Ramadan 2019 iftar guide: Abu Dhabi's best places to try


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

Throughout Ramadan, cafes and restaurants across the UAE will be offering a range of iftar buffets and set menus for diners to break their fast and enjoy socialising with family and friends. We've taken a look at what is on offer across Abu Dhabi, from budget to luxury options, plus new iftars for 2019.

BUDGET

Azkadenya

Experience traditional dishes at Azkadenya in Marina Mall this Ramadan. The restaurant’s Azka iftar features a welcome drink, soup, salads, meat selection and other Middle Eastern dishes, plus a Ramadan-inspired dessert.

When: Sunset to 8.30pm

Cost: Dh129

Urban Retreat

Yas Mall’s makeshift food market hosts a number of different iftar offerings from its various vendors to suit every budget. From soups and salads, to a range of mains and desserts, the daily offerings will be accompanied by performances from local Arabic artists.

When: Open from 1pm to 1am on weekdays and 1pm to 2am on weekends

Cost: Dh50 to Dh120

The Coffee Club

Australian cafe chain The Coffee Club has a daily set menu during Ramadan, serving up a selection of soups and salads alongside grilled meats and pasta, washed down with a selection of soft beverages.

When: Sunset to 8.30pm daily

Cost: Dh85

Biryani Pot

This Galleria Mall eatery is offering an affordable and filling Iftar with an Indian twist. Tuck into a special menu featuring soups, Arabian chicken mandi and jarjeer salads.

When: sunset to midnight daily

Cost: Dh79

AFFORDABLE

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

More than 100 dishes from around the world are on offer at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas Market iftar, held daily in its Sim Sim casual dining restaurant. The iftar is inspired by a traditional souq, and promises to be an immersive dining experience.

When: Sunset until 10pm daily

Cost: Dh199 (discount for children)

Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

Authentic Arabic dishes and international options sit side by side at the Kuzbara buffet, which is a long-standing iftar in the capital, popular for its variety and family friendly atmosphere.

When: Sunset to 9.30pm daily

Cost: Dh190

Sheraton Abu Dhabi

Flavors at Sheraton Abu Dhabi has a buffet-style iftar with classic Middle Eastern dishes served alongside Asian and Indian cuisine, and live carving stations.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh175

Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche

Another popular iftar in the capital, this huge buffet features an array of traditional favourites, alongside desserts, a date display and speciality Ramadan beverages.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh169

LUXURY

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

The Rosewood’s popular Sambusek Tent will see families and friends enjoy a hearty iftar buffet that includes all the traditional favourites from local, regional and international cuisines, paired with live entertainment featuring melodic sounds by qanun and oud duo Khalid & Razan.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: First week of Ramadan Dh205, thereafter Dh240

Hakkasan

Hakkasan at Emirates Palace hosts a daily iftar with an Asian twist, with dishes including dim sum, Peking duck, wok-fried beef and Assam fish curry alongside soup, and a selection of Arabic sweets.

When: 7pm to 8pm daily

Cost: Dh228

Iftar In The Sky

Taking place in the world’s tallest suspended suite at St Regis Abu Dhabi Nation Towers, this iftar is one of Abu Dhabi’s finest. Live music will help to set the mood while you enjoy an abundance of Arabic delicacies, topped off with a sweet treat from a dedicated dessert room.

When: Sunset to 9.30pm Thursday to Saturday

Cost: Dh320

Emirates Palace 

Abu Dhabi's most glamorous hotel will have a custom-built Ramadan pavilion throughout the holy month, serving a daily iftar buffet filled with signature dishes and traditional delicacies, alongside live cooking and carving stations.

When: Sunset

Cost: Dh295

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular iftars, the Giornotte buffet at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi features an array of live cooking stations and Arabian family recipes, set to the backdrop of a traditional qanun player.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh235

Butcher and Still 

For those looking to replenish with a protein fix, head to Butcher and Still at the Four Seasons to fill up on meat. The restaurant's Iftar features a three-course set menu of prime cuts, imported fresh from the USA.

When: sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh295

NEW

Market at Edition

Abu Dhabi’s new Edition hotel will be offering its first iftar this year, serving up traditional Middle Eastern cuisine alongside carving and sushi stations, and traditional sweets and pastries.

When: Sunset to 9.30pm

Cost: Dh180

Rixos Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi’s first all-inclusive luxury resort marks its first Ramadan buffet fusing Arabic and Turkish cuisines, paired with a number of live cooking stations.

When: Sunset to 8.30pm daily

Cost: Dh260

The Cultural Foundation

A series of Iftar events led by cultural expert Ali Al Saloom offer UAE residents’ knowledge of Emirati traditions, clarifying cultural dos and don’ts to help them overcome any social challenges they might be facing in their time living in the UAE. The sessions will also demonstrate ways to embrace the values of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

When: May 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Cost: Dh100

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Read more:

Iftar review: Sukkari and spice and all things nice at the Coya iftar in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Ramadan 2019: Vegan and vegetarian iftars to try in the UAE

Ramadan 2019: Suhoor tents to try in the UAE

Ramadan 2019: international iftars and suhoors to try in the UAE

_________________

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Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

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- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
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About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Power: 190bhp

Torque: 300Nm

Price: Dh169,900

On sale: now 

The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Price, base: Dh1.2 million

Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm

Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined:  12.3L / 100km (estimate)

Short-term let permits explained

Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.

Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.

There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.

Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

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Washmen Profile

Date Started: May 2015

Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Laundry

Employees: 170

Funding: about $8m

Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

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Australia

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Saudi Arabia

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South Korea

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Plan to boost public schools

A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.

It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.

Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.

Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.

New schools in Dubai
The Bio

Ram Buxani earned a salary of 125 rupees per month in 1959

Indian currency was then legal tender in the Trucial States.

He received the wages plus food, accommodation, a haircut and cinema ticket twice a month and actuals for shaving and laundry expenses

Buxani followed in his father’s footsteps when he applied for a job overseas

His father Jivat Ram worked in general merchandize store in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands in the early 1930s

Buxani grew the UAE business over several sectors from retail to financial services but is attached to the original textile business

He talks in detail about natural fibres, the texture of cloth, mirrorwork and embroidery 

Buxani lives by a simple philosophy – do good to all