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In pictures: 8 alternative Dubai iftars to try out for Ramadan 2018
From desert dining to the Dubai Opera auditorium
A speedy Iftar at Dubai Kartdrome: Karting and Iftar aren’t words usually seen in the same sentence, but after going to Dubai Kartdrome’s Iftar buffet, you’ll be using it a bit more commonly. An Iftar specially made for all the speedsters out there, take a spin around the track before tucking in to a special buffet featuring traditional mezze and mixed grill delights. From Dhs412 (karting and buffet). Daily from 7pm-midnight. Motor City (800 KARTING).
Baker & Spice Goes to Copenhagen For Ramadan: In collaboration with the embassy in Denmark, Baker & Spice is bringing the tastes of Copenhagen this Ramadan. With recent food trends in Denmark steering towards Middle Eastern cuisine, Danish chef William Milsted will explore the ways of mixing up the iftar formula through a blend of European and Arabic signature dishes. Prices vary. Sunset-11pm. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai (04 425 2240).
Break your fast at Dubai Opera: Back by popular demand, Dubai Opera will be transforming its famous auditorium into a huge banquet hall for an elegant iftar. It’s exclusively catered by the team from Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera, with a menu featuring lamb ouzi and roast beef. Also on the menu is mezze, traditional Middle Eastern sweets and international desserts such as red velvet cake. From Dhs250, Dhs220 for group bookings of 11 or more. Wed May 16-Thu June 14, sunset-9.30pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com/showlist/iftar.
Chinese iftar at Hakkasan: Fancy having some fresh Chinese food at iftar? Hakkasan will mark Ramadan this year with a brand-new menu – with Arabian touches, of course. Starting with traditional Arabic sweets, guests can try an array of the restaurant’s signature dishes with its four-course iftar menu. Expect a massive serving of stir-fried tiger prawns in spicy lemongrass sauce, and wagyu beef ribs with olive and chicken fried rice. Dhs228 per person. Wed May 16-Thu June 14, Sunset-8pm. Jumeirah Emirates Towers (04 384 8484).
Indian delights at Bombay Brasserie: Bombay Brasserie’s buffet will include gur ka sharbat, a palm sugar sweetened refresher that has been a staple of iftar in Delhi since 1947, kache gosht (mutton) biryani, inspired by the Charminar area, and Lucknowi raan, tender roasted leg of lamb spiced with the fragrant flavours of India’s Northern region. Dhs195. Wed May 16-Thu June 14. Sunset-9pm. Taj Hotel, Business Bay (04 438 3222).
Ramadan Nights by Dish returns: This pop-up restaurant Ramadan Nights by Dish is offering a brand-new menu this year in its candle-lit venue. Diners can begin with a selection of starters including roasted garlic hummus and grilled flatbread, and tuck into main dishes including slow-braised lamb shoulder with Middle Eastern spices or chicken kofta. Dhs195. Daily during Ramadan from sunset-9.30pm. Warehouse Four, Al Quoz (056 128 3247).
Take a ride at Dubai Autodrome’s Iftar: Feel the need to indulge the adrenaline seeker in you and push an Audi TT or S3 to their limits before you break fast? Dubai Autodrome knows such a feeling, which is why it has set up a special Iftar experience so people can have a thrilling drive around their track before an all-you-can-eat Iftar buffet. Be sure to book your spot fast, this Iftar has seen a lot of popularity over the past few years. From Dhs605. Call for reservations. Daily from 6.30pm-9.30pm. Motor City (800 AUTODROME).
Traditional desert iftar with Platinum Heritage: Experience what it was like to break fast in the deserts of Dubai 50 years ago with Platinum Heritage’s traditional iftar. Perfectly timed for guests to arrive at the Bedouin camp during Dubai’s stunning sunset, roll up in a 1950s Land Rover and enjoy a scrumptious iftar dinner under the stars. A selection of activities will be available too, including falconry, henna tattoos, bread and Arabic coffee making and star gazing. Dhs350. Daily during Ramadan. Pick up points at The Oasis Centre, The Dubai Outlet Mall or at the entrance to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (04 388 4044).
