park is an event open to all above the age of 12 on 3 April. Participate in teams of two or three across multiple challenges such as swimming, biking and racing to win a prize. Tickets begin at AED 175.
Stay healthy this Ramadan with the various Ramadan fitness activities taking place, such as the Padel Tennis Tournament at 5PM on 26 March, in Central Padel Dubai, Night Runs at D3 at 7:30PM on 27 March, or the Desert Road Runners Iftar Challenge in the Dubai Autodrome, at 7PM on 30 March. On 1 April, families can take part in the Spinneys Family Fun Run Series together at 7AM in Al Furjan Pavilion Mall. A challenging trail run and outdoor adventure awaits with Night Spartan Trail on 8 April at Jebel Ali Racecourse. Finishers will receive a t-shirt and medal.
The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club is hosting a series of events such as 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, the Keelboat Commodore’s Cup on 8 April at 8AM, and more.
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.
