Ramadan in Abu Dhabi: Iftar & Suhoor around the City
What is the difference between iftar and suhoor? Both are the names given to meals taken outside fasting time during Ramadan: iftar occurs after sunset and suhoor before sunrise. Once the sun sets on a day of fasting, it’s a joyous occasion of eating and socialising. Most hotels and restaurants offer special iftar meals, most commonly a large spread of Middle Eastern mezze favourites such as hommus and falafel, and some traditional Emirati dishes such as baby camel, grilled sea-bass and halva (a dense Turkish-style dessert of seeds and honey), all washed down with rose-scented and date juices. Fruits, sweetened grains, yogurts and puddings are the main features of a suhoor meal, which is eaten just before sunrise.
Time: Iftar starts at sunset till 8.30/9pm; Suhoor starts after 9pm till 2am (check before booking)!!
We have selected for you some cool restaurants: enjoy the magic of those places!! 🙂
Emirates Palace
You don’t get a venue more regal than Emirates Palace, and its iftar is as equally opulent. There is a huge selection of dishes served in its pavilion, which is in a new location this year. You can also order from an a la carte menu for suhoor, from 10pm to 2am, but there is a minimum spend of Dhs150.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, daily sunset to 9.30pm, Dhs265. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. emiratespalace.com
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Iftar will be served in the hotel’s Ramadan tent, Al Andalus, with views of the Maqta Creek and the Grand Mosque included in the price.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, daily from sunset, Dhs195 to Dhs225. Tel: (02) 6543238. Taxi: Fairmont. fairmont.com
Coya
Abu Dhabi’s new Peruvian outlet will be serving iftar daily with cream of pumpkin soup, salmon a la brasa served with stir-fried quinoa and green vegetables, and sticky toffee date cake on the menu.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 8pm, Dhs270. Tel: (02) 3067000. Taxi: The Galleria. coyarestaurant.com
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Iftar will be served at Hawksbill Restaurant and the price includes Ramadan juices.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily from sunset, Dhs140. Tel: (02) 5578000. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. sbgolfclub.ae
Yas Marina Circuit
Yes, even the city’s F1 track is serving iftar and suhoor this year, inside the circuit’s pit stop garages. It’s on every evening during Ramadan and the event is called This Is Not A Buffet.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily from sunset, Dhs90 to Dhs210. Tel: (056) 4993061. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. thisisnotabuffet.com
Safina
Head to Saadiyat Beach Club for a traditional Ramadan buffet with fish kofta with harra sauce, butter chicken and plenty more on offer.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily from sunset, Dhs199. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. saadiyatbeachclub.ae
Sportsman’s Arms
This Ramadan, Abu Dhabi’s favourite family-friendly restaurant, The Sportsman’s Arms is the perfect venue to keep cool over summer with something for the whole family!
In addition to their award-winning roast available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, guests can also take advantage of the Boston Night brunch which will be available on Thursday and Friday evenings. Plus, if you are in the mood for a drink, you can benefit from the extended happy hour offered every day from 8:00pm until 12:00am. www.sportsmanszsc.com