As Ramadan approaches, residents and visitors across the UAE are preparing for evenings marked by shared meals, traditional flavours and community gatherings. From desert camps in Sharjah to waterfront terraces in Dubai and relaxed outdoor settings in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s Ramadan landscape offers a wide range of Iftar experiences suited to families, groups and travellers.
This guide highlights some of the key Iftar experiences in the UAE for Ramadan 2026, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Sharjah Desert: Mleiha National Park Introduces the ‘Ramadan Star Lounge’
Mleiha National Park has launched the Ramadan Star Lounge, offering Iftar, Suhoor and overnight camping at its panoramic desert site. Surrounded by dunes and rocky ridges, the venue highlights the natural landscape and low-light skies ideal for stargazing.
The Iftar (AED190 adults, AED150 children) includes dates, Ramadan beverages, soups, salads, mezze, barbecued items, mains and dessert. Suhoor (AED175 adults, AED125 children) features salads, mezze, saffron rice with chicken skewers and a dessert selection.
An overnight camping package offering both meals is priced at AED445 for adults and AED335 for children.
Bookings: mleihanationalpark.com
Abu Dhabi: Open-Air Iftar at Yas Plaza Hotels on Yas Island
In Abu Dhabi, Yas Plaza Hotels is hosting Al Noor, an outdoor Iftar experience at Central Plaza on Yas Island. The setting offers a relaxed evening atmosphere, beginning with traditional Ramadan beverages, dates and seasonal fruits, followed by soups, salads and Arabic mezze.
Live cooking stations include slow-cooked lamb ouzi, chicken shawarma and a barbecue lineup featuring grilled meats and seafood. The buffet rotates across Arabic, Indian and international dishes, while dessert options include kunafa, luqaimat, Umm Ali and mahalabiya.
Early-bird prices start at AED145 for adults and AED75 for children until 25 February. Standard pricing increases to AED220 and AED110 respectively, with children under six dining free. Groups of 10 receive one complimentary Iftar — an option appealing to families and corporate gatherings.
Location: Central Plaza, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island
Time: Daily from sunset
Reservations: +971 2 656 2233
Dubai: ME by Meliá Dubai Launches a Refined Pool Terrace Iftar
ME by Meliá Dubai is offering an open-air Iftar on its pool terrace, combining classic Ramadan dishes with a contemporary dining approach. The evening begins with an extensive mezze spread — hummus, moutabel, tabbouleh, fattoush, kibbeh and cheese rakakat — alongside a charcuterie selection featuring beef cecina, chorizo, mortadella and salmon gravlax.
A carvery and grill station serves slow-roasted beef cheeks, roasted lamb leg and chicken shish tawook, while Ramadan mains include lamb ouzi with oriental rice, Samkeh Harra and Dawood Basha. Desserts range from Umm Ali and date pudding to Arabic sweets and fresh fruits.
The Iftar is priced at AED249 per person and runs from sunset to 10:30pm.
Location: Pool Terrace, Level 1
Reservations: +971 54 991 7489
Sharjah: Alsimrah, the Emirate’s Largest Ramadan Tent, Returns to Aljada
Alsimrah, Sharjah’s largest Ramadan tent, will reopen on 18 February with an increased capacity of 590 guests. The 40-metre Iftar buffet is priced at AED220 per person, while the Suhoor buffet costs AED175. Children aged 7–12 dine at half price.
Guests can also book the VIP Private Majlis (minimum spend AED3,500) or corporate packages for larger groups. Cultural activities — including oud and qanun performances, henna, calligraphy and storytelling — accompany the evening. A dedicated prayer area and valet parking add to the convenience.
The newly opened Nest Hotel at Aljada is offering Ramadan stay packages starting at AED460 per night, inclusive of Iftar or Suhoor at Alsimrah.
Launch Date: 18 February
Bookings: www.alsimrah.com/ramadan
Dubai Marina: Two Distinct Iftars at Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites
Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites is presenting two contrasting Iftar experiences.
Prime52: A Refined Creekside Iftar
Prime52, located on the hotel’s top floor, offers an intimate and quieter setting. Guests can choose from à la carte Ramadan dishes such as Emirati-style lamb shank, seared foie gras and homemade kunafa with date ice cream. The venue suits small family gatherings and diners seeking a premium Iftar experience in Dubai Marina.
Time: 6pm – 12am
Pricing: À la carte
Counter Culture Café: A Family-Friendly Iftar Buffet
For those preferring variety, Counter Culture Café offers an Iftar buffet with live ouzi and shawarma stations and a wide array of desserts. The atmosphere caters to families and groups looking for an accessible Ramadan dining option in Dubai Marina. Prices begin at AED155.
Time:
Sun–Thu: Sunset – 10pm
Fri–Sun: Sunset – 11pm
Reservations (both venues): +971 4 319 4000
Dubai Deira Creek: Radisson Blu Offers Creekside and Persian-Inspired Iftars
Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek is offering several Ramadan dining options, including Nur al Hilal, an open-air Creekside Iftar featuring more than 200 dishes. Lantern-lit décor and live oud music accompany the buffet. Prices are AED265 for adults and AED129 for children aged 6–12.
The hotel’s Persian restaurant, Shabestan, presents a premium Iftar set menu priced at AED249 per person. Both offerings run until 9:30pm and cater to groups seeking a traditional Ramadan setting in Dubai.
The property also accommodates large events for up to 1,000 guests, with early-bird offers available until 10 February.
Reservations: +971 56 548 8238 or booking.diningdubaicreek@radissonblu.com