Tents to try
An integral part of Ramadan in the UAE, Arabian tents give residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the core values of Islamic etiquette and Emirati tradition. Here’s our pick of the UAE’s popular tents where you can have your social gatherings and iftar parties.
Al Falak Ballroom
Burj Al Arab
Recommendation: If you wish to rub shoulders with the who’s who of Dubai, you must step into this tent.
The opulent, two-tiered, circular ballroom is set up as a Ramadan tent where a grand sweeping staircase leads down to the lower level. Decorated with Swarovski crystal and 18-carat gold leaf, Al Falak offers a set iftar menu comprising traditional Ramadan juices, cold and hot meze, main courses and dessert.
Price: Dh400 per person
Makani tent
Hilton Al Ain
Recommendation: Watch your favourite team play at the World Cup over a selection of finger-licking food.
Hilton’s traditional red and brown Arabian-style tent features a big-screen TV where football matches are shown live. Two smaller tents are also placed inside the big tent for guests looking for privacy. You can also play a round of backgammon and cards with your friends.
Price: Minimum spend during weekends is Dh50 per person. You can enjoy lavish iftar spread at the main restaurant, Flavours. The price for iftar is Dh109 per person.
Ramadan Pavilion,
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Recommendation: This is the tent to consider for sumptuous Emirati cuisine.
With four private majlis, a large open dining area for iftar buffets and a separate lounge area, guests can enjoy signature dishes from Mezlai, Emirates Palace’s Emirati restaurant, and the traditional delicacies of the holy month.
Prices: Dh265 per person for iftar buffet, minimum Dh150 with shisha for the suhour a la carte menu. Prices exclude 16 per cent tax and tourism fees.
Ramadan tent
Kempinski, Hotel Ajman
Recommendation: This tent is known for its glamorous setting with traditional Arabian charm. Don’t leave the tent without trying the classic ouzi and freshly baked saj.
With picturesque views of the sea, Kempinski’s 400-square-metre tent is one of the most exquisite tents in the northern emirates.
The arabesque ambience, oud performance and fantastic food allow guests to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan in a festive setting.
Prices: Dh140 per person. Larger groups can avail of special rates — groups of 10-19 pay Dh130 per person and groups of 20-50 pay Dh125 per person.
Jaguar Tent
Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi
Recommendation: With four projector screens, this is one of the best places to watch the action live. The massive two-floor structure can hold 1,200 football fans upstairs and 900 on the ground level. If you are looking for privacy, book a table at the VIP arena, where a table can accommodate up to nine people. Iftar as well as suhour will also be offered.
Price: On request
Sartorially arabesque
Middle Eastern fashion has come a long way from shapeless robes and black abayas to a clever amalgamation of the best of global fashion. At no other time is this more evident than during Ramadan — it is the time to celebrate the best in fashion from East to the West. European-inspired sequined couture gowns take the shape of structured kaftans; Japanese kimono-like wraps are morphed into silk abayas; fluid summer dresses belted at the waist are worn with a headscarf; and chiffon jalabiyas use Chantilly lace for effect.
Dubai-based fashion label Bella Reve introduces a fresh new palette of colours and style for the festivities. Summery prints and breezy fabrics with detailed embellishments are the highlight of the collection. Colour palette includes creams, blues, beige, and fuchsia in beautiful fabrics for this season such as silk chiffon, silk shantung, velvet, brocade and crepe de chine.
Beenas, a trendy jalabiya brand, showcases a Ramadan collection incorporating exquisite gold and silver embroidery, imaginative patterns and cool colours. Designer Beena Soni says, “The choice of fabric, colours, designs and patterns are casual and dressy, perfect for what the occasion demands.”
Sumayyah Al Suwaidi’s Grafika also has a range of bright, printed festive wear.
It’s also a good idea to trawl the web for unique designs when it comes to picking abayas. From Olx.com and MarkaVIP to boutiques such as Aab, Chinyere and Libaas all offer an interesting range. Abu Dhabi-based French designer Judith Duriez’s exclusive label Arabesque is known throughout the region as a trendsetter in the world of sheilas and abayas.
Luxury brand consultant and fashionista Rosemin Manji recommends not settling for the ordinary and having a few outstanding pieces in your wardrobe, such as a beautiful lace Alexander McQueen clutch from Matchesfashion.com.
Men’s kandoras too are nowhere near as staid as they used to be. Dubai-based husband-and-wife team Rizwan Bangee and Afsana Haji launched Chenille Mens and have created quite a stir. Their designs blend colours, embroideries and fabrics. And in-demand Saudi designer Hatem Al Akeel’s fancy kandoras can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai and Jeddah or can be ordered online at Urtoby.com.
Spread a little love
Ramadan is big business heralding a season of unabashed spending and festivities. Supermarkets advertise special offers, labels launch Ramadan collections, brands offer heavy discounts and hotels promote special banquets for iftar and suhour. Decked in Ramadan finery, malls are decorated with Islamic art, Ramadan Kareem banners, bright lights and colourful lanterns, which transform the UAE into a lively paradise as soon as the sun goes down.
Customs revolving around consumption during the Ramadan holidays are changing, not just in the Middle East but the world over. But the spirit of the season isn’t just exemplified through personal purchasing. Instead, it is all about spreading the joy through charity and gifting.
And akin to Christmas in the West, brands, stores and labels in the region showcase special offers by creating unique customised Ramadan-appropriate gifts. Bespoke online gift store and gallery Virgule offers a stunning collection of affordable art, handmade artifacts and unique interiors, as well as men’s and women’s fashion and accessories.
Home Centre, Bloomingdale’s and Sauce are great for pretty knick-knacks from scented candles and tableware to high-end pottery, photo frames and even cushions and candle stands. Vallydez in Jumeirah has quirky accessories and household items that make for the perfect gift. You could also go more personal and pick jewellery and accessories for close friends and family. Grafika in Abu Dhabi and Sauce in Dubai are good places to begin with, as are online options such as Jaypore, India Roots, Little Majlis and Zahr Art.
Food hampers and sweet boxes remain popular. Try the classic vanilla or chocolate cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery at Bloomingdale’s or Rocky Road bars from Nathalie’s Café in Abu Dhabi. Sauce offers ready-made hampers, or you can create your own. Eataly at The Dubai Mall offers baskets of treats including Italian Venchi fine chocolate, honey, savouries, olive oil, pasta, sauces and an espresso maker. Gourmet food brand Bateel specialises in luxury gift boxes and date hampers made from the finest quality of dates and chocolates.
