1. Gather your friends for an iftar party
What: Take off on a sunset cruise across the Dubai creek on board the Al Mansour Dhow. Its special iftar cruise offers a delectable Arabic and international buffet, plus traditional entertainment to make for a unique, chilled-out Ramadan experience.
How: The cruise costs from Dh110 per head, bookings for a minimum of 30 people. Call Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek on 04-2057333.
2. Take a break in Abu Dhabi
What: The Park Rotana Abu Dhabi is offering a Ramadan special for couples looking to get away from it all. As well as your stay, for ladies, the deal also includes 50 per cent off spa treatments at Bodylines Wellness Centre, 50 per cent off hair services at Moods Beauty Saloon, and a complimentary meal when dining in any of the hotel's restaurants with your husband.
How: Dh499 per room, per night, based on a two-night minimum. You can also extend your two-night stay for an extra Dh99 per night. Call 02-6573333.
3. Sweeten the deal with an Eid gift
What: Both Sprüngli and ChoCo'a have created yummy collections of fancy chocolates designed especially for the festive season. This Sprüngli boxed delight filled with chocolate-covered dates will make the ideal gift for Eid, Dh550 for 1kg. Alternatively, check out ChoCo'a's collection of chocolate-dipped maamoul, baklawa and date treats, as well as its handmade chocolates flavoured with Arabic coffee, rosewater or halawi.
How: Sprüngli deliver to your door and orders can be made online, www.sprungli.com. For ChoCo'a, call 04-3409092 for the Dubai branch and 02-6282411 for Abu Dhabi.
4. Treat yourself to iftar at the Armani Hotel Dubai
What: End your fast with a stylish sunset dinner buffet at Mediterraneo's, which not only offers top-notch food, but stunning fountain views too.
How: Dh260 or Dh290, call 04-8883444.
5. Update your décor at Irony Home
What: Irony Home has designed a beautiful collection of home decorations especially for Ramadan. The new collection includes calligraphy-adorned precious and semi-precious stones, oriental lanterns and silk cushions with handmade satin embroidery. Perfect for creating a luxurious atmosphere to host your at-home iftar.
How: Visit www.ironyhomelifestyle.com to find out store locations.
6. Detox at the Dubai Herbal and Treatment centre
What: Ramadan is as good a time as any to give your body a thorough cleanse. Book yourself up for a detox day at DHTC, which includes a full-body composition analysis, colon hydrotherapy session, an acupuncture session and cupping session.
How: Dh899 per person until August 31. Call 04-3351200.
7. Give back at NStyle
What: As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, NStyle is pledging to donate 100 per cent of the proceeds made on every Dubai Cares nail polish, Dh40. All funds will be donated to the UAE-based charity Girls for Education Programme.
How: Visit any NStyle salon in the UAE.
8. Count down to Eid
What: Help your kids learn about the significance of Ramadan with these super-cute countdown calendars. Similar to an advent calendar, every day at sunset, or after doing a good deed, they get to open the door for that date, and eat the piece of chocolate inside. It's fun and educational!
How: Dh49.5, available at selected supermarkets.
9. Enjoy the city views at a Ramadan tent
What: The InterContinental and Crowne Plaza, Dubai Festival City, have set up a huge Ramadan tent so family and friends can enjoy fun-filled evenings. You can enjoy iftar and sohour with panoramic views of the creek and city skyline as your backdrop.
How: The iftar buffet is priced at Dh165 per person, and sohour is served à la carte. Call 04-7011111.
Get your culture fix
Visit… Art Euphoria at Art Couture, which is a solo exhibition from resident artist, Cynthia Reta Richards. Cynthia is showing a broad collection of all her works, from minimalist and decorative, to abstract. Showing until the end of August, call 04-3994331 or visit www.artcoutureuae.com for more info.
Watch… Your favourite movies while chilling at the pool. Grab your swimsuit, because throughout August, you can enjoy Movie Nights every Sunday at Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall. From 8.30pm, escape the heat in the hotel's pool, while enjoying snacks and a five-beverage-bucket deal for Dh99. Call 04-4388999 for movie choices.
Read… I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak (Alfred A Knopf). Universally feted for his funny, unpretentious writing, Zusak manages to strike that elusive balance between humour and the exploration of darker subjects. A down-and-out taxi driver suddenly finds himself playing a hero, while carrying out the bidding of a mysterious series of anonymous messages. Candid and self-deprecating, yet touching - this paperback makes for a great summer read you will lose yourself in. Dh55 at BooksPlus.
Book tickets for… An Introduction to Cuban Salsa. This six-week beginners course starts on August 13, and runs every Saturday and Tuesday from 9pm to 10pm. Dh800 per person for 12 classes. Visit www.ritmo-de-havana.com for info.
Listen to… 50 Best of Blue Note. This compilation of blues classics by some of the greats, including Louis Armstrong, will transport you to smoky jazz bars in 1920's America. The five CD box set of mellow mood music is a collector's item, and makes a great gift.
