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Community spirit, culture and cuisine meet after dark in Dubai this Ramadan
Visiting Dubai during Ramadan offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and spiritual fabric of the city. The holy month transforms Dubai into a hub of cultural richness and communal harmony, showcasing the city’s ability to blend tradition with modernity.
Travellers can experience the unparalleled hospitality of Iftar gatherings, explore vibrant Ramadan markets, and witness the city’s landmarks and streets adorned in festive lights. The serene atmosphere, coupled with shorter working hours, provides a more relaxed pace, allowing visitors to immerse themselves deeply in the local culture and spirituality.
For many years, the heat of summer and the impacts of COVID-19 saw outdoor events cancelled or people simply looking to retreat indoors. However, the milder weather of Spring in 2024 means an abundance of nighttime activity can now be enjoyed over the holy month.
In this events roundup, we’re focused on markets and nighttime events all the family can enjoy during. For our dining listings, make sure to head to our guides on the best Iftars in Dubai and where to find authentic Dubai Suhoor experiences.
Ramadan Night Markets 2024
With opportunities to shop for dates, kaftans, lanterns, Eidi and traditional foods and clothing, let’s take a look at the best places to join in with the community and feel the spirit of Ramadan in 2024.
NB Souk and souq are interchangeably used in the UAE – they simply refer to a market. The dates listed may still be subject to moon sighting.
Ramadan District 2.0 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
March 15th to April 4 2024 – 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
Returning for its second season this Ramadan, the Ramadan District at the Plaza Terrace aims to blend cultural heritage with contemporary entertainment. Expect community activities, including board games, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and stage performances. You’ll also find henna and calligraphy artists
You will find everything here, from big-name luxury goods brands to small local businesses, set in the backdrop of The Museum of the Future.
You are adjacent to the Ramadan Majilis at Jumeirah Etihad Towers, which hosts nightly iftar and suhoor.
Entry is free, but there are paid activities
Learn more at ramadandistrict.com or @ramadan.district
Dubai Municipality Ramadan Souq in Bur Deira
Until 9th March 2024 – 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
This is a good one to attend in the run-up to Ramadan, noting that it’s actually scheduled to stop before the Holy Month starts.
Many locally will be making their Ramadan preparations by heading to this outdoor souq held on Old Municipality Street in Bur Deira. This souq will offer shoppers a unique range of products, including kitchen essentials, fabrics, and traditional food items.
Visitors can also enjoy entertainment and family-friendly activities. This is a great spot for visitors to Dubai during March to understand more about the culture and community surrounding Ramadan, as well as supporting the city’s traditional market traders.
Free to enter
Learn more at dm.gov.ae
Ramadan Market at City Walk
March 18th to April 15th 2024
City Walk will be transformed this Ramadan with colourful decorations and vendor kiosks from garments and home decor to jewellery and street foods, all sourced from Dubai-based small and medium businesses,
Guests can enjoy suhoor every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with live entertainment from 8:30pm. The entertainment lineup includes qanun players, for a captivating musical experience.
Free entry
Learn more at citywalk.ae
Hai Ramadan at Expo City
March 10th to April 8th 2024; 5:00 pm to midnight
The market held in Al Wasl Plaza will host a mix of culture, tradition, and family-friendly activities with food outlets, handmade crafts, traditional garments, and Ramadan-themed items.
More than 20 outlets and food carts will be present, with handicrafts and garments to purchase. Dukan Yadoo “Grandmothers Supermarket” will be a highlight, allowing children to purchase candy using tokens from “Floos Bank”
Guests are also invited to enjoy the magic of “Story Time with Al Wasl Plaza” – a delightful 5-minute narration of enchanting children’s stories. Watch the dome transform and bring to life the stories of significant prophets from Islam.
This will also be one of seven locations in Dubai where you can see the Iftar cannon fired.
Entry is free for iftar and suhoor bookings and kids under 5, or AED 20 without you can purchase on Platinumlist or at the gate
Learn more at expocitydubai.com
The Artisan Market @ The Beach, JBR
March 25th to May 2024
Conveniently located in the tourist district of JBR, this is the spot for picking up traditional crafts and trinkets.
Don’t miss the addition of fireworks every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 15 to 31 March at 9:30 PM.
Learn more at thebeach.ae
Ramadan Wonder Souk at Global Village Dubai
March 15th 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Global Village has been a hub of multi-cultural activity in Dubai for decades now, and this Ramadan, the Wonder Souk, based on a traditional Emirati market, will take centre stage throughout the holy month.
Guests will experience the iftar cannon at sunset and then enjoy their iftar and suhoor at various dining venues around Global Village.
Entry starts at AED 22.50 per person, kids under 3, seniors and POD are free
Learn more at globalvillage.com or @globalvillageuae
The Bay by Social Ramadan Market
Thursday-Sundays during Ramadan.7:00 Pm to 10:00 PM
Enjoy this festive market at Dubai Festival City Mall, held every Thursday to Sunday evening. The market will include storytelling workshops for kids, and Ramadan dining.
Other Interesting Ramadan Events in Dubai 2024
Dispelling myths that ‘there’s nothing to doing Dubai during Ramadan’, keep your eye out for these Ramadan-related events.
Stay a Little Longer Alserkal
23-31 March 2024
Join the festivities from Iftar to Suhoor and enjoy storytelling, music, coffee-making workshops, poetry performances and more (we await the full program of performers for 2024).
Learn more at alserkal.online
Ramadan Garden Dubai
March 11th to April 19th 2024, from sunset to 2:30 AM
Held across the rooftop garden at Al Habtoor City, the Winter Garden, which has become well known for its Christmas Celebration, will this year be transformed into a Ramadan Garden for March – April.
Iftar will be held from sunset to 8:30 AM followed by a lengthy and relaxed Suhoor from 9:00 PM to 2:30 AM
Staycation packages are also possible here, including Iftar in the Ramadan Garden, staying at Habtoor Palace, V Hotel or Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Learn more at @wintergardendubai
Ramadan Nights at Jameel Arts Centre
16 and 23 March 2024; 9:30 PM to Midnight
Two intriguing evenings of cultural learning, Saturday 16th is about Connecting Over Shared Traditions, whilst the event on Saturday 23rd will focus on Crafting Over Shared Traditions.
If you are a visitor to Dubai or wanting to learn more, this would be a great education experience to attend.
Learn more at jameelartscentre.org
Souk Deeritna @ RAW Coffee
Friday to Sunday during Ramadan 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
A unique Iftar experience under the theme “Let’s Bloom in Hope”, the event will showcase local Palestinian artists in the decor, whilst the Iftar dishes will offer a unique selection of Palestinian dishes, including live cooking stations.
The event will include kids’s workshops and storytelling post-Iftar and showcase arts and merchandise from Palestinian artists.
Adults AED 195, \kids 6-12 AED 120. A portion of sales will be donated to Tarahum for Gaza through Red Crescent UAE.
Learn more by WhatsApp 0526988428
Before You Head to a Dubai Ramadan Market
It is important to remember that Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and togetherness. Whilst these Dubai Ramadan events are by no means limited to just the Muslim community, please be mindful that you are at a religious occasion, in an Islamic country.
Whilst Dubai may come across as ‘business as usual’ these days during the Holy Month, please be mindful when attending a Ramadan event where you are; dress appropriately for the occasion and refrain from eating and drinking around those fasting until after sunset.
We explain more about the Ramadan Rules for Tourists in Dubai During Ramadan here.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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