The holy month of Ramadan is a special time in Dubai, with residents and visitors coming together to observe the traditions of fasting, prayer, and reflection. As the sun sets each evening, Muslims break their fast with lavish iftar meals, often enjoyed in the company of friends and family. Dubai is renowned for its world-class hotels and resorts, many of which transform their grounds into stunning Ramadan tents and majlises (Arabic for ‘sitting places’) that provide unforgettable backdrops for the iftar and suhoor meals.
From palatial Arabian tents in the desert to luxury dining spaces overlooking the glittering Dubai skyline, these Ramadan venues blend traditional Arabic hospitality with five-star service and cuisine. With many offering live entertainment and cultural activities as well, they allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Ramadan against visually breathtaking settings. As the holy month draws visitors from around the world, Dubai’s hotels pull out all the stops to create exceptional environments where people can come together to appreciate the true spirit of Ramadan.
Importance of Ramadan Tents and Majlises
Ramadan tents and majlises hold deep cultural and social significance in Dubai. More than just dining spaces, they represent cherished community hubs where families and friends gather to reconnect over iftar meals after a day of fasting. Their ornate interiors, with Arabesque decor and low seating areas, mimic the warmth and intimacy of the traditional majlis settings found in Emirati homes.
In bringing people together around lavish buffet spreads, these venues also promote the values of hospitality, generosity, and fellowship so integral to the holy month. Their grand scale allows them to accommodate hundreds of diners per night, facilitating bonds between people from vastly different backgrounds. The communal nature of iftar meals serves to reinforce a sense of solidarity, as the experience of fasting cultivates empathy and compassion.
Unique Ramadan Experiences in Dubai
The iconic Atlantis, The Palm hotel transforms its grounds each year into an extravagant air-conditioned tent seating over 1,000 guests, making it one of Dubai’s largest Ramadan venues. The regal interiors feature golden chandeliers, ornate mirrors, and vibrant textiles reminiscent of a sultan’s majlis. Adding to the grand Arabian theme are the live oud musicians filling the space with traditional tunes.
The property’s signature Ramadan hospitality begins with a lavish buffet spread bursting with Arabic and international dishes, including hot and cold mezze, premium cuts of lamb and seafood, and decadent desserts. Guests can enjoy unparalleled views of the Dubai Marina skyline and the Palm Islands through the tent’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Each night also brings a new theme to the buffet offerings – from Pan Asian Night to Flavours of the Levant.
Address Downtown Majlis
The Address Downtown hotel, known for its views of the Burj Khalifa, brings understated luxury to its Ramadan Majlis located on the hotel’s podium overlooking the Dubai Fountain. The contemporary space features sleek decor in neutral tones, with the floor-to-ceiling windows drawing the eye to the impressive vistas outside. The majlis accommodates over 300 guests across plush booth seating and elegant tables.
Guests can indulge in one of Dubai’s most extensive Ramadan buffet offerings, with live cooking stations dishing up regional specialties alongside international cuisines. Traditional Arabic sweets and local dates complete the meal. An in-house oud player provides a soothing ambiance amid the refined and relaxed atmosphere. With its prime location, the Address Downtown Majlis promises stunning 360-degree views of Dubai’s architectural marvels throughout the iftar experience.
Burj Al Arab Iftar Pavilion
The Burj Al Arab is an iconic Dubai landmark, instantly recognizable for its sail-shaped silhouette rising over the Arabian Gulf. During Ramadan, the luxury hotel transforms its North Terrace into a stunning open-air Iftar Pavilion with uninterrupted panoramas of the Dubai coastline. The breezy space features cabana-style seating, date palm trees, and colorful cushions echoing Burj Al Arab’s signature aquamarine hue.
Guests can graze on one of Dubai’s most extensive iftar buffet spreads, with live stations dishing up Arabic hot and cold mezze, premium cuts of lamb, and the freshest seafood. Desserts include traditional Umm Ali, luqaimat dumplings, and Arabic sweets. With its relaxed al fresco ambiance and sweeping ocean vistas, the Iftar Pavilion allows guests to soak up the magic of an Arabian sunset breaking fast in true Burj Al Arab luxury.
Bab Al Shams Desert Tent
Nestled amid the rolling dunes of Dubai’s desert landscape, Bab Al Shams offers an iconic Ramadan experience in its traditional Al Hadheerah Desert Tent. The Bedouin-style venue features majlis-style seating surrounded by date palm trees, with views of the star-studded night sky above its open courtyard. Guests are welcomed with traditional Arabic gahwa coffee and dates before moving to the buffet.
The Arabic fare includes hot and cold mezze, mixed grills with premium cuts of lamb and chicken, and regional desserts like Umm Ali and luqaimat dumplings. Throughout the evening, diners are regaled with live entertainment celebrating Emirati culture, including Tanoura dancing, Arabic oud musicians, and a captivating falconry show. With its authentic desert setting and vibrant performances, Bab Al Shams’ Al Hadheerah Tent transports guests to an ancient Arabia filled with the sights and sounds of a traditional Ramadan.
Zabeel Saray Grand Tent
The Zabeel Saray hotel by Jumeirah on Palm Jumeirah brings lavish luxury to its Ramadan tent experience. The grand venue features splendid interiors with jewel-toned Persian carpets, decadent chandeliers, and plush seating nooks framed by billowing drapes. The sprawling buffet presents Arabic and international specialties including live grills, seafood stations, traditional sweets, and local dates.
Adding to the Arabian atmosphere is the nightly line-up of cultural activities like henna artists, falconry shows, and Tanoura performances. The hotel also hosts the Palm F Symphony Orchestra to fill the tent with live Arabic and classical melodies. With its extravagant decor, vibrant entertainment line-up, and extensive buffet against the Palm Jumeirah backdrop, the Zabeel Saray Grand Tent brings majestic opulence to iftar gatherings.
Madinat Jumeirah Ramadan Majlis
The Madinat Jumeirah resort transforms its Al Bahou Ballroom into an enchanting majlis venue reflecting its unique Arabian architecture. The vast, air-conditioned space features intricate carved archways, jewel-toned Persian rugs, embroidered throw pillows, and low seating perfect for iftar gatherings. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can soak in views of the resort’s meandering waterways and traditional windtower architecture.
The Ramadan buffet menu presents a mouthwatering array of Arabic specialties including hot and cold mezze, mixed grills, and regional desserts. Adding to the cultural immersion are live stations preparing traditional Emirati dishes like harees, maleh bi’ajeen, and machboos. Nightly entertainment includes a nostalgic video screening of iconic Arabic films and television shows throughout the years.
One&Only Royal Mirage Tent
The One&Only Royal Mirage hotel brings understated luxury to its lavish Oriental-themed tent located amid its sprawling palace gardens. The romantic venue features intricate Moroccan lanterns, jewel-toned Oriental carpets, and plush seating perfect for intimate gatherings. Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows reveal vistas of the resort’s lush, palm-filled gardens and meandering waterways.
The Ramadan buffet menu presents an array of Arabic hot and cold mezze, mixed grills, and tagines, as well as a dedicated seafood bar showcasing the catch of the day. For those with a sweet tooth, there is an extensive pastry and dessert room filled with everything from Turkish delight to Um Ali. Adding to the magic are live stations preparing made-to-order crêpes and ice cream. The Oriental-style tent allows visitors to experience elegant iftar gatherings against the romantic backdrop of the One&Only Royal Mirage palace.
Kempinski Emerald Palace Tent
The Kempinski Emerald Palace hotel brings a taste of India to its lavish Ramadan tent experience. The exotic pavilion features ornate mirrors, jewel-toned cushions, and hanging lanterns reminiscent of an Indian palace. The sprawling buffet includes dishes from across Asia and the Middle East, like tandoori chicken, biryani rice, and hot and cold mezze, as well as traditional desserts such as umm ali and basbousa.
Adding to the cross-cultural experience, nightly entertainment includes a fusion of Arabic and Bollywood dance performances. Guests can also browse goods from local vendors in an on-site traditional souk while enjoying views of the hotel’s lush gardens and Arabian Gulf vistas beyond. With its East-meets-West atmosphere and vibrant entertainment, the Kempinski Emerald Palace tent offers a uniquely diverse iftar experience.
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Majlis
Nestled amid Dubai’s protected desert oasis, Al Maha Resort transforms its outdoor Bedouin-style majlis into an intimate iftar gathering place. The tent features low-lying seating surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Dubai desert landscape. As the sun sets over the dunes, guests gather around fire pits enjoying Arabic gahwa coffee and dates before moving to the majlis for iftar.
The menu focuses on traditional Emirati cuisine, with local favorites like harees, maleh bi’ajeen, and machboos, as well as hot and cold mezze featuring ingredients sourced from Al Maha’s on-site organic garden. Adding to the cultural immersion, a traditional oud musician fills the Bedouin tent space with
Conclusion
Dubai provides stunning backdrops for memorable Ramadan experiences, with hotels and resorts across the emirates offering beautifully-designed majlis spaces and tents. From the splendor of the Burj Al Arab Iftar Pavilion to the old-world allure of Madinat Jumeirah’s majlis, these venues blend luxury with cultural immersion. Their extensive buffet spreads showcase Arabic flavors alongside international dishes, while activities like live music and folkloric performances celebrate the Emirati heritage.
