These are unique iftars that were offered in Dubai last year for Ramadan. We are compiling a list for this year - have you seen any unique iftars you want to tell us about?
**The below information is taken from Ramadan 2016 archives as an interesting article and these offers may not be available this year.
A Lamborghini iftar
Is gazing at a whole roast lamb or piles of baklava not enough for you? Finding your family’s conversation somewhat lacking? Prefer to listen to the gentle rumble of a car engine? Finally, your iftar wishes have been answered, by Lamborghini. Head to The Palace in Downtown Dubai, where the Lamborghini dealership Al Jaziri Motors has set up an exotic car display. You can check out the cars whether you are eating in the hotel’s Ramadan Tent at Ewaan (iftar-9pm, Dh240 per person; suhour from 10pm, Dh160 per person), Ewaan Lounge (suhour, 8pm to 2am, Dh250 per person) or the Royale Ballroom (iftar until 9pm, from Dh210 per person). Call 04-4287951.
See a display of Lamborghini's at The Palace's iftars and suhour during Ramadan 2016.
Gulf Photo Plus’s Unseen Trail
Join instructor Abbi Kemp on an iftar adventure through Naif, an older area of Dubai that’s crammed with mosques and buzzing with life. You’ll learn about Ramadan, chat with fasting residents and eat at an Afghani restaurant (the tour is a partnership with Frying Pan Adventures). Obviously, it’s aimed at those who have an eye for photography, but all are welcome, whether armed with a DSLR or a mobile phone. Bear in mind it will be hot, and you’ll need to dress appropriately for a conservative cultural experience. Yep, that means no shorts. Bring on the kaftans. It starts at 5.15pm on selected days at Al Ras Metro Station, and we highly recommend booking. It’s approximately Dh584; go to gulfphotoplus.com.
Take a tour of old Dubai and how the people there have iftar with Gulf Photo Plus' Unseen Trail.
Alserkal Avenue: #ThisIsNotABuffet
Don’t miss having iftar at the hub of art and coolness that is Alserkal Avenue in Dubai’s Al Quoz neighbourhood. The nightly #ThisIsNotABuffet is served in a warehouse in The Yard, with trivia nights, board-games nights, and music nights. Food is a contemporary take on Arabic cuisine by Elements, with two- and five-course menus from Dh90-100. Small plates start at Dh12. Meanwhile, Cinema Akil will be screening movies at the venue under this month’s theme A Hard Day’s Night, starting on Wednesday with Factory Girl, and the Fashion Meets Art Exhibition will be showcasing 75 local and international designers (until June 11). Call 056-4993061.
Alserkal Avenue's #ThisIsNotABuffet iftar.
Emaar’s tent at Dubai Creek Harbour
The mega developer has moved its signature Ramadan tent from Downtown to its latest showpiece: Dubai Creek Harbour. Ok, so the development, which will house the world’s tallest observation tower, is not built yet, but, in Dubai tradition, when has that stopped us from enjoying a location? The tent, which overlooks the Dubai Creek’s wildlife sanctuary near Ras Al Khor (Flamingo Central), as well as the Downtown Dubai and Shaikh Zayed Road skylines, is open only for suhour, 8pm-1am (until 3am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Expect great views, live music and board games. The food? Arabic and international dishes, by Vida Hotels and Resorts, served a la carte. Call 04-8883444.
Emaar’s tent at Dubai Creek Harbour overlooks the Dubai Creek’s wildlife sanctuary near Ras Al Khor.
Armani’s Saraya tent
In a first for the hotel that’s located inside the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, iftar will not be inside the tower, but in a tent — the new Saraya tent, against the backdrop of the Dubai Fountain. They promise daily-changing iftar and suhour menus, should you be a frequent visitor. Dishes include the classic Arabic ones you’d expect, as well as ones from Armani Hotel Dubai’s five restaurants, which include Amal (Indian), Hashi (Japanese) and Ristorante (Italian). It’s Dh250 per person; suhour is Dh200 per person, iftar runs until 9pm and suhour from 10pm to 3am. There are packages for the majlises, seating 7 to 13. Call 04-8883666.
The new Saraya Ramadan Tent at Armani Hotel Dubai.
Ghaf Kitchen’s Brighton Rock
The folks behind one of last Ramadan’s more unique offerings are back in action, this time at Al Quoz’s Cafe Rider. The creators of the alt-iftar have this year been inspired by... Quadrophenia. That’s the film about the culture of motorcycle rides to cool UK beachside town Brighton — a favourite 1960s activity. Expect vintage motorbikes and candyfloss; the kitchen recreates a classic seaside hut (don’t worry, Ghaf Kitchen’s vintage Citroen H van is still in action, too). On the menu: British seaside fun meets modern Arabic: red lentil and squash soup served with Arabic herbed bread; feta dip; couscous salad with pistachos, raisins and herbs; strawberry laban shake and house-cured olives; monkfish and prawn curry with polenta fries and parsley with red onion salad; roast chicken with roast vegetables and celeriac puree; spiced lamb on beetroot hummus in Arabic flatbread; or the Ghaf Kitchen quinoa dog. Desserts include doughnuts with fig jam; candyfloss; toffee apples; and chocolate pots. Last year’s garden-themed event was a sell-out success, so, whilst they do accept walk-ins, we suggest you book (056-3933712). It’s open for iftar (until 9pm, Dh180 per person for three-courses and drinks) and a la carte for suhour, until 11pm.
