Spirit of togetherness to shine at Alserkal Avenue’s Ramadan nights

During Ramadan, Alserkal Avenue wil play host to pop-up iftars at the event #thisisnotabuffet to promote the spirit of giving.

The galleries at Alserkal Avenue will offer late night tours. Courtesy Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue is a community hot spot where people can get together – and this does not change during Ramadan.

During the holy month, the space is introducing a daily pop-up iftar in a spacious warehouse in the new extension, which is home to some of Dubai’s top galleries and a variety of creative outlets.

The event, #thisisnotabuffet, has been organised to promote the spirit of togetherness, while offering an intimate iftar experience that is totally different from the usual high-end hotel banquets.

#togetheragain

The team has launched a new hashtag, #togetheragain. Images of the iftars shared daily will be posted under the tag, and visitors will be encouraged to use it when posting their own experiences on social media. As part of the spirit of sharing and giving, the team will also donate five per cent of the revenue to charity.

Tasty treats

Visitors can enjoy dishes from a menu that offers a contemporary twist on traditional Arabian cuisine. Edamame hummus and beef brisket shawarma feature among the starters, while the main courses include lamb loin and seared tuna. Finish off your feast with a choice of traditional desserts, including Umm Ali ice cream served with rose meringue, a pistachio wafer, and kheer cheesecake and spiced figs.

Games nights

After iftar on most nights, ­visitors will be able to play a variety of board games, including Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, and there will also be quiz nights.

Other nights will be reserved for Board game Space, a Dubai- based distributor of board games across the Middle East. They will offer demonstrations of games while board-game gurus and the makers will appear to get things going, adjudicate and make sure players stick to the rules.

The big screen

Cinema Akil, an independent, home-grown platform that screens films from around the world, will set up camp in ­Alserkal Avenue throughout the summer.

Their seasonal programme, called A Hard Day’s Night, will present weekly screenings of movies that reflect that title, while exploring “notions of the workforce, manufacturing processes and industry”.

The schedule includes a screening of Fritz Lang's Metropolis – a timeless classic set in a ­hyper-mechanised future – and Aki Kaurusmäki's The Match Factory Girl, the third part of a trilogy by the acclaimed Finnish director. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is also on the bill.

Late nights

While most galleries will continue their usual programme of exhibitions, they will be following general Ramadan hours, ­meaning most will close at about 3pm.

Every Wednesday, however, ­Alserkal Avenue will host Alserkal Lates, in collaboration with the galleries, during which they will open from 8pm to 11pm. Members of the Alserkal team will also offer free tours, starting at 8.30pm, to anyone interested in brushing up on contemporary art after breaking their fast.

Prices for #thisisnotabuffet range between Dh12 for basic tapas menu and from Dh90-Dh210 for options between two and five courses. Visit www.alserkalavenue.ae