Ramadan in Abu Dhabi is not only a time for fasting and reflection but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with the city’s soul. As the UAE capital embraces the Holy Month, its dining scene transforms into a showcase of Arabian hospitality at its finest every evening. At the same time, some of its most notable landmarks roll out cultural programmes that allow visitors to discover more about the country’s rich heritage.
From breaking the fast at a MICHELIN-starred restaurant within a historic landmark to experiencing the warmth of Emirati traditions at a Ramadan majlis by the sea, here’s how to make the most of Ramadan 2025 in the UAE’s capital.
Qasr Al Hosn: Cultural exploration and Emirati cuisine
At the heart of Abu Dhabi’s heritage stands Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone structure in the city and a living testament to the UAE’s history. Once a ruling palace and watchtower, this beautifully preserved site has become a cultural museum that offers insight into the country’s Bedouin traditions, architecture and evolution. It also conjures a peaceful atmosphere for anyone seeking a meaningful experience before iftar.As part of the cultural site, one MICHELIN star Erth pays tribute to Emirati flavours while elevating them to contemporary fine-dining standards. The restaurant offers an authentic five-course iftar menu showcasing local classics for 220 AED per person, offered from sunset to 2:00 a.m.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental’s Pop-ups at MICHELIN-starred Restaurants
Few locations embody Abu Dhabi’s grandeur quite like Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. During Ramadan, this MICHELIN-selected hotel is further elevated with exclusive pop-ups by some of the hotel’s MICHELIN-starred restaurants, including Talea by Antonio Guida, which celebrates family-style Italian cuisine, and Hakkasan, with its refined Cantonese flavours. Guests can also enjoy creations from MICHELIN-selected Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, known for its progressive approach to Indian cuisine.Beyond its culinary offerings, Emirates Palace embraces the essence of Ramadan through its broader programming, including family-friendly outdoor movie screenings as the sun sets and limited-time padel court rental packages starting at 550 AED for six one-hour sessions. The hotel’s kids’ club also has Ramadan-themed craft activities for the whole family to join, while the spa offers Rise of the Dawn, an exclusive ritual comprising a detoxifying hammam using traditional ingredients available until March 29 for 2,250 AED per person.
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Louvre Abu Dhabi: Art from Africa and Parisian dining
Ramadan is a time of contemplation, making Louvre Abu Dhabi an especially fitting place to explore during the Holy Month. The museum’s Ramadan 2025 programme includes a series of talks highlighting Islamic art and its deep historical significance. There will also be new food pop-ups under the dome and in the park, while the hours for the museum’s fascinating exhibition, Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, have been extended until 1am.Before or after an evening of artistic exploration, enjoy iftar at Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, a MICHELIN-selected restaurant within the museum that brings Parisian dining to Saadiyat Island. During Ramadan, a set menu is available on the terrace overlooking the waters or inside the chic restaurant.
ERTH Abu Dhabi: Authentic Ramadan vibes in a historic landmark
ERTH Abu Dhabi Hotel, formerly the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, carries a legacy that makes it one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Its history as a dedicated space for the UAE’s military officers gives it a deep-rooted connection to Emirati culture. But it’s also been given a luxurious upgrade, complete with a FIFA-certified football pitch, Blue Flag-certified private beach, oasis-style pools, six restaurants and hundreds of sleek rooms, suites and villas.During Ramadan, the hotel has special rates on accommodation, with the price per night starting at 750 AED for an Al Ubayya Deluxe Room up to 5,500 AED for the two-bedroom pool villa.
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Saadiyat Island: Beachfront iftars and a Bib Gourmand favourite
Saadiyat Island blends coastal serenity with cultural vibrancy for a distinct Ramadan experience. Layali Ramadan by Saadiyat Nights provides an evening market atmosphere where visitors can enjoy artisanal goods, live entertainment and food stalls with regional and international cuisine.For a refined beachfront iftar, Tean at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island presents a buffet that celebrates Middle Eastern flavours, complemented by traditional Ramadan desserts and live stations serving Turkish ice cream and knafeh, all for 280 AED per person. Elsewhere, Beirut Sur Mer, a Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant renowned for its Lebanese cuisine, offers an authentic menu and a more intimate dining experience where guests can take in views of the gently lapping waves from the seaside seating.
The spirit of Ramadan on Saadiyat Island also extends beyond food, with creative hub Manarat Al Saadiyat hosting a special musical performance by The Layth Sidiq Quartet on March 18 at 9:30 p.m., reinterpreting traditional Ramadan melodies through contemporary arrangements.
Illustration image: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
