Hotels report surge in iftar and suhoor bookings as Ramadan tents return to UAE

Hoteliers say the number of reservations is exceeding pre-pandemic levels

Tables are laid ready for iftar at Sim Sim restaurant in Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

A chef prepares food at the restaurant on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island.

A chef awaits customers arriving to break their fast at Sim Sim.

Ramadan decorations at the poolside area of Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas.

A spectacular centrepiece with crescent moon.

Customers arrive for Sim Sim's iftar after sunset.

Hotels and restaurants have reported a surge in iftar and suhoor bookings.

Bookings for iftar and suhoor meals at hotels are substantially up this year in Abu Dhabi as many Ramadan traditions return for the first time since 2019.

Hoteliers in the capital said they received a rush of reservations for the holy month, which is the closest to normal since the pandemic began.

Companies have begun making bookings for team iftars again, said Fabrice Ducry, general manager of Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas.

“Bookings have been even better than usual years,” he said.

Ramadan decor at the poolside area of Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas. Victor Besa / The National

“People have decided to plan even more ahead. We have had in the past two years very last minute [bookings] and surprisingly now this year for Ramadan, people want to make sure they have their tables.

“In past years, companies were not keen on entertaining during Ramadan, even for small gatherings. This year we can see companies have decided to do this, to come for iftar.”

Group bookings are also up in other properties.

“At Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, we are already seeing a number of bookings — particularly group bookings — at Sabaa cafe,” said Remco Werkhoven, cluster general manager of Hilton’s three properties in Al Seef — Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef and Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef. The cafe is popular for its view of an iftar cannon.

The outdoor iftar at Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef’s Skafos restaurant is also seeing “great interest”, he said.

Some restrictions remain in Abu Dhabi. The green pass requires people to show proof of vaccination or a recent PCR test to gain access to public places.

Social distancing also remains and masks are mandatory indoors. Hotels capacity is limited to 90 per cent and Ramadan tents are only allowed at licensed entities.

But it is very different to previous years during the pandemic, said Mr Ducry.

“Last year we did a small offering for Ramadan. But I have to say it was very low-key because there were so many restrictions for table size as well, as we were not able at all to create any atmosphere or create the sense of Ramadan,” he said.

Ramadan decor at the lobby of Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas. Victor Besa / The National

“I can’t say there are any restrictions in place that affect the spirit of Ramadan this year.”

While some rules have been lifted, authorities have urged people to remain cautious during the holy month to ensure cases remain low.

Abu Dhabi has advised people to limit iftar and suhoor to family members who live in the same house when possible this Ramadan.

In an interview with The National, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokeswoman for the UAE's healthcare sector, said daily Covid-19 cases had dropped substantially and there was a sense of normality after two years but that did not mean that people should become lax about safety measures.

“Covid is still out there, and maintaining safety measures is still very important,” she said.

UAE malls decorated for Ramadan - in pictures

Ramadan decorations up at the Waterfront Market, Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Ramadan decorations up at the Waterfront Market, Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Ramadan decorations up at the Waterfront Market, Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Times Square Centre in Dubai has a mini majlis set-up. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Crescent moon decorations adorn City Walk, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Elegant decorations at City Walk. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Festive decorations at the Galleria Mall Extension, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Crescent moons and stars feature prominently in Galleria Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Visitors admire the decorations at Galleria Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A sign at Dubai World Trade Centre wishes everyone Ramadan Kareem, which in Arabic means 'generous Ramadan'. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Children enjoy the festive Ramadan decor at Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors stop for photos at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Ramadan decorations are spread throughout Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

A dainty ornament at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Window displays at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Ramadan lanterns at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers walk under ceiling decorations at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

A large installation at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Lights set the festive mood at Mall of the Emirates. Pawan Singh / The National

Crescent moons hang from the ceilings at Mall of the Emirates. Pawan Singh / The National

A seasonal banner at Times Square Centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Times Square Centre has been decked out for the holy month. Chris Whiteoak / The National