Cultural experiences and community spirit make this a Ramadan in Dubai to remember

It’s Ramadan in Dubai, and there’s no better time to make the most of the season by gathering together with loved ones, giving back to the community, and exploring all that the city has to offer throughout the holy month. 

Engage in a host of traditional and cultural experiences curated for Ramadan in Dubai by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) - spend time in deep reflection amidst the glow of Ramadan lanterns and lighting, dine with loved ones at the many delicious iftar and suhoor offerings, stay active with fitness events taking place across the city, and embrace the spirit of giving with seasonal shopping experiences at malls, markets and other destinations. 

CITY LIGHTING AND AMBIENCE 

Enjoy the seasonal ambience with Ramadan in Dubai Reflections - stunning light projections and building mapping, complemented by lantern-adorned walkways - at Al Habai Mosque until 10 April and at Al Seef until 22 April. Watch as breath-taking projections bring life to the walls, and lanterns leave a soft glow on every street for a truly picturesque Ramadan night. Iconic Dubai landmarks such as Ain Dubai and Dubai Frame are also lighting up for Ramadan, while special IMAGINE Ramadan projections run throughout the holy month at Festival Bay in Dubai Festival City Mall. 

Don’t miss the remaining Ramadan Fireworks Nights as they light up the Dubai skies in various locations. To catch the stunning displays, visit Al Seef on 8 April and Dubai Festival City Mall on 15 April, at 10PM. 

GASTRONOMY 

It’s the last chance to catch the first-ever edition of the Ramadan Street Food Festival - running until 9 April at the Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama. With over 50 participating restaurants, there’s a chance to sample exquisite flavours from around the world, with main dishes starting from as little as AED 10 per person. 

Visit Time Out Market Dubai until 21 April and get the best of both live entertainment and delicious dishes from 17 much-loved and much-lauded homegrown brands, including: Al Fanar, BB Social Dining, Brix by 3fils, Long Teng, MASTI, Nightjar, Pickl, Pitfire, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, and Vietnamese Foodies. 

Walk through an illuminated tunnel into a one-of-a-kind experience - the contemporary outdoor garden at Al-Wāha, meaning “The Oasis,” by Conrad Dubai. Break fast with a delicious iftar from sunset to 9PM or spend time with loved ones over suhoor from 10PM to 1AM, both set against a beautiful backdrop of fountains, pergolas, lanterns, and live music from a Qanun player. 

Dine at Al Majlis, Madinat Jumeirah, for a sumptuous iftar buffet feast and beverages at AED 275 per person, daily from sundown until 8:45PM. Children under 5 years old can dine for free, while children aged from 6 to 11 are priced at AED 135 per child. From 9:30PM to 3AM, enjoy suhoor with traditional Arabic instrumental music, as well as card and board games to keep guests entertained. Be sure to make reservations before 3PM for iftar and before 8PM for suhoor. 

Celebrate the spirit of the holy month with Ramadan Is Radiant at Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Beach. Choose from the many Ramadan specials available at Suq, from sunset to 10:30PM, or spend iftar at Shai Salon from sunset to 8PM, followed by suhoor from 9PM onwards, daily. Mina Brasserie also offers iftar from sunset to 8PM, while the Penrose Lounge offers suhoor from 8PM to 1:30AM. 

THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY 

When in Expo City Dubai, donate at the “Hattan,” clothing donation boxes in collaboration with Ramadan in Dubai until 22 April for a chance to give back to those less fortunate. The donation boxes have been beautifully designed by creative young artists in Dubai and feature paintings inspired by the city’s traditions and cultures. 

The Dubai Club for People of Determination at Al Qusais opens its doors 9AM to 12PM until 14 April for people of determination and the wider community to celebrate Ramadan together and participate in a range of entertaining and educational community events and competitions.  

And it’s the last chance to visit Al Jalila Cultural Centre Spring Camp, which runs until 7 April, with exciting opportunities for little ones to join workshops featuring art, theatre, music, pottery, and other creative activities. 

MALLS AND SHOPPING 

Visitors to the Mall of the Emirates can visit Zeman Awwal from 10AM to 10PM until 25 April to browse the Ramadan market, or attend Ramadan Talks happening every Tuesday inside the Zeman Awwal Majlis Cinema. The talks cover a variety of Ramadan related topics such as modest fashion, Ramadan table art, Ramadan etiquette, healthy food habits, and more. The market can also be accessed online via the Mall of the Emirates website.  

From iftar to suhoor, visit Ramadan Art Nights & Lights at Al Seef until 22 April to choose from a variety of F&B options, browse the Ramadan street market, and view the stunning art and lighting installations. Keep the whole family entertained along the buzzing creekside at Al Seef with live music, Ramadan quiz nights and storytelling for the little ones. 

At Bluewaters every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 21 April, experience true Emirati hospitality and try out a wide variety of fun activities with the whole family. Check out the fun photobooth with traditional props and clothing to capture some Ramadan memories, and catch performances by talented Oud or Qanun players adding to the Ramadan ambiance. Ladies can also make the most of free henna sessions. 

Shoppers at Mercato can participate in the Ramadan initiative “Share Your Blessings,” by donating clothes, books, toys and non-perishable food items at designated donation areas located at the main entrance of the mall. The main stage will also feature many exciting shows and activities from 4PM to 10PM, such as face painting, lantern decorating, live music, and an Aladdin show. Keep an eye out for the Ramadan mascots making appearances around the mall as well. 

Take a trip down to Freej Al Khawaneej in Al Khawaneej Walk and Last Exit Al Khawaneej every weekend during Ramadan and enjoy the season with the community from 7:30PM to 11:30PM until 16 April. Experience cultural celebrations and traditions with activities including live music, Hakawati storytelling and Ramadan quizzes, as well as plenty of other activities to keep the little ones engaged and entertained. 

SPORTING EVENTS & FITNESS ACTIVITIES 

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the Polo Masters Cup is the second trophy of the top-ranked Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Experience this high-profile sporting spectacle and cheer on the teams daily from 3PM, until 8 April at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. 

The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament is an opportunity for fitness enthusiasts to test their skills in the Nad Al Sheba Sports complex. Running from 9AM on 13 April, with six exciting competition categories, there is something for every athlete to enjoy - running, cycling, padel tennis, jiu-jitsu, volleyball and wheelchair basketball. 

From swimming to biking and racing, the GRIT+TONIC Relay Triathlon at Al Mamzar Beach Park on 16 April offers a host of fitness challenges and is open to all above the age of 12, with tickets starting from AED 175 per person. Take part in teams of two or three with the chance to win amazing prizes. 

Children and teens from 4 to 14 years’ old can gear up and register for the Spartan Night Kids Race, held in Expo City Dubai on 15 April. This challenging obstacle course is the perfect way to keep fit while having lots of fun. Starts at 8PM. 

There is something for everyone this Ramadan in Dubai - all are welcome to enjoy and participate in unique cultural experiences and create special, memorable moments across the city. For more information, visit @StyledByDubai and @CelebrateDubai on social media channels, and www.RamadaninDubai.com.