Dubai, UAE, 11 March 2025 : Ramadan is a time for reflection, unity and celebration, as well as when Dubai’s leading lifestyle destinations and malls come alive with cultural experiences and culinary encounters. This year, several destinations invite visitors to encounter dazzling light displays, exclusive iftar and suhoor offers, and themed weekend entertainment from 9 PM onwards.
Ramadan Reflections, a breathtaking nightly light show in partnership with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), will illuminate Al Seef’s heritage area with stunning visuals. Wander through the destination’s lantern-lit pathways and souk encounters, where oud and qanun melodies will ring, before choosing a creek-front table at sundown for delicious iftar and suhoor offers. As the evening progresses, a real-life Msaharati will wander through the district, drumming up visitors for suhoor like in the olden days.
Follow the lights east to Al Khawaneej Walk, where more installations will illuminate an ideal scene to while away the serene Ramadan nights. Themed décor, traditional lanterns and crescent accents will create a warm atmosphere indoors and outdoors, while restaurants and retailers offer special deals and offers for the month. For those looking for homegrown culinary concepts, Al Khawaneej Walk is a must-visit.
From 7 to 23 March, Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s amphitheater will honour the Holy Month with traditional storytelling, live cultural and folk performances, including Tanoura dancers, calligraphy art and more. The stage alights every weekend from 8 PM to 11 PM, a perfect encounter after Iftar at one of the destination’s many restaurants.
Explore special offers across Boxpark’s retail outlets and enjoy a unique dining experience at its off-beat cafés and restaurants—whether it’s a memorable meal, a delightful dessert, or an artisanal coffee. The Urbanist is curating a limited time pop-up where you can shop creations by regional designers curated for the Holy Month. A short drive away, Bay Avenue will host captivating cultural experiences from Iftar to 9:30 PM, including live oud performances and henna designs.
Over by the coast at JBR The Walk, little ones can let their creative juices flow over Ramadan-themed crafting workshops. Visitors can also enjoy traditional oud performances weaving through the promenade and savour the spirit of the month with complimentary coffee and dates. Cross the pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Dubai, where elegant décor, glowing installations and seafront views provide a stunning backdrop for Iftar gatherings. Explore limited-time retail promotions and indulge in exclusive dining experiences at unique culinary concepts.
Visitors can also look forward to fireworks at Al Seef (1 March and 8 March at 10 PM) and Bluewaters (22 March at 10 PM).
IFTAR DEALS
SushiYaki
Head to SushiYaki for a Japanese-Middle Eastern fusion iftar. The handpicked menu features some of the chef’s most delectable plates, including Thai Salad with plum sauce, Miso Soup, and Black Onyx Tenderloin with smoky chilli Udon noodles. Top it off with a decadent pistachio Kunafa served with fig ice cream and date compote.
Cost: Per individual item, starting at AED 55
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Ushna
Ushna’s five-course set menu reimagines classic Indian recipes and hospitality with a modern touch. Expect hearty soups, fragrant mains, and indulgent desserts complemented by refreshing Ramadan juices.
Cost: From AED 155 per person (minimum 2 guests)
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Anar
Anar invites guests to enjoy a carefully curated five-course menu. From slow-cooked stews to aromatic rice dishes, each plate is a tribute to timeless Persian flavours served in a setting that feels like home.
Cost: From AED 175 per person (minimum 2 guests)
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Al Makan
At Al Makan, savour a menu steeped in Emirati and Lebanese heritage. Featuring family recipes passed down through generations, the Iftar menu promises a nostalgic and flavourful dining experience.
Cost: AED 130
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The Pods
Enjoy a private dining affair overlooking the waterfront at Bluewaters Dubai. The Pods has put together a scrumptious Iftar set menu of cold and hot mezze, a hearty soup, a filling main and dessert, which you can savour to views of the sun setting over Dubai’s horizon.
Cost: AED 249 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Grand Zor
Tuck into a delicious feast of traditional Uzbek, Eastern European and Mediterranean treats at Grand Zor. This Bluewaters new joiner opened its doors on the island this past January, making Ramadan the ideal time to put their flavours to the test.
Cost: AED 190 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Besar
Inspired by the history of Moorish Spain, Besar is already a fan favourite with its authentic Spanish flavours and warm ambience. The restaurant offers a delicious set menu for Iftar, perfect for sharing with a loved one.
Cost: AED 160 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Virgin Izakaya
Enjoy a set Iftar menu for AED 250 per person that perfectly blends traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine at Virgin Izakaya. This trendy Bluewaters restaurant is located at the foot of the Ain Dubai and boasts a traditional robata grill at its heart.
Cost: AED 250 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Gunaydin
Turkish treats await at Gunaydin. The restaurant, situated along the water’s edge at Bluewaters, is known and loved for its succulent, meticulously marinated meat cuts. The culinary team has curated four rotating set menus for AED 235 per person, so you can sample different plates and flavours each time you return for seconds.
Cost: AED 235 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Frank
Frank is new to Bluewaters idyllic island, with stylish hip-hop vibes and a meat-focused menu boasting burgers, beef ribs and wings. Feast on classic American dishes with its set Ramadan menu for AED 220 per person.
Cost: AED 220 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Chique O Latte
The Dubai outpost of this Amsterdam eatery is known for its decadent chocolate fondue and delicious desserts. This Ramadan, sample their mix of sweet and savoury dishes with an Iftar package for AED 99 only.
Cost: AED 99 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Berber
Dive into masterful Moroccan spices, stews and succulent meats at Bluewaters’ Berber over a set Iftar menu for AED 249 per person.
Cost: AED 249 per person; AED 99 for kids
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
The Spaniel
Classic British bites with a modern twist await diners at The Spaniel. A new addition to the Bluewaters, the restaurant is introducing a special Ramadan set menu featuring broad bean hummus, The Spaniel’s signature beef wellington and a side of mashed potato with confit garlic and peppercorn jus for AED 379. The meal comes with sticky date pudding, Horlicks ice cream with candied walnuts for a sweet conclusion, and your choice of tea, coffee, fruit or labneh.
Cost: AED 379 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Mado
Tantalise your tastebuds with traditional Turkish fare at Mado. Under the shadow of the world’s largest Ferris wheel, enjoy a special Iftar set menu for AED 110 per person.
Cost: AED 110 per person
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Clay
Clay is known for its masterful take on Nikkei cuisine – a fusion of Peruvian-Japanese culinary traditions. Make the most of special Ramadan prices on select menu items, such as the Uramaki Wheel for AED 255 and the Kunafa Cheesecake for AED 75. The Wheel – served on a miniature version of the one just beyond the venue’s vantage point – brings together three maki rolls: crab and crispy prawn tempura, salmon and cream cheese, and the Beef Yakiniku.
Cost: Uramaki Wheel for AED 255; Kunafa Cheesecake for AED 75
Location: Bluewaters Dubai
Kabila Restaurant
Tuck into authentic North Indian, Mughlai and pan-Asian cuisine in a laidback Iftar setting. Kabila Restaurant at Bay Avenue has put together wallet-friendly Iftar combos featuring delectable mains such as kebabs, biryanis, and chicken tikka curries starting at just AED 15.
Cost: AED 15 - 35
Location: Bay Avenue
Nani Noodles
Tuck into an unlimited spread of authentic Japanese street food at Nani. Perfect for those looking for an easy, casual sunset meal that packs a punch, this Bay Square gem invites you to feast for AED 99 only. To reduce food waste and promote mindful consumption, the restaurant will charge AED 40 for any leftover foods – so order wisely! Little ones up to 6 years old can eat for free, while those ages 6 to 14 can feast for AED 59 only.
Cost: AED 99 per person (adults); AED 59 (aged 6-14)
Location: Bay Square