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“During Ramadan, capable Muslims are required to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Such fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.” Unknown

The holy month of Ramadan will start on Thursday 23rd March as declared by the UAE moon-sighting committee who met last night. All across the emirate, hotels and restaurants are gearing up to offer Iftar options. Here are five not to be missed Abu Dhabi Iftars available for this year’s holy month.

The Abu Dhabi EDITION – Enjoy a fabulous modern Iftar at MARKET at The Abu Dhabi EDITION. This year, alongside all the delicious buffet options, there’s a menu of signature dishes by local award-winning chef Sara Aqel. The signature dishes include local honey baked feta, Gaza’s Moussaka and Teta’s rice pudding with vanilla, caramel and hazelnut. 

Iftar will be served daily from sunset to 9:30pm. AED 195 per person. www.marketabudhabi.com 

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr – CuiScene, Marco’s Italian and Mazaj Bab Al Bahr restaurants have joined together to offer diners the ‘Al Andalus’ Ramadan experience. The Iftar buffet has been created by head chef Ayoub Makdissi and his team. Dishes include appetizers such as soups, hot and cold mezze with favourites like cheese sambousek, kibbeh and manakish. Live regional and international cooking stations will serve mains such as lamb ouzi alongside Indian and Asian specialties. Kunafa, ice creams, dried fruits and traditional sweets will be available for dessert.

Iftar will be served daily from sunset to 9pm. AED 285 per person (50 % discount for kids between 6 and 12 while kids under 5 will dine for free) . www.fairmont.com/abu-dhabi/

W Abu Dhabi Yas Island – Garage restaurant at the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island has been transformed into an elegant Iftar setting for this year’s Ramadan. The extensive buffet offers a mix of traditional regional cuisine and international dishes that are guaranteed to satisfy all cravings. A sizable selection of dates are available for guests to break their fast as well as Ramadan juices. Favourites such as lamb ouzi, chicken shawarma, mezze, bakhara and umm ali are offered alongside fresh sushi, salads, curries and an abundance of dessert and drinks options. 

Iftar is available daily from sunset to 9pm.  AED 245 per person. www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/auhwh-w-abu-dhabi-yas-island/experiences/explore-abu-dhabi/

Niri Restaurant & Bar – Try the Japanese inspired Iftar at Niri located at Mamsha Al Saadiyat this Ramadan. The set menu will be available throughout the holy month and offers such delights as shrimp tempura, tori momo, sushi, sea bream, wagyu yakimeshi. Their delicious chocolate souffle and kinako pistachio cheesecake are the dessert options.

Iftar is available daily from sunset. AED 200 per person. www.instagram.com/niriabudhabi/

Pura Eco Retreat Jubail Island Abu Dhabi – Dine under the stars with an iftar at The Terrace at Pura Eco Retreat located on Jubail Island. The menu will include a gourmet feast encompassing Iranian to Emirati flavours as well as Indian and international favourites. Traditional Arabic desserts and sweets will ensure the perfect end to a culinary experience in a stunning location.

Iftar is available daily from sunset until 9pm. AED 175 per person. www.instagram.com/staypura/

Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2023. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Niri Restaurant & Bar and Pura Eco Retreat.