Ramadan in Dubai is a time of reflection, generosity, and memorable food experiences. The city changes as the sun goes down. Lantern-lit majlis, waterfront terraces, desert camps, and luxury ballrooms open their doors for some of the best iftar locations Dubai 2026 has to offer.
Looking for where to break fast during Ramadan in Dubai, this full Ramadan in Dubai iftar guide is a one-stop to all the traditional buffets and hotel iftar, to the low-cost street and desert feasts.
What is Iftar?
The meal taken to end the day fast in Ramadan is known as Iftar. It starts right after the sunset (Maghrib prayer time), and it is the culmination of the day’s fast.
Cultural significance:
- It is a representation of appreciation and spiritual contemplation.
- The families and communities come together.
- It promotes altruism and generosity.
- Dates and water are traditional ways of breaking the fast.
Understanding this tradition enhances your entire Dubai iftar experience.
Best Iftar Experiences in Dubai
Dubai has a great variety of iftars, from small family-sized to luxurious spreads.
Dubai traditional Iftar Buffets
The conventional buffets are centered on Emirati and Levantine tastes. Expect:
- Lentil soup or harira
- Freshly baked breads and mezze
- Lamb ouzi and shawarma stations
- Luqaimat and kunafa for dessert
The traditional oud music, Asateer tent at Atlantis and Madinat Jumeirah Ramadan Majlis. provide the traditional decoration, live oud music, and classical Ramadan atmosphere.
Dubai offers a wide range of iftars from intimate family settings to extravagant luxury spreads.
Traditional Iftar Buffets in Dubai
Traditional buffets focus on Emirati and Levantine flavors. Expect:
- Lentil soup or harira
- Freshly baked breads and mezze
- Lamb ouzi and shawarma stations
- Luqaimat and kunafa for dessert
Iconic Ramadan tents like Asateer at Atlantis and Madinat Jumeirah Ramadan Majlis offer authentic décor, live oud music, and a classic Ramadan ambiance.
These are perfect for experiencing Dubai Ramadan traditions in their purest form.
Luxury Hotel Iftar Dining
Dubai is known globally for luxury hospitality, and Ramadan is no exception.
Top-tier venues include:
- Armani Hotel Dubai
- Address Downtown
- One\&Only Royal Mirage
- Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Expect curated menus, premium desserts, waterfront or skyline views, and live entertainment. Prices range from AED 250 to AED 450 per person.
These are ideal for corporate gatherings or upscale hotel iftar buffet Dubai seekers.
Local Iftar Markets & Street Iftar Tents
For a more relaxed and affordable option, explore:
- Deira neighborhood buffets
- Community Ramadan tents
- Local restaurant set menus
Restaurants like Al Safadi and Operation Falafel offer budget-friendly iftars starting from AED 49–95.
These are excellent for finding affordable iftar meals in Dubai.
What to Expect at Iftars in Dubai
Timing of Iftar
Iftar begins immediately at sunset, which changes daily. During Ramadan 2026, sunset will typically fall between 6:10pm and 6:45pm.
Always check updated iftar timings in Dubai Ramadan before booking.
Typical Food Served
If you are wondering what to eat for iftar in Dubai, here’s what most menus include:
- Dates and Arabic coffee
- Lentil or harira soup
- Cold and hot mezze
- Lamb ouzi or mixed grills
- Rice dishes like biryani
- Ramadan juices (Vimto, jallab, qamar al din)
- Kunafa, baklava, luqaimat
Dubai Ramadan food blends Emirati, Lebanese, Turkish, Indian, and international cuisines.
Traditions & Etiquette
Ramadan etiquette in Dubai is important:
- Dress modestly
- Avoid loud behavior
- Be respectful during prayer times
- Do not eat in public before sunset
- Non-Muslims are welcome at iftars across hotels and restaurants.
Cost Range
Prices vary significantly depending on location and setting:
- Budget restaurants: AED 49–120
- Mid-range buffets: AED 150–250
- Luxury hotel experiences: AED 300–450
- Desert experiences: AED 350–490
Top Locations to Enjoy Iftar in Dubai
The following are the top iftar spots that Dubai 2026 has to offer. Every location offers a different experience of Ramadan, be it a grand majlis, or waterfront terrace, or a desert dinner. The following is a preview of what is to be expected prior to making your booking.
1. Asateer at Atlantis The Palm
The traditional Ramadan tent is back with a big buffet with the traditional mezze, lamb ouzi, live cooking stations, and a spectacular dessert buffet. Look forward to luxurious interior design, live performances of the oud, and sophisticated atmosphere of the Arabian world.
Location: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah.
2. Madinat Jumeirah Ramadan Majlis
Located in the waterways, this magnificent garden majlis provides a wide selection of Middle Eastern classics and foreign cuisines as a buffet. It is topped off by lamps, show business and scenic scenery.
Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim.
3. Armani Pavilion
Have a high-quality iftar with the Burj Khalifa in the background and cuisine designed by signature restaurants of the hotel. Shawarma restaurants, risotto, mezze, and luxurious desserts in a refined environment are to be expected.
Location: Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown Dubai.
4. Address Downtown
The buffet akin to the view of the Dubai Fountain is a classic Ramadan dish, fresh breads, grilled meat, and bountiful dessert table, which could fit a family and a group.
Location: Downtown, Downtown Dubai.
5. One\&Only Royal Mirage
The Arabian Courtyard is turned into a lantern-lit majlis where lavish buffet of lamb ouzi, shawarma, mezze, and traditional sweets is served with live music.
Location: Dubai Marina.
6. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
This beautiful garden majlis is a sophisticated buffet with Middle Eastern and international food. Look forward to high-quality desserts, Ramadan juices, and live entertainment that is relaxed.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road.
7. Bab Al Shams
Eat in the desert at Al Hadheerah restaurant of its slow-cooked meats, live grills, traditional musicians and cultural souk.
Location: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort.
8. Nara Desert Escape
Enjoy a dune-side iftar with camel rides, falcon shows and buffet with mezze, biryani, lamb mafdoon and desserts under the stars.
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
9. Rove Hotels
A classic but generous buffet with a mixture of traditional and international favorites, fresh juices and Turkish ice cream stand. Perfect to have cheap iftar meals in Dubai.
Location: Various locations.
10. Al Safadi
The Lebanese popular has a fixed sharing-style iftar menu consisting of lentil soup, hot and cold mezze, mixed grills and traditional sweets.
Location: Multiple locations.
11. Operation Falafel
An affordable fixed menu with your selection of main, hot and cold mezze, lentil soup, dates and a beverage.
Location: Various locations.
12. Fairmont The Palm
The Fairuz Garden transforms into an outdoor Ramadan dining space where a curated buffet is served with live entertainment and a waterfront.
Location: Palm Jumeirah.
13. Emirates Golf Club
Eat by lanternlight on the green on a buffet designed by the top chefs in the region with mezze, salads, saffron chicken and traditional Arabic desserts.
Location: Emirates Hills.
14. JA Lake View Hotel
Relaxed buffet with the freshly baked manakish, shawarma, grilled seabream and Turkish sweets, a family favorite.
Location: Jebel Ali.
15. Hilton Palm Jumeirah (Mowsem)
Enjoy a diverse spread of regional dishes, live cooking stations and Ramadan beverages in a modern beachfront setting.
Location: Palm Jumeirah.
| Place | Cuisine | Price (AED) | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asateer (Atlantis) | Middle Eastern | 295–325 | Grand Ramadan Tent | Traditional luxury |
| Madinat Jumeirah Majlis | Arabic | 350 | Elegant garden setting | Cultural experience |
| Armani Pavilion | International | 410 | Burj Khalifa views | Premium dining |
| Address Downtown | International | 325 | Fountain views | Families |
| One\&Only Royal Mirage | Arabic | 395 | Lantern-lit courtyard | Romantic setting |
| Mandarin Oriental Jumeira | Mixed | 395 | Garden majlis | Luxury seekers |
| Bab Al Shams | Desert Arabic | 449 | Desert camp | Unique experience |
| Nara Desert Escape | Emirati | 490 | Dune dining | Adventure lovers |
| Rove Hotels | International | 129 | Casual buffet | Budget-friendly |
| Al Safadi | Lebanese | 185 | Family-style | Groups |
| Operation Falafel | Middle Eastern | 49 | Casual dining | Affordable option |
| Fairmont The Palm | International | 315 | Beachfront | Waterfront sunset |
| Emirates Golf Club | Arabic | 295 | Open lawn | Outdoor dining |
| JA Lake View Hotel | Mixed | 249 | Relaxed hotel vibe | Families |
| Hilton Palm (Mowsem) | Regional | 225–245 | Modern buffet | Variety lovers |
Ramadan Rules & Tips for Tourists
If you are visiting during Ramadan in Dubai, keep these tips in mind:
- Book luxury buffets at least one week in advance
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset
- Choose outdoor terraces for skyline views
- Try at least one Ramadan tent experience
- Visit Desert Iftars for a unique cultural night
Final Thoughts: Best Ramadan Iftar Dubai 2026
Dubai has one of the most varied Ramadan dining experiences globally. It has everything that fits your budget and taste, whether it is a luxury terrace with a skyline view, a classic Arabic majlis, a beachfront buffet, or a desert escape.
This ultimate guide to iftars in Dubai will help you enjoy the cultural warmth, hospitality and all unforgettable flavors of the city during Ramadan in 2026.
