Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr | The Galleria

“Ramadan is a time to empty your stomach to feed your soul.” Unknown

If you are looking for somewhere to celebrate the last weekend of Ramadan with your family or friends look no further than Abu Dhabi’s luxury shopping and dining destination, The Galleria Mall located on Al Maryah Island.

Ramadan themed activities are being hosted throughout the mall along with an art exhibition by renowned Emirati calligrapher and graffiti artist Diaa Allam which is worth seeing, the colourful pieces showcase traditional Arabic calligraphy integrated into contemporary Modern Art (example of his work below from the recent Mother of the Nation Festival). Visitors to the mall will be able to admire his skills and craftsmanship across a range of different installations on display. Hospitality areas offer visitors complimentary traditional Arabic coffee and dates and there’s a stand dedicated to the region’s heritage with falcons, the national bird on display.

Throughout the mall food and beverages outlets are offering Iftar menus. While I can’t speak for all the restaurants and cafes I can thoroughly recommend the healthy and organic iftar buffet offered at Nolu’s Downtown. Nolu’s offers diners a fusion of Afghan and Californian cuisine courtesy of owner Marjon Ajami and her team, the fresh salad bar with delicious dressings and desserts are a good enough reason to visit alone.

The large contemporary cafe is a really stylish place to enjoy an iftar with a good choice of vegetarian options and different choices to the large hotel spreads, the selection offers wholesome ‘soulful’ home cooked style food which is both nutritious and tasty.

Traditional Ramadan beverages are available alongside low sugar cold pressed juices, a different iftar menu is offered everyday so regular visitors will not tire of repetition. For those who like hosting Iftar in their own home Nolu’s offers a catering service delivered to your door and the restaurant is open for non-fasters for both lunch and dinner throughout Ramadan from 11am – 11pm.

As Ramadan comes to an end the mall will celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with holy month inspired arts and craft activities, traditional henna and sand bottle artists as well as daily performances by an Ayyalah band. The Galleria is a great place to take family or meet friends during Ramadan, celebrate Iftar and Eid dining at one of the thirty outlets including those at the Rosewood Hotel and of course enjoy some retail therapy at the rather fabulous designer shops.

The Galleria Mall

Location: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi

Ramadan hours: Saturday – Wednesday: 12 noon – 12 midnight and Thursday – Friday: 12 noon – 1am. Retail stores: Saturday to Thursday: 10am – 3pm / 8pm – 1am and Friday: 8pm – 1am. Restaurants: 6:30pm – 1am daily (Note: Restaurant and café hours may vary so check before visiting)

Retail Stores: Thursday: 10am – 12am, Friday: 12 noon – 12 midnight Saturday – Wednesday: 10am – 10pm

Café Terraces & Restaurants: Weekdays: 10am – 10pm, Weekends: 10am – 12 midnight (Restaurant and café hours may vary).

Website: thegalleria.ae

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Nolu’s Downtown

Location: Upper level, The Galleria Mall

Ramadan hours: Opening Times: Lunch and Dinner from 11:00am – 11:00pm. Iftar Buffet: 9:00pm AED 150 per person

Telephone: 800NOLUS (66587) for deliveries/reservations

Iftar catering – Catering@nolusrestaurants.com

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The Galleria Ramadan Dining Information

Bentley Bistro & Bar – Open daily 12 noon – 2:00am.

Carluccio’s – Open daily 12 noon – 12 midnight.

Magnolia Bakery – Open daily from 7.30am and 9.30am on Friday.

Nolu’s Downtown – Open daily 11am – 11pm.

Sushi Art – Open daily 12 noon – 12 midnight.

Taqado – Open daily 12 noon to midnight and 1am on Thursday/ Friday.

Zuma – Open daily for lunch Sunday – Thursday 12 noon – 3.30pm and Friday – Saturday : 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Dinner Saturday – Wednesday : 7:00pm – 12:00pm and Thursday – Friday : 7:00pm – 1:00am. Zuma brunch will not be served during the summer period but the A la Carte menu is available every Friday 12.30pm – 3.30pm