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Ramadan is not just a month, it’s a whole vibe! While countries throughout the world have different traditions regarding Ramadan, breaking the fast with iftar is something that Muslims do around the globe.
Fasting all day is hard work, and families look forward to their fast-breaking meal as the sun sets. Throughout the day, dishes are cooked in preparation for this very important evening meal, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break from cooking, to get dressed up and celebrate with family and friends outside of the home; sometimes it’s nice to try something a bit different and sample unfamiliar dishes from around the world, or just satisfy your cravings with your international favourites and that’s where Iftar places come to the rescue!
There is a huge variety of places offering iftar in Dubai. From small cafes offering set menus to elaborate buffets in beautifully decorated majlis, there’s something to suit every taste and budget in Dubai this Ramadan.
Ramadan in 2024 will take place from 10 March to 9 April (subject to moon sighting)
15 Best Iftars in Dubai for 2024
If you’re a resident of Dubai or are lucky enough to be visiting it during Ramadan, here are the 15 best incredible buffets in the city for a unique Ramadan experience:
1. Bab Al Shams
One of the best luxury iftar buffet options in Dubai is Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
It is one of the most popular and highly frequented places for iftar in Dubai. And why shouldn’t it be? With almost 10 live cooking stations offering a variety of seafood, meats, vegetarian and Arabic dishes, it is something one should never miss!
Apart from the food, the arrangement, the live music, and the overall atmosphere of Bab Al Shams, sitting on the edge of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve makes it one of the best places in Dubai for an iftar to remember.
Location: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Cost: 399 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 11:00 pm
To book a table or find out more click here.
2. Anise
If you’re looking for a high-end dining option with a wide variety of international dishes, Anise is the place for you!
With the finest Arabic specialties from North Africa and the Levant, as well as eight live international cooking stations, Anise is truly a lavish place for iftar in Dubai. Highlights include traditional ouzi and freshly made saj, as well as meat harees and chicken madrouba.
Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Cost: 299 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
Instagram: @anisedubai
3. The Grand Garden Starlit Iftar
If your idea of the perfect iftar is a sumptuous buffet in plush surroundings, the Habtoor Grand Resort’s Starlit Iftar may be for you.
Enjoy a lavish spread of hot and cold mezze, followed by Ramadan favourites like lamb ouzi as well as international dishes from the many live cooking stations. There will also be a large range of delicious sweet treats and dessert including Kunafa and baklava. Live instrumental music provides an atmosphere of calm and contemplation. And all of this sat under the stars and twinkly fairly lights of the resort’s beautiful garden.
Location: Grand Habtoor Resort, Jumeirah Beach
Cost: 190 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
For more details click here.
4. The Terrace Between the Towers
Set against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline and the Museum of the Future, The Terrace Between The Towers at the Jumeirah Hotel, Emirates Towers, offers an unparalleled al fresco iftar experience. This year, 25% of the ingredients will be sourced locally, and live cooking stations will provide a variety of diligently crafted dishes.
The locally made cheeses, including manchego and burrata, deserve a special mention, as well as the locally sourced feta made by People of Determination.
As well as delicious dishes using locally sourced produce, there will be a Ramadan majlis with live music and a special Ramadan night market from 15th March until the 4th April. The market will feature a variety of stalls, henna artists, stage performances, cooking demonstrations, and so much more! For further details click here.
Location: Jumeirah Hotel, Emirates Towers
Cost: 315 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
To learn more click here.
5. Asateer Tent
Let’s talk about one of the best and most lavish iftar buffets in Dubai: Asateer Tent!
This iftar goes all out when it comes to food. With an impressive variety of Moroccan, Lebanese, Persian, and Emirati cuisine, you’ll have a luxe dining experience at the Asateer. From piping hot meats, a shawarma station, grilled platters, a chocolate fountain, Umm Ali, and Kunafa, you will find all sorts of finger-licking items on the menu.
The ambience and layout of Asateer are simply magnificent. Each night, they can seat up to 1400 guests across 120+ tables (800 indoors and 600 outdoors). Plus, there are the Royal Majilis and four VIP Majilis areas overlooking the Arabian Sea.
During the evening, you’ll be entertained by ambient music with oud strings and vocal performances.
If you’re a first-timer to Dubai, this is truly one of the most exciting and extensive Iftar buffet experiences and should be high on your list of Iftars to try. Please note the strict dress code of long trousers for gents; ladies would be appropriate to wear long gowns.
The tent is open nightly over Ramadan from sunset to 8:30 pm. They are also serving Suhoor here from 10:00 pm until 2:30 am.
Location: Atlantis, The Palm
Cost: 270 AED Weekdays / 290 AED Weekends (2024 Price) + 30 AED for a soft drinks package (other beverages can be purchased a la carte)
Timing: From sunset to 8:00 pm
To book a table or find out more click here
6. Bombay Bungalow
For a delicious iftar of Indian dishes, a visit to the Bombay Bungalow is a must!
Prepare for your taste buds to be tantalised by the restaurant’s fabulous four-course menu, which includes dates to break your fast and an assortment of juicy kebabs and aromatic curries. Alongside the meaty dishes, there are a variety of salads and dips, including Bombay Bungalow’s signature Kadai Hummus, as well as a variety of tasty Indian bread.
Dessert comes in the form of sweet and delicious tres leches cakes.
Location: The Beach Mall, JBR
Cost: 110 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
To find out more click here.
7. SMCCU
The SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) Ramadan Iftar Program showcases the true essence of Ramadan and UAE culture. This is a great iftar for visitors to the UAE who may be unfamiliar with Islamic culture.
The iftar itself includes dates and Arabic coffee to break your fast, followed by some tasty Emirati dishes. The meal is topped off with tempting sweet treats and tea. Alongside the delicious food, there are opportunities to participate in traditional games and activities such as calligraphy and hear about various aspects of local history and culture from the Emirati hosts. A dedicated kids area is sure to keep the little ones happy whilst you enjoy your meal.
Iftar at SMCCU is a brilliantly immersive experience for both those fasting and those experiencing Ramadan for the first time. Advance booking is necessary.
Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Cost: 195 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
Find out more here
8. Asil
For a sophisticated Middle Eastern place to experience one of the best iftar buffet in Dubai, head over to Asil
With a range of Turkish, Moroccan and Lebanese dishes on offer, Asil brings all of the best flavours from around the Arab world to your table. There will be soups, salads, and numerous mezze dishes on offer, as well as filling mains such as manti and imam Bayildi, as well as the succulent mixed grill platter! Indulge yourself with a selection of kunefe, umm ali and other tantalising treats before ending your meal with some calming Moroccan mint tea.
There will be live music and a henna artist in attendance, making this a night you won’t forget. A wholesome meal, a great ambience, and live music? What more could one ask for?
Location: Rixos Premium JBR
Cost: 230 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 7:30 PM
For more details click here
9. 99 Sushi Bar
Fancy a change from the usual Dubai iftar spread? Then why not try the 12-course set menu at 99 Sushi Bar?
Dishes include king crab leg au gratin, teriyaki glazed lamb, sea bass flambé, and salmon fillet maki. There are also a variety of tasty rubato grills on offer as well as some of the most delicious tempura prawns that you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Location: Address Downtown
Cost: 275 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 9:30 pm
For more details click here.
10. Timo
If you’re looking for an iftar place in Dubai that has a fusion of Arabic and Asian cuisine, Timo is the place for you!
The menu is varied and includes many traditional Levantine dishes, like tabbouleh, hummus and dolma as well as south Asian dishes like paneer makhani. There are even a few European curve balls with beef stroganoff and lobster Thermidor also available.
Location: Al Jadaf Rotana
Cost: 200 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
Find out more here
11. 365
For North African flavours, head to 365 for an authentic Moroccan iftar. The specially curated iftar buffet will include Moroccan Harira soup, a range of mezze and traditional recipe tagines as well as lamb ouzi, Staffa madfoona and beef and chicken skewers.
Live cooking stations will also serve up a range freshly cooked delicacies including Andalusian prawns. Conclude your meal with m’hancha, honey, almond briouat and sesame and honey cookies.
Location: Novotel, Al Barsha
Cost: 160 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 10:00 PM
Find out more here
12. Wagamama
Not the the first place that most people would think of when they’re discussing a place to have a Dubai iftar, but Wagamama’s amazing 2024 iftar menu for just 99 AED really does deserve a mention.
The one-person deal includes a miso soup, a choice of one main course, one side, one drink, and one dessert from a specially selected menu, which includes a variety of East Asian-inspired favourites. Alternatively, two people can dine for just 179 AED (two soups, two mains, two sides, two drinks, and two desserts).
It’s not the most traditional or luxurious iftar in Dubai, but it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Location: Dubai Mall & Dubai Marina Mall
Cost: 179 AED for 2 people (2024 price)
Timing: From iftar onwards
To learn more click here
13. Sagar Ratna
If you want to try the traditional Indian thali, you can have the most divine experience at Sagar Ratna.
It offers a range of exotic and savoury dishes served in a thali, including paneer tikka masala, the all-time favourite daal makhani, and paneer angar served with fresh naan roti or Indian bread. You can down it all with makhaniya lassi, and rose sherbet, while having a delicious mixed fruit platter.
Location: Oud Metha & JLT
Cost: From 30 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
Instagram: @sagarratnadubai
14. Expo City
Experience iftar at Expo City with a sumptuous communal buffet set within Expo’s elaborate monumental water feature. Alongside the ready-to-eat fare, live-cooking stations will serve up a variety of made-to-order dishes.
If the 220 AED price tag seems a little high, other options are available in the newly opened Oasis Food Court and the Al Wasl Plaza Cafe.
In addition to live music, visitors can enjoy a specially curated Ramadan projection in the Al Wasl Plaza, as well as arts and crafts and other activities. Entry to the site is free for anyone with an iftar booking at any of the three venues mentioned above.
Location: Dubai Expo City
Cost: 220 AED for iftar by the water feature (2024 Price).
Timing: From iftar till 8 pm
To book a table or find out more click here.
15. At.mosphere
For a truly memorable iftar, reserve a table on the 122nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Here you can enjoy breathtaking views across the city as well as live music and a luxurious menu including arancini with spicy tomato harissa, halloumi pinsa, wagyu tenderloin, salmon and lobster terrine and braised baby lamb. Mains to share are also available to order for an additional fee.
Location: At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Cost: 550 AED (2024 Price)
Timing: From iftar till 9 pm
To find out more click here.
We’ve only scratched the surface of the hundreds of places offering iftar in Dubai. With prices ranging from 30 AED to a whopping 550 AED, there really is something for everyone.
With a whole month of Ramadan nights, there’s plenty of time to try something different. So, why not go for something Indian one day, head out for sushi the next and wrap up your Ramadan with the finest Middle Eastern dishes from the best iftar places in Dubai?
Up Next? Check out our selection of the best Suhoor venues in Dubai for 2024
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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