As soon as you step inside the Ritz-Carlton in Abu Dhabi, you know you’re in for a treat.
There’s the grand entrance, the Cinderella-like staircase and just an overall feeling of royalty. It’s all a lot to take in.
I brought a friend and my 5-year-old daughter (dressed in a princess ball gown) to sample the iftar, which was a maze of culinary delights. I took a look around and thought I’d seen everything — so I started to fill up my plate. But then I stepped just outside the main dining area and found many more dishes to explore.
The food on offer consisted of the usual iftar suspects, but there were some surprises as well. This is the first iftar I’ve been to that offered baby camel. Thankfully, it was already half devoured by the time we saw it so I didn’t have to explain anything to my daughter.
The fresh fruit counter was a welcome sight in the scorching UAE heat and I made repeat trips to it.
The star of the evening, though, was the dessert section. There were dozens of unique sweets on display, like blueberry mousse and pineapple tarts. Kids and adults both were glued to this section much of the evening. There was the ever popular chocolate fountain, but instead of milk chocolate, this one was oozing strawberry chocolate (pink chocolate is a delight for little girls in princess ball gowns).
The staff was attentive and very helpful. At the end of the evening, our kind waiter came over to offer my daughter a pillow for her weary head. It was as busy as a typical iftar you’ll find in the capital, but this one has an air of elegance about it that is worth a visit.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal iftar is served from sunset to 9pm at Giornotte. The cost for adults is Dh215. Children ages 4 to 12 are Dh65; ages 13 to 16 are Dh161 and those under 4 eat free. For reservations, call 02 818 8282 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
