One of the highlights of Ramadan’s cultural calendar are the many stunning Ramadan tents that mushroom around the city. A Ramadan tent and/or majlis (sitting areas) are gorgeous escapes from everyday life that cocoon you and your loved ones in opulent settings, traditional Arabian music and lavish iftar and suhoor banquets. We’ve picked 9 Ramadan tents and majlis that add some soul to your socialising.
1. Asateer, Atlantis The Palm
When it comes to Ramadan tents, Asateer in Atlantis The Palm is the grande dame. It’s the tent that’s on everyone’s Ramadan must-lists, Instagram feeds and continues to live on in the memories of those who attend it. Asateer lives up to its glamorous reputation this year too with spacious indoor and stunning new outdoor VIP Majlis on the terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea. Live oud music and vocals cap off the entertainment.
Whether it’s a private Royal Majlis or roundtables, all areas of this stunning marquee combine Arabesque elements with modern elegance. Their fusion buffet for Iftar features Jordanian lamb mansaf, Ramadan drinks such as Arabian hibiscus, jallab, sahlab, amar al din, an Arabic sweet-making station, serving piping hot kunafa and osmaliya with ashta and chocolate fountain.
Timings: Iftar from sunset to 8:30pm; Suhoor from 10pm to 3am
Price: Iftar from AED 270 per person on weekdays and AED 290 on weekends.
Booking: Call 04 426 2626or email asateer@atlantisthepalm.com
2. SLS Iftar Tent
Sky-high sunset views await you on this Business Bay hotel’s 75th floor. An Arabic-style Ramadan tent gilded with gold elements is where this sumptuous, towering, iftar unfolds. This enchanting space will stuff you to the gills with dates, Ramadan juices and a buffet full of classics like the upside-down rice dish maqluba, Arabic mixed grill, desserts like Umm Ali and more. Souflul live oud performances elevate this Iftar experience.
Timings: From sunset
Price: AED 225 per person
Booking: Call 0549 918 120 or email slsdubai@slshotels.com
3. Terrace between the Towers
The area in and around Jumeirah Emirates Towers is a delightful chocolate box of events, from the majestic Ramadan market themed after an Arabian village. Joining these is their alfresco Ramadan majlis which is the epitome of grandeur. Spectacular Museum of the Future views look over a delicious spread of Ramadan dishes and drinks with iftar and suhoor options. Instead of music, traditional board games will be provided so you can spend quality time in the company of family and friends.
Timing: Iftar from sundown to 8:30pm; suhoor from 9:30pm to 2am
Price: Iftar from AED 315 per person and suhoor from AED 220 per person minimum spend
Booking: Call 04 330 0000 or email ramadan.majlis@jumeirah.com
4. Madinat Jumeirah Al Majlis
Madinat Jumeirah knows how to embrace the festive season all year round. After winning at Christmas with their Christmas Market, the venue is ready to mesmerise visitors with their Al Majlis for Ramadan. Relish on a la carte iftar and suhoor menus that feature an array of hot mezzeh, dishes from Emirati cuisine, etc.
Timing: Iftar from sunset until 8:30pm; suhoor from 9:30pm till 3am
Price: Iftar for AED 330 per person on weekdays and; suhoor is AED 260 minimum spend per head
Booking: Call 04 366 6065 or email ramadanMJ@jumeirah.com
5. Ramadan Garden, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Sustainability takes centre stage at this Ramadan Garden set up in the lush settings of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Not a single shred of plastic will be in sight at this luxurious outdoor Ramadan celebration that expresses gratitude for our planet. Opulent teepee-style private majlis add a magical ambience to the venue, accompanied by fiery displays of live cooking inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions. And the food’s sustainable too – 60% of the ingredients are sourced locally. A live oud player will set the mood with traditional tunes.
Timing: Iftar from sunset until 8:30pm; suhoor from 9pm till 2am
Price: Iftar for AED 275 per person on weekdays and AED 295 on weekends; suhoor is AED 195
Booking: Call 04 406 8044; 04 406 8756 or email myeventjbh@jumeirah.com
6. Fairuz Garden, Fairmont The Palm
Bathed in blue and purple lights, this palatial Ramadan garden at Fairmont The Palm hits it out of the park with its decor and dessert. Entire trees are made of sweets. And while it’s easy to stay rooted to those delectable treats, branch out and take a culinary tour around this buffet in Seaview Garden. You’ll get to try out over 150 dishes for Iftar including traditional Lamb ouzi, a Saj Station with warm Akawi cheese and Indian laal maas, and chicken tagine. An oud player adds musical sparkle to the enchanting mood created by the views of Dubai Marina skyline and Ain Dubai.
Timings: Iftar from sunset to 9pm; suhoor from 9pm to 3am
Price: Iftar from AED 295 per person & suhoor is a la carte
Booking: Call 04 457 3457 or email palm.dining@fairmont.com
7. Laylati Majlis, Grand Hyatt
A majestic majlis with a glittering canopy reminiscent of a star-lit sky serves up food as beautiful as the setting throughout Ramadan. Traditional tea vendors and a delicious buffet feast featuring traditional hits are laid out in a ballroom-turned-majlis setting. If you’re looking for a private space for intimate family gatherings, they have separate gazebo-style cabana Ramadan tents within the majlis.
Timings: From 6:30pm to 2am
Price: AED 249 per person for iftar and AED 135 per person for suhoor
Booking: Call 04 3172222
8. The Majlis. DTWC
One of the OG Ramadan tents in Dubai, this massive majlis at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) goes the whole nine yards to transform the Saeed Halls into a minimalist Arabian wonderland. Makeshift burjeels (windtowers), plush Arabian carpets, live musicians, and a spread fit for a king make this a highlight of the holy month every year. For 2024, they’re throwing doors open from March 15.
Emirati staples such as thareed, Indian Hyderabadi mutton biryani and more regional and international bites are packed into the Iftar menu.Every year, the Majlis teams up with Tarahum Charity Foundation and UAE Food Bank to distribute over 6,000 meals to people in need. So dining here is an opportunity to also contribute to charity. Guests get free parking during iftar and suhoor.
Timing: Iftar from 6pm to 8:30pm and suhoor is from 9pm-3am
Price: AED 215 per person for iftar; suhoor is a la carte
Booking: Visit the website
9. Layali Ramadan Tent, Kempinski Hotel, Palm Jumeirah
This twinkling Ramadan tent comes aglow in the manicured gardens of the Kempinski Hotel in Palm Jumeirah. The covered marquee tent with glass doors and windows look out onto the serene green space while a live oud player serenades you. Highlights of the Iftar buffet here are live saj, shawarma and ouzi stations, traditional drinks like tamer Hindi, global hits like sushi and barbecue adding up to a total of 100 different dishes. You’ll break your fast feasting on a variety of Levantine, Arabic and North African dishes such as Kibbeh bil Laban, Chicken Tagine, Fish Majboos, Baked Lamb Kofta and more
Timing: Iftar from sunset to 9pm; suhoor from 9pm to 2am
Price: AED 245 per person on weekdays and AED 260 on weekends for Iftar. Suhoor is a la carte
Bookings: Call 04 444 2000 or visit fbreservation.thepalm@kempinski.com