Suhoor guide 2023: Twenty to try across the UAE this Ramadan

Suhoor usually takes place after the Ramadan taraweeh evening prayers and continues until the early hours.

These 20 taking place across the UAE throughout Ramadan are worth a try, being refined dining experiences to complement iftar and offering an ambient vibe.

Scroll through the gallery below to see iftars at award-winning restaurants in Dubai

Suhoors in Abu Dhabi

The Majlis by the Sea at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

A regional suhoor menu at Emirates Palace. Photo: Mandarin Oriental

Experience suhoor while listening to the waves of the Arabian Gulf. The majlis has an indoor and terrace section boasting a modern feel with subtle nods to the UAE and the Middle East. The regional menu is extensive with nearly 50 dishes ranging from soups and salads to starters, mains and desserts.

Dh175 minimum spend; 10pm to 2am; 02 690 9000

Majlis by the Beach at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Host your own suhoor gathering in one of the private beachside tents. An Arabic set menu is on offer with Ramadan-themed beverages.

Dh375 minimum spend and a minimum of four; 10pm to 2am; 02 407 1127

Garage at W Abu Dhabi

For those looking for more international dishes should visit W Abu Dhabi. The hotel's main dining hall serves a variety of regional, western and Asian dishes accompanied by live music. The terrace will also be available for diners to enjoy their suhoor while overlooking the Yas Marina racetrack.

Dh150 minimum spend and a minimum of four; 9pm to 1am; 02 407 1127

The Grand Lawn, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Intimacy and elegance define The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi's suhoor. Guests are ushered into a lovely outdoor space to unwind at tables or in cabanas decorated with Arabic motifs.

The set meal is for sharing with a mix of Middle Eastern favourites, from dips and salads to grilled meats and desserts. This is a good choice for those looking for a low-key and picturesque experience.

Dh200 minimum spend; 9pm to 2am; 02 818 8203; abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com

Shangri-La Abu Dhabi Ramadan Village

The Shangri-La has transformed its outdoor pool area into a lovely dining venue with soothing lighting and culinary stations serving regional cuisine.

An added bonus is that acclaimed Australian-Lebanese chef Greg Malouf will serve a specially curated suhoor menu featuring Middle East and North African specialities until Thursday.

From Dh100 minimum spend; 8.30pm to 2am; 02 509 8555 or email restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com.

Sim Sim at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

This suhoor is for those looking for more than the standard set menu.

Set in the main restaurant, which has an outdoor courtyard overlooking a large tortoise-shaped pool, the suhoor is an extension of the iftar service with a buffet and live stations spanning Middle Eastern, Emirati, Moroccan, Indian and Turkish cuisine.

Dh275 for adults and Dh125 for children; 6.30pm to 10.30pm; 02 697 0000

Suhoors in Dubai

Majlis at Bulgari Resort Dubai

Nestled within an intimate garden space near the resort's yacht club, the majlis offers a low-key and intimate vibe.

In addition to Middle Eastern grilled meats and dips, the buffet menu also has Italian dishes from risotto to pasta. Renditions of classic Arabic ballads are performed by a live band.

Dh295 minimum spend; 10pm to 1am; 04 777 5433; dine.dubai@bulgarihotels.com.

Asateer Tent at Atlantis, The Palm

Better weather has made for more space at the Asateer Tent.

The cooler temperatures this Ramadan means the expansion of the indoor venue to include a spacious adjoining terrace area with its own performance stage.

With a decor blending modern and traditional Arabic motifs, the suhoor service offers regional cuisine and desserts.

Dh180 minimum spend; 10pm to 3am; 04 426 2626; asateer@atlantisthepalm.com

Turquoise at Rixos Premium

Turkish mains and desserts are on offer Rixos Premium. Photo: Rixos Premium

An extensive variety of Turkish dishes is on the menu, such as grilled meats and kebabs to cheese pide and beef goulash soup.

The dessert station offers Turkish ice cream and various pastries including baklava and kunafa.

No minimum spend; 10pm to 3am; 04 520 0000; dine-in.premiumdubai@rixos.com

Shai Salon at Four Seasons Dubai

The elegant lounge has a regional menu that includes soups, hot and cold starters and meat and vegetarian dishes. Ramadan drinks such as jalab and tamarind are available to order.

No minimum spend; 9pm to 1am; 04 506 0088

Orange Feels at Hotel Indigo

Orange Feels, on the pool's outdoor terrace, offers a relaxed vibe and light bites.

The suhoor package includes a hot and cold mezze platter and a beverage.

Dh150 minimum spend; 9pm to 2am; WhatsApp reservations on 971 56 422 7120

The Majlis at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira's first suhoor is set within the hotel's ballroom. Diners can choose to sit in the regal indoor space, where they will be serenaded by Arabic ballads from a live performer, or outdoors in the wooden cabanas where they can listen to the waves from the beach nearby.

The a la carte menu offers refined staples such as sharing plates of mixed mushroom truffle pide and deconstructed lamb gyros.

Dh250 minimum spend; 10pm to 2am; 04 777 2223; modub-restaurants@mohg.com.

Ramadan Hikayat Garden at Palazzo Versace Dubai

The stylish resort takes advantage of the breezy weather with an al fresco suhoor.

The vibes are similar to an elegant garden party with couples and groups picking from an a la carte menu of regional and Mediterranean treats. Live performances also take place, including by a troupe of dervish dancers.

Dh250 minimum per person and Dh2,000 minimum spend for sofa seating; 9.30pm to 3am; palazzoversace.ae

Ramadan Majlis at Dubai World Trade Centre

The international a la carte menu boasts more than 70 dishes including signature Emirati staples such as lamb ouzi, thareed (lamb stew) and luqaimat, all served in various settings from intimate tables to gazebos and private rooms.

Dh100 minimum spend; Sunday to Thursday, 9pm-3am, Friday and Saturday, 9pm-4am; 800 3982; majlis.ae

Ramadan Garden at Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a low-key spot to dine while enjoying a panoramic view of Burj Al Arab. The Ramadan Garden serves an a la carte menu of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Dh220 minimum spend; 9pm to 3am; jumeirah.com

Suhoors in Sharjah

Al Mahatta at Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa

The Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa's suhoor focuses on 'home cooking'. Photo: Sheraton

The resort's cafe has gone for a "home-cooking" approach with its suhoor menu.

In addition to a range of cold starters including dips and salads, the hot dish options feature ful medames, basturma and eggs of your choice.

It's a good option if you are looking for food that matches the laid-back vibes.

No minimum spend; 6.30pm to 2am; www.sheratonsharjah.com

Suhoors in Ras Al Khaimah

Camelia Majlis at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

The coastal resort's terrace serves Middle Eastern delicacies and desserts amid ambient lighting and oud performer.

Dh95 minimum spend; 10pm to 2am; 07 203 5555

Al Maeda Ramadan Lounge at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort offers beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf.

The outdoor space has a homely feel complementing the Levantine cuisine of hot and cold mezze plates and grilled meats and seafood. It's an ideal place for those searching for an idyllic coastal spot away from the bustle.

Dh115 minimum spend; 9.30pm to 2am; reservations_rakresort@hilton.com

Suhoors in Ajman

Kahraman Tent

Located at Al Zorah Marina, the 300-capacity tent is a Ramadan staple of the emirate serving iftar and suhoor.

When it comes to the latter, groups can sit on tables and couches, feast on a regional menu and play card and board games.

No minimum spend; from 10pm; 056 422 6521

Suhoors in Fujairah

The Lounge at Address Beach Resort Fujairah

After opening in 2021, the Address Beach Resort Fujairah returns and serves its suhoor at its Lounge restaurant.

The menu features Middle Eastern and international cuisine with an ambience provided through calming views of the Arabian Gulf.

Dh140 minimum spend; 9.30pm to 2am; dineatdowntown@addresshotels.com

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”