While many of the UAE’s top hotels compete for attention with lavish Ramadan buffets, it’s the suhoor experience that truly captures the spirit of the holy month – offering both dining pleasure and meaningful companionship.
Typically held after the Taraweeh evening prayers and lasting into the early hours, suhoor is a relaxed affair featuring an a la carte menu and ambience enhanced by local instrumental performances.
Ideal for small gatherings, it provides a perfect setting to reconnect with friends and colleagues. The National will be regularly updating this list of the best suhoor experiences across the emirates, highlighting both renowned venues and hidden gems.
Abu Dhabi
The Majlis by the Sea at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Another UAE Ramadan staple, The Majlis by the Sea moves to a new location further on the grounds of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental this year. The massive tent, near Qasr Al Watan, serves as a showcase for the hotel's top restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida and Hakkasan Abu Dhabi. Dishes from the resort’s Indian and Japanese restaurants are also on offer.
10pm-2am; Dh150 minimum spend; 02 690 9000; Abu Dhabi Corniche
Layali Ramadan at Saadiyat Nights
Held at the open-air venue that hosted the successful Saadiyat Nights concerts, Layali Ramadan offers a vibrant mix of food, retail, and entertainment. With numerous dining outlets, it’s an ideal suhoor option. There will also be performances by local artists and play traditional board games like Carrom and Backgammon.
9pm-3am; 054 277 7731
Ramadan Garden at Umm Al Emarat Park
One of Abu Dhabi’s treasured family spots is introducing iftar and suhoor services. The latter, held at the Great Lawn area of Umm Al Emarat Park, offers a perfect way to end the evening with dinner amid the tranquillity of the expansive gardens, accompanied by live oud music.
10pm-1am; Dh230 minimum spend; 02 666 9559
Oasis Tent at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
The seaside resort transforms part of its gardens into a spacious Bedouin Ramadan tent. The a la carte menu is full of Middle Eastern cuisine made on live cooking stations such as mixed grills and shawarma platters.
10pm-2am; Dh150 minimum spend; 02 407 1234
Ramadan Village at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
The Shangri-La has transformed its outdoor pool area into a lovely dining venue with tables and plush couches, plus soothing lighting. The culinary stations serve regional cuisine, and there is a complete station dedicated to juices and different varieties of dates.
8pm-2am; Dh100 minimum spend; 02 509 8555
Layali El Hilmiya at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
A staple of the city's Ramadan tents, this popular venue returns with its signature selection of Middle Eastern favourites and a welcoming atmosphere, make it an ideal spot late-night card games with friends.
8pm-2am; Set menus begin from Dh75; 800 101 101
Dubai
Asateer at Atlantis, The Palm
Classy yet with a casual vibe, the tent is ideal for groups of friends indulging in conversation and card games. A shawl is provided if the weather gets chilly. The indoor dining ballroom, with its chandeliers and Arabian motifs, has a cosy atmosphere and the a la carte menu caters for various tastes, ranging from shawarma platters to grilled sea bream.
10pm-3am; Dh180 minimum spend; Palm Jumeirah
Amassi at One and Only One Za’abeel
In collaboration with Moroccan fashion designer Selma Benomar, this luxurious space – situated in a ballroom just steps from the lobby – exudes opulence while maintaining a relaxed ambience. The menu features a classic selection of Levantine favourites, with some fine grilled dishes.
9.30pm-3am; Dh295 per person, 04 466 1617; Za’abeel
The Majlis, Dubai World Trade Centre
The extensive selection at The Majlis features more than 70 dishes. The menu includes harees risotto, shish taouk and freshly grilled prawns and lobster platters.
Sunday to Thursday, 9pm-3am; Friday and Satursday, 9pm-4am; Dh160 minimum spend; Dubai World Trade Centre
Al Waha at The Avery at Conrad Dubai
A refined suhoor experience awaits at the mixed indoor and outdoor venue at The Conrad Dubai. The a la carte menu features an array of cold and hot mezze dishes, along with classic Ramadan desserts, including Umm Ali and Mahalabia.
9pm-1am; Dh200 minimum spend; 04 444 7276
Chival Global Social at La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk
A chic suhoor experience at the stylish urban hotel, the menu offers a mix of Levant favourites and contemporary dishes such as the roasted seabreem, baked lamb and pistachio cheesecake.
9pm-11.30pm; dishes range from Dh45 to Dh200 ; 04 403 3111
Ramadan Garden at Al Habtoor Palace
An open-air suhoor experience, guests are seated in a serene outdoor garden adorned with traditional artwork, intricate motifs, twinkling lights, and plush seating. The menu features an array of traditional treats and light bites, complemented by the soothing melodies of a live oud musician. For those seeking entertainment, decks of cards and boards for backgammon and chess are available upon request.
9pm-2.30am; Dh200 minimum spend; 04 435 5555
Al Sultan Majlis at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Set amid the Ottoman-esque vibe of the Palm Jumeirah resort, the Sultan Tent is a lovely spot for family gatherings with a wide selection of sharing dishes and platters. One stand-out is the chicken fettah and batata harra, a spicy Lebanese-style potato dish.
9.30pm-2am; Dh220 per person, 04 453 0444; Palm Jumeirah
Laylati Majlis at Grand Hyatt Dubai
A fine spot, replete with Middle Eastern motifs, including arched doorways, the tent offers a menu that ranges from rustic favorites such as foul medames and grilled lamb chops to indulgent seafood platters.
9pm-2am; no minimum charge; 04 317 2222; Dubai Healthcare City
Ramadan Hikayat Garden at Palazzo Versace Dubai
Suhoor meets garden party at the stylish Dubai resort. Offering an elegant al fresco dining experience, The Ramadan Hikayat Garden proved to be a favourite of Arab celebrities over the years, with a live band performing regional folk classic, dervish dancers whizzing by tables, and set menu taking its cues from Levant, Iranian and Mediterranean cuisines.
9pm-3am; Dh200 minimum spend per person and Dh2,000 minimum spend for sofa seating; Jaddaf Waterfront; 04 556 8888
Tree House at Taj Dubai
Elevated versions of grilled favourites and indulgent desserts are on the a la carte menu of this outdoor majlis. Located within the hotel in Business Bay, the tree house offers a serene and cosy setting to unwind after a day of fasting.
10pm-2am; Dh250 minimum charge; 050 189 6089.; Business Bay
Ramadan Nights at Armani Hotel Dubai
Located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the hotel’s outdoor venue, Armani/Pavilion, offers an extensive Mediterranean and Levantine a la carte menu catering to diverse tastes. Dishes range from lentil soups and pizzas to eggplant moussaka and mixed grills, while live stations serve shawarma, pasta and regional specialities like foul medames and manakish pastries.
10pm-1am; Dh295 per person; 04 888 3888
Moonlight Sessions and Suhoor at Chouchou
The beach club is hosting suhoors with a live performance. Alongside a menu that fuses French contemporary cuisine with regional flavors, each Friday’s meal is accompanied by a performance from popular local acts. On March 14, soul group Abri & The Everlasting will take the stage, followed by Noon’s polyrhythmic blend of jazz and rock on March 21. The series concludes on March 28 with a set by RnB and jazz singer Layla Kardan.
Ramadan Garden at Fairmont The Palm
Overlooking Palm West Beach, the outdoor suhoor offers a charming ambience, diners can relax on couches or at tables, enjoying an a la carte menu of grills, pasta and pizza.
9pm-3am; No minimum spend; 04 426 2626
Ewan at Palace Downtown
A heartier option, Ewan is one of the few upscale venues offering a full buffet as part of its suhoor service. The international spread features Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines, along with dessert stations serving regional treats like the Ramadan staple, Umm Ali.
10.30pm-1am; Dh210; 04 457 3457; Palm Jumeirah
Orange Feels at Hotel Indigo
Located on the pool's outdoor terrace of the boutique hotel, offers a relaxed vibe, amazing views and light bites. The suhoor package includes a hot and cold mezze platter and a beverage.
9pm-2.30am; Dh65 minimum spend; 04 210 2222
Sharjah
Alsimrah at Aljadah
Launched this year, Alsimrah is hailed as the UAE’s largest Ramadan tent. Located in Sharjah’s entertainment district, Aljada, it exudes elegance with a modern design, walls adorned with Arabic calligraphy, and a diverse a la carte menu (iftar is a buffet service) featuring regional and international cuisine. The venue also offers a dedicated prayer area and complimentary valet parking.
From 9.30pm; Minimum spend Dh80 per person; 056 959 3222
