Abu Dhabi is a world-class culinary destination, and it's even better during Ramadan.
As the sun sets each evening, the city becomes a spectacular celebration of flavour, community and Emirati hospitality. Whether you're observing the fast or simply experiencing the unique atmosphere, Abu Dhabi's dining scene during the Holy Month offers unforgettable dining experiences.
Abu Dhabi's restaurants remain fully operational during Ramadan. As sunset approaches and the day's fast ends, restaurants, hotels and cultural venues across the city prepare for evenings that run late into the night.
Hotels set up tented majlises with live music and lanterns, while restaurants extend their hours and collaborate with world-class chefs to build special Ramadan menus for the moment fasting breaks.
The Maghrib call to prayer signals the moment the city has been waiting for – iftar. Muslims traditionally break their fast with three dates and a glass of water before proceeding to the Maghrib prayer, then enjoy a larger meal. This is when Abu Dhabi's culinary scene truly shines.
Hotels and restaurants across the city set up iftar buffets to mark the occasion, from large communal spreads to smaller, more intimate settings.
Abu Dhabi's leading hotels often transform their spaces for Ramadan, each bringing its own interpretation of the traditional iftar feast.
Premium venues often feature live cooking stations, international and regional specialities, authentic Emirati delicacies such as Harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge) and Thareed (bread stew), and traditional Ramadan beverages , like Qamar al-Din (apricot juice), and Tamar Hindi (tamarind drink).
As the evening extends into the early morning hours, the dining scene shifts to suhoor, the pre-dawn meal taken before the next day's fast begins. Unlike the elaborate iftar buffets, suhoor tends to be lighter and more relaxed, often served à la carte in atmospheric settings.
Venues offer peaceful suhoor experiences under the stars or in newly opened majlises, with selections ranging from savoury dishes to premium coffee and fresh pastries.
Restaurants are open during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi. The city has evolved its approach in recent years to ensure visitors can dine comfortably:
Licensed hotels, bars and restaurants serve alcohol in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan, generally within designated indoor areas rather than public-facing spaces. Service often starts later in the evening, after iftar, and staff tend to keep it low-key out of respect for the holy month.
Non-Muslim visitors aren't restricted from ordering, but it's worth checking with your venue directly, since house rules can vary from one place to the next.
Ramadan offers something truly special for food enthusiasts. The combination of extended evening dining hours, chef collaborations, pop-up experiences and the spiritual atmosphere creates unforgettable moments. From culture and heritage to dining and community experiences, Abu Dhabi's curated offerings during Ramadan showcase the diversity of the city's food scene and cultural richness.
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