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 11 Ramadan tents and majlis that add some soul to your socialising. They’re only around till Eid, so hurry!
1. Asateer, Atlantis The Palm
When it comes to Ramadan tents, Asateer in Atlantis The Palm is the grande dame. The tent that’s on everyone’s Ramadan must-lists and Instagram feeds and continues to live on in the memories of those who attend it. This year too Asateer lives up to its glamorous reputation with spacious terrace seating, the option of a Royal Majlis, and cosy booths all of which combine Arabesque elements with modern elegance. Their fusion buffet for Iftar and Suhoor features Khaleeji cuisine, Turkish dishes, Persian food and more as well as themed nights to mix things up. Shawarma stations, Jordanian lamb mansaf, ouzi, and live dessert stations serving piping hot kunafa and osmaliya with ashta and a chocolate fountains are highlights.
Timings: Iftar from sunset to 8pm; Suhoor from 10pm to 3am
Price: Iftar from AED 260 per person; suhoor from AED 180 per person
Booking: Call 04 426 2626or email asateer@atlantisthepalm.com
2. SLS Iftar Tent
Sky-high views of sunset await you on this Business Bay hotel’s 75th floor. An Arabic-style tent gilded with gold elements houses this sumptuous, and towering, iftar. Tuck into dates Ramadan juices and a buffet featuring falafels, rosti potato, rib tajine, baklava ice cream and more here.
Timings: From sunset
Price: AED 185 per person
Booking: Call 0549 918 120 or email slsdubai@slshotels.com
3. Iftar at Dubai Opera
Two of Dubai’s most elegant venues have teamed up to create a Ramadan experience for the ages. The theatre at Dubai Opera has been transformed into a sprawling banquet hall serving up an elaborate buffet whipped up by Address Sky Views’ chefs. This enchanting space will stuff you to the gills with a variety of international and Arabic dishes, carving stations, desserts and Ramadan juices. Afterwards, unwind and be entertained by live qanun and oud music.
Timings: From sunset to 9:30pm
Price: Table for two from AED 540
Booking: Email ramadan@dubaiopera.com or visit https://www.dubaiopera.com/events/iftar-at-dubai-opera
4. 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 to pop-ups like High Joint. 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.
Timing: Iftar from sundown to 8:30pm; suhoor from 9pm to 1am
Price: Iftar from AED 295 per person and suhoor from AED 275 per person
Booking: Call 04 330 0000 or email ramadan.majlis@jumeirah.com
5. Madinat Jumeirah Al Majlis
Madinat Jumeirah knows how to embrace the festive season all year round. After winning at Christmas, their back again 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 9pm till late
Price: Iftar for AED 275 per person and suhoor from AED 250 per person minimum
Booking: Call 04 366 6065 or email ramadanMJ@jumeirah.com
6. 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 adds a magical ambiance 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.
Timings: From sundown to 9pm
Price: AED 295 per person from Friday to Monday and AED 275 per person from Monday to Thursday
Booking: Call 04 406 8044; 04 406 8756 or email C&IAdminJBH@jumeirah.com
7. 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, taking a lap around the venue pays off with a culinary tour. Try out over 150 dishes including traditional Lamb Ouzie, 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 259 per person & suhoor from AED 125 per person
Booking: Call 04 457 3457 or email palm.dining@fairmont.com
8. Layalati Majlis, Grand Hyatt
A majestic majlis serves up food as beautiful as the setting although iftar and Ramadan. Traditional tea vendors, a high tea for iftar and a delicious buffet feast are laid out in a ballroom-turned-majlis setting or a private gazebo-style cabana Ramadan tent. What’s better? This starry iftar majlis comes at exceedingly down-to-earth prices of AED 440 for two people.
Timings: From 6:30pm to 2am
Price: AED 440 for two
Booking: Call 04 3172222
9. The Majlis. DTWC
One of the OG Ramadan tents in Dubai, this massive majlis at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) goes the whole nine yeards to transform the Saeed Halls into an Arabian wonderland. Makeshift burjeels (windtowers), plush Arabian carpets, live musicians, and a spread fit for a king make this a staple highlight of the holy month every year. The decor takes a sleek modern turn this year and guests get free parking during iftar. The Majlis teams up with Tarahum Charity Foundation and UAE Food Bank to distribute over 6,000 meals to people in need, so it’s an opportunity to also contribute to charity.
Timing: Iftar from 6pm to 8:30pm
Price: AED 190 per person
Booking: Visit https://booking.majlis.ae/
10. 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 tents with glass doors and windows look out onto the serene green space while a live oud player serenades you. Relish cold and hot mezze, live saj, shawarma and ouzi stations and global hits like sushi and barbecue. Mains are the main event at this year’s iftar spread with over 40 main courses served on a rotational basis. You’ll break your fast with Levantine, Arabic and North African dishes such as Kibbeh bil Laban, Chicken Tagine, Fish Majboos and Baked Lamb Kofta and more
Timing: from sunset to 9pm
Price: AED 245 per person
Bookings: Call 04 444 2000 or visit fbreservation.thepalm@kempinski.com
11. Dana Tent, City Walk
In the heart of City Walk, the Dana Ramadan Tent has bloomed anew for 2023. This Ramadan tent is a state-of-the-art structure spread across 2100 sqm and features pristine all-white decor that creates an ethereal and elegant environment from iftar to suhoor. A mouthwatering buffet spread featuring Arabic food and live music and entertainment will transport you to a world that feels removed from the hustle and bustle of Al Wasl Road and the surrounding Al Safa area it’s set in.
Timings: 6pm to 3am
Price: Iftar from AED 215 per person and suhoor from AED 185 per person
Booking: WhatsApp on 052 5448829