Ramadan 2025 in Dubai is a unique culinary season when the city’s dining scene adapts to the holy month’s rhythms.

Whether you’re fasting or not, you’ll find that restaurants adjust their hours and offerings to cater to both the spiritual observance and the festive nightly gatherings.

This guide covers everything from general opening hours and daily meal timings (Iftar and Suhoor) to specific restaurant schedules, regional recommendations, area highlights, and special Ramadan dining deals.

Read on for a well-structured breakdown to help you navigate eating out in Dubai during Ramadan 2025.

General Opening and Closing Hours During Ramadan

During Ramadan, most restaurants in Dubai remain open, though many alter their operating hours.

Unlike in the past, eateries are not required to close or conceal diners during daylight non-fasting guests can be served openly as usual​.

That said, some smaller or locally oriented outlets may choose to stay closed until late afternoon and then open around sundown for Iftar (the fast-breaking meal)​. In general, you can expect later start times and much later closing times.

Many cafes, malls, and restaurants extend hours well past midnight to accommodate the post-sunset rush​.

For example, it’s common for malls to stay buzzing until 1 am or 2 am, and eateries follow suit​. Always check ahead or call your restaurant of choice, as individual timings can vary​.

It’s also courteous to note that a few venues might open to customers about an hour after sunset, giving their staff time to break their fast first​.

Overall, daytime dining is available (there’s no legal restriction now on eating in public for non-Muslims), but the city’s food scene truly comes alive from sunset into late night.

Suhoor and Iftar Timing at Restaurants

Iftar (the meal at sunset) and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) define the daily dining schedule during Ramadan. Iftar time in Dubai is tied to sunset, which in Ramadan 2025 falls around 6:20pm in early March and about 6:35pm by late March​.

Restaurants serving Iftar typically open just before sunset and start the meal as soon as the Maghrib call to prayer is heard. Most Iftar buffets or set menus run for a limited time – often until about 8:30 or 9:00pm to ensure there’s time to reset or prepare for later guests​.

It’s worth noting that Iftar timings shift slightly later each day as sunset changes, and restaurants adjust accordingly (you might see posted Iftar start times updated every week).

Suhoor is offered late at night, extending until just before the dawn (Fajr) prayer.

In Dubai, dawn during Ramadan 2025 is roughly between 5:00–5:30am, so most Suhoor services wrap up by 3:00am or 4:00am at the latest.

Many eateries (particularly hotel restaurants, lounges, and Ramadan tents) start Suhoor around 9:00 or 10:00pm and continue past midnight.

For instance, the Ramadan tent at Fairmont The Palm schedules Suhoor from 9:00pm until 3:00am daily​.

Suhoor is often a more relaxed affair than Iftar frequently à la carte menus or lighter buffets with Middle Eastern breakfast items, grills, and soothing drinks. Not every restaurant offers Suhoor, it’s more common at hotels, dedicated Ramadan tents, or 24-hour eateries.

If you plan to go for Suhoor, check venues known for late-night service (many shisha cafes, Arabic restaurants, and hotel ballrooms will be open).

And remember to reserve ahead for both Iftar and Suhoor, as popular spots fill up quickly​.

Popular Restaurants and Ramadan 2025 Schedules

Dubai offers a vast range of dining options during Ramadan.

Below is a curated list of popular restaurants and venues, categorized by type, along with their Ramadan 2025 schedules (typical Iftar/Suhoor timings and any special notes):

Fine Dining Highlights

  • Armani/Pavilion – Burj Khalifa, Downtown: A luxury Iftar with views of the Dubai Fountain in a grand setting. Timings: Sunset (~6:30pm) to 9:00pm for Iftar​. The Iftar is a lavish buffet featuring Arabic classics and signature dishes from the Armani Hotel’s restaurants. (No regular Suhoor buffet here, but the venue’s lounge offers light bites later in the evening.) Reservation is essential for this elegant experience.
  • Ariana’s Persian Kitchen – Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah: Celebrity chef Ariana Bundy’s restaurant presents a Persian-inspired fine dining Iftar. Timings: 6:00pm to 8:30pm for a set-menu Iftar​. Expect gourmet Persian specialties in a chic atmosphere. (Suhoor is not offered, as the restaurant closes after dinner; however, other outlets in the hotel serve late-night bites.)
  • Al Hadheerah (Bab Al Shams Desert Resort) – Dubai outskirts: An immersive Arabian heritage Iftar in a desert fortress-style restaurant. Timings: 7:00pm to 11:00pm​. This is a full-night experience with an extensive Emirati and Middle Eastern buffet, live cultural performances (music, dancing, falconry, etc.), and a recreated souk. No Suhoor buffet here, but guests can linger late into the night under the stars. Ideal for a luxury-meets-traditional outing.

Buffet-Style & Ramadan Tents

  • Asateer Tent – Atlantis, The Palm: Dubai’s most iconic Ramadan tent, famed for its scale and variety. Timings: Sunset to 8:30pm for Iftar​. The buffet here is enormous, with 1,700+ seats and multiple cuisine stations (Arabic, Khaleeji, South Asian, international, etc.). Suhoor: Offered from around 10:00pm until late (approx. 2:30–3:00am) with an à la carte menu of bites and shisha in a majestic majlis setting​. This tent requires booking well in advance due to its popularity.
  • Al Majlis – Madinat Jumeirah: A beautifully decorated Ramadan majlis at Madinat Jumeirah serving both Iftar and Suhoor. Timings: Sunset to 8:30pm for Iftar​; Suhoor buffet follows until late night (usually up to midnight or 1am). The spread features classic hot and cold mezze, grills, and international dishes in an opulent Arabian atmosphere​. Families and large groups frequent this venue, and live instrumental music (oud) adds to the ambience.
  • The Majlis at DWTC – Dubai World Trade Centre: A large, popular Ramadan buffet hall especially for corporate gatherings. Timings: Sunset to 8:30pm for Iftar​. It offers one of the city’s most extensive buffets, covering Middle Eastern staples plus Indian and Far Eastern corners. (No Suhoor buffet here; it’s focused on the Iftar service.) It’s a convenient option in the Trade Centre/Downtown area with ample seating for events or big groups.
  • Anise – InterContinental Dubai Festival City: An international dining restaurant known for theatrical buffet stations, which goes all-out for Ramadan. Timings: Sunset to 8:00pm for Iftar​. It also offers Suhoor – after the iftar finishes, Anise reopens late with an à la carte Suhoor menu (priced around AED 170)​. This makes it a one-stop venue if you wish to experience both meals. The Iftar buffet here features global cuisines and live cooking (and views of the Festival City fountain show), while Suhoor is more low-key.
  • Hotel Ballrooms & Tents: Aside from the above, many hotels erect Ramadan tents or use ballrooms for buffet iftars. Examples include the Four Seasons Jumeirah’s majlis (a garden tent for iftar and suhoor)​, Grand Hyatt’s “Laylati” iftar tent, and others. These typically run iftar till about 9–10pm and may have Suhoor gatherings after. If buffet feasting is your preference, Dubai’s hotels won’t disappoint – nearly every 5-star has a special offering.

Budget-Friendly Options

Not every Ramadan meal in Dubai needs to be lavish – there are plenty of affordable eateries and deals for those on a budget:

  • Dukkan El-Baba – Barsha Heights: A cozy Lebanese eatery known for its value iftar. Timings: 6:30pm onward. Pricing: AED 95 on weekdays (a great bargain), AED 160 on weekends​for a traditional buffet spread. This is a no-frills, hearty iftar popular with residents; it includes staples like lentil soup, salads, daily rice and meat dishes, and sweets. Come early, as seating is limited.
  • Mama Shelter – Business Bay: A new, trendy restaurant-hotel that is offering a family-style iftar platter. Timings: Sunset to 9:00pm. Pricing: AED 125 per person​. It’s a casual atmosphere with a playful European twist, making it both budget-friendly and fun. Portions are generous and meant for sharing, including Middle Eastern mezze with a modern touch.
  • Classic Local Eateries (Various Locations): Many independent restaurants throughout Dubai have special iftar menus at low prices. For example, famous Pakistani restaurant Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) serves a set iftar meal for around AED 40–50 (with dates, fruit, biryani or curry, bread, and drink). Similarly, Al Ustad Special Kabab (Bur Dubai), a beloved Iranian spot, sees queues of loyal patrons for their affordable grills and will be open from sunset until late night for Ramadan. In Al Karama and Deira neighborhoods, numerous Indian and Arabic eateries offer iftar buffet platters for AED 30–60, making them popular with families. Even some 4-star hotels have promotional iftar deals under AED 100 via booking apps or coupons​​. Keep an eye out for Ramadan tents at community centers or parks too – these often serve simple iftar meals at very low cost or even free for those in need.
  • Online Deals and Vouchers: To save money, consider using deal websites like Cobone or Groupon, which feature up to 50–70% off iftar buffet vouchers​. For instance, one could enjoy a 5-star hotel iftar (normally AED 199) for around AED 129 with a coupon​, or a mid-range hotel buffet for as low as AED 79​. These promotions make otherwise pricey venues accessible on a budget – just be sure to book in advance and note the specific dates the vouchers are valid.

Recommendations by Cuisine and Preference

Every diner has different tastes and needs. Here are some recommendations for various preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone during Ramadan 2025:

Traditional Middle Eastern Cuisine

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in authentic Middle Eastern flavors for Iftar or Suhoor, Dubai has countless options.

Many of the Ramadan buffets at hotels focus on regional dishes (think mezze, grilled meats, ouzi (slow-cooked lamb), and Arabic sweets).

For a truly traditional experience, the Al Hadheerah desert Iftar (mentioned above) is unparalleled​, complete with Emirati dishes and cultural shows.

Within the city, consider Al Fanar Restaurant (multiple branches) for Emirati cuisine in a heritage-themed setting they offer an iftar set menu with classics like harees and thareed.

Lebanese restaurants are also a great bet: Al Safadi and Al Hallab (various locations) serve iftar platters featuring lentil soup, fattoush, mixed grill, and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.

In Downtown, Babel (Dubai Mall) is a Lebanese spot with a modern vibe their iftar overlooks the Burj Lake with Lebanese and Mediterranean favorites​.

For those interested in Persian flavors, Banu (City Walk) or Enigma at Palazzo Versace might have special iftar menus (Persian cuisine often features in Ramadan through stews, kebabs, etc.).

Lastly, don’t forget the community iftars: areas like Al Seef and the heritage district often host outdoor iftar tents serving Emirati and Arab dishes, offering a cultural vibe under traditional lantern lighting.

International Cuisine Options

Dubai’s cosmopolitan character shines through even during Ramadan not all iftars are strictly Arabic. If you crave international cuisine:

  • Many hotel iftars are international buffets by design, so you’ll find sushi, Italian pastas, Indian curries, and more alongside Arabic dishes. For example, Anise at InterCon Festival City has multiple live stations from Asian stir-fry to European roast carving in its iftar​.
  • Some restaurants tailor their Ramadan menus to their specialty cuisine. Atelier M (Dubai Marina) offers a three-course iftar leaning into modern Mediterranean flavors, so you get a break from the traditional. Similarly, Belcanto (Dubai Opera) presents Italian/Mediterranean themed iftar courses in a dramatic setting.
  • Fans of Asian cuisine can try places like Barfly by Buddha-Bar (on Palm Jumeirah) which infuses Middle Eastern influences into a pan-Asian iftar menu (expect dim sum alongside hummus)​. There’s also Moshi or Wokyo for casual sushi/noodle iftar deals, or Din Tai Fung (Mall of Emirates, Dubai Mall) which remains open for dinner if you prefer dumplings after sunset (not an iftar menu per se, but an option to dine internationally).
  • Indian cuisine is hugely popular for iftar among South Asian expats. Many Indian restaurants have Ramadan specials – e.g., Bombay Bungalow (JBR) or Kinara by Vikas Khanna (Jumeirah Golf Estates) serve a curated Indian feast at iftar (Kinara’s iftar is around AED 150 for a full menu)​. These often include dates and fresh juices to start (a nod to local custom) followed by flavorful biryanis, kebabs, and Indian sweets – a nice twist on the usual Arabic iftar.
    In short, if you’re not keen on Arabic food every night, you can still celebrate Ramadan with your preferred cuisine; just look out for restaurants advertising special “Ramadan menu” or adjusted hours.

Family-Friendly Venues

Families dining during Ramadan will appreciate kid-friendly iftars and casual environments:

  • Buffets and Large Tents: Big buffet venues are generally very family-friendly. They provide lots of choices (great for picky eaters) and often have discounts for children or even free meals for young kids. For instance, The H Dubai’s iftar at Eat & Meat had a promotion where kids under 12 dine free amidst a lively souk-like setting. Similarly, Madinat Jumeirah’s Majlis offers 50% off for children aged 5–11​, and many hotel iftars let under-5s eat free. Always inquire about kids’ pricing.
  • Casual Mall Restaurants: During Ramadan evenings, malls like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City have extended hours and plenty of casual eateries doing iftar specials. These places (e.g., Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, or local chains like Logma for Emirati bites) are well-suited for families they have familiar options for kids and a more relaxed dress code. High chairs and stroller access are a given. Just plan to break the fast at one of the mall’s designated prayer rooms if needed, then eat malls often fire a cannon at sunset as a traditional signal for iftar, which kids find exciting.
  • Outdoor Ramadan Markets: A family-friendly recommendation beyond restaurants is to explore Ramadan night markets or festivals. Global Village, for example, keeps its gates open until 2:00am during Ramadan​, with food stalls from around the world where you can enjoy informal iftar or suhoor snacks. There are usually activities for children, cultural shows, and a carnival vibe all in a safe, family-oriented setting. Similarly, places like Dubai Expo City’s Hai Ramadan event (if held in 2025) feature outdoor food stalls, playgrounds, and cultural workshops, making dining a fun outing for the whole family.
  • Parks and Picnic Iftars: Some families prefer to pack their own iftar and head to parks (Safa Park, Kite Beach, etc.). While not exactly “restaurant” timings, it’s worth noting parks often extend hours too. You’ll see families barbecuing or picnicking to break the fast. Nearby, small cafeterias or food trucks at these parks open at iftar, so you can grab a karak tea, ice cream, or shawarma for the kids after your meal.

Luxury Dining Experiences

If you’re aiming to indulge in the most upscale dining Dubai offers during Ramadan, there are plenty of high-end experiences:

  • Burj Al Arab Al Iwan: This 7-star hotel’s Arabic restaurant offers an opulent iftar buffet in a gold-adorned dining room. Timings are roughly 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Expect to pay a premium (over AED 400 per person easily), but the spread and setting are unmatched. It’s a chance to dine inside the world’s most luxurious hotel for iftar jackets are recommended for gentlemen, and reservations are mandatory.
  • Dubai Opera Iftar: In recent years, Dubai Opera has hosted a special iftar in its auditorium or rooftop, combining culture with cuisine. For 2025, check if they are doing a “dine-on-stage” experience or a partnered restaurant event. This typically features fine dining catering (perhaps by a five-star hotel) with live traditional music and an elegant atmosphere under the Opera’s iconic architecture.
  • Sky-High Iftar: Some luxury experiences include iftar at high vantage points. Atmosphere restaurant (Burj Khalifa) might have a sundown meal offer – you literally break your fast at the tallest building. Or CE LA VI (Address Sky View) has been known for a stylish iftar with skyline views (timings in 2024 were sunset to 8pm)​. These places blend haute cuisine with jaw-dropping views.
  • Private or Bespoke Iftars: Luxury can also mean privacy. Certain hotels offer private cabanas or majlis for groupsfor example, Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi (if you venture out) does private iftar domes; in Dubai, high-end resorts like One&Only might arrange a VIP majlis iftar on request. Atlantis’s Asateer Tent even has a “Royal Majlis” section for an exclusive group dining​. If you have the budget, these tailored experiences can be memorable, complete with personal butlers and curated menus.
  • Suhour in Style: For a luxury Suhoor, look to places like The Ritz-Carlton DIFC Ramadan tent or Mandarin Oriental Jumeira’s Majlis. They offer elegant late-night dining with live oud music, gourmet à la carte menus, and premium shisha. For example, Mandarin Oriental’s beachfront majlis provides a high-end setting to enjoy Suhoor by the sea​. Suhoor usually starts around 9pm and goes until after midnight, but note that many luxury spots require a minimum spend or have set packages for Suhoor. Dress code will be smart casual or traditional it’s a see-and-be-seen scene.

Dining by Area in Dubai

Dubai’s neighborhoods each offer a different Ramadan dining atmosphere. Here’s a quick area-wise breakdown:

  • Downtown Dubai & Business Bay: These central districts are home to numerous hotels and fine restaurants. You’ll find upscale iftars at places like Address Downtown, Address Sky View, Armani Hotel (Burj Khalifa)​, as well as corporate tent iftars at Dubai World Trade Centre. After iftar, the area around the Burj Khalifa comes alive with people enjoying the fountain shows and mall cafes. Many eateries here stay open past midnight. It’s wise to make reservations due to high demand in this popular tourist area.
  • Dubai Marina & JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence): A trendy area for both residents and visitors, with lots of international dining. Beachfront hotels (Le Royal Meridien, Ritz-Carlton, etc.) host iftar buffets e.g. the Arabic restaurant Al Khaima offers a charming garden iftar​. In Pier 7 and along JBR, restaurants like Atelier M​, Asil, or Bla Bla​ have contemporary iftars that attract a younger crowd. Suhoor by the beach is a highlight here; many lounges set up outdoor seating with shisha. Expect Marina and JBR venues to be busy until late, with traffic building up around sunset and again around 11pm as people head home.
  • Palm Jumeirah: The Palm is famous for its resort iftars notably Atlantis’s Asateer tent (west side of the Palm)​and various hotel offerings like Fairmont The Palm’s Ramadan Garden or Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s iftar. The vibe on the Palm is luxurious and somewhat removed from the city bustle. If you’re staying on the Palm or want a destination iftar, this is ideal. Just plan transportation, as taxis can be in high demand post-iftar. Suhoor options on the Palm include lounges at Atlantis, FIVE Palm, and other resorts, typically running till 1–2am.
  • Old Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai): This area offers the most traditional Ramadan feel. As sunset approaches, you’ll hear the athan (call to prayer) echo by the Creek. Many local restaurants here serve inexpensive iftar menus catered to workers and families. Stroll through Al Rigga Road in Deira after iftar the street is lined with vendors selling Ramadan sweets (like luqaimat, baklava), and the atmosphere is festive. Hotels like Radisson Blu Deira Creek have classic iftars (their iftar buffet is one of the oldest in the city, known for authentic Arabic cuisine). In Bur Dubai, the Hindi Lane and Meena Bazaar areas show a harmonious mix of Ramadan and non-Ramadan life, with some eateries open and others closed. You can also join an iftar at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Al Fahidi Historic District – an educational group iftar where you learn about local culture. Overall, Old Dubai is perfect for a cultural and budget-friendly Ramadan experience, with most activity winding down by midnight (earlier than the flashy parts of town).
  • Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim: This long coastal stretch has many Arab restaurants and cafes. For instance, Em Sherif Café (Arabic fine dining) at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour offers a high-end iftar, while casual spots like Karak House or Sultan Dubai Falafel serve simple meals. The famous Jumeirah Mosque in this area also organizes an iftar for visitors (via SMCCU) a great way to breakfast in a spiritual setting. Post-iftar, Jumeirah’s dessert cafes (like Humble Ice Cream or Starbucks at Sunset Mall) see families enjoying treats. Several beachside hotels (Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons) host elegant iftars and suhoors as noted before. Jumeirah’s evenings during Ramadan are slightly quieter in terms of street life, but restaurants here are popular for those living in the villas nearby.
  • Greater Dubai (Mirdif, etc.) and Other Emirates: If you venture further out, areas like Mirdif have their community tents, and every emirate has its own famous iftars (for example, Sharjah’s Majlis at Al Jawaher or Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace iftar). Within Dubai, desert resorts like Bab Al Shams (mentioned earlier) or Al Maha offer destination iftars that are a drive out but memorable. These typically require leaving the city before rush hour, but reward you with tranquil desert nights and extravagant spreads under the stars.

No matter which area you choose, traffic around sunset can be heavy as people rush to make it in time for Iftar. Aim to arrive early, and be patient when traveling. After iftar, the city’s roads get busy again around 10–11pm as many head to Suhoor or home.

Special Ramadan Offers and Promotions

One of the perks of Ramadan in Dubai is the abundance of special offers on dining. Restaurants and hotels often roll out promotions to attract guests during this month. Here are some to look out for in 2025:

  • Early Bird Booking Deals: Many upscale venues give discounts if you reserve and pay early (usually before Ramadan starts or in its first week). For example, Fairmont The Palm’s Ramadan tent last year offered an early bird price of AED 225 (vs. the regular AED 295) for those who booked by a certain date. Similarly, H Hotel’s Eat & Meat iftar had tiered pricing cheaper in the first two weeks and a bit more later in the month​. If you know where you want to dine, checking for early booking promotions can save you money.
  • Group Discounts: Ramadan is about gathering with family and friends, and restaurants encourage this. It’s common to see “Group of 10, pay for 9” type deals, or flat discounts for large tables. Corporate bookings at places like DWTC Majlis or hotel ballrooms might get bulk pricing. Always mention if you have a big group, as venues might extend a courtesy discount or throw in something extra (like free valet or a cake for celebrations).
  • Kids Eat Free: As noted in the family section, lots of iftars let kids eat free or at heavy discounts. Keep an eye on age limits (often under 6 free, 6–12 half price). For instance, H Dubai’s iftars (kids under 12 free)​ or Address Hotel’s iftars (kids half-price) are attractive to families. This effectively makes a family outing much more affordable.
  • Credit Card & Membership Offers: If you have a credit card in the UAE, check the offers pamphlet banks frequently partner with restaurants to give 20-30% off during Ramadan. Likewise, hotel membership programs (e.g., Jumeirah’s Sirius, Marriott Bonvoy) sometimes have buy-one-get-one iftar deals for members or points promotions.
  • Coupon Websites: As mentioned, sites like Cobone, Groupon, Zomato, or Makani have Ramadan sections. You might find up to 70% off on certain buffets, making a high-end iftar very reasonably priced. Just read the fine print (some exclude Thursday/Friday nights, or require advance redemption). Also, Dubai’s Department of Tourism often lists Ramadan dining deals on the official Visit Dubai website including curated lists of iftars under certain price ranges. In 2025, they’ve highlighted iftars under AED150, under AED250, under AED350, and luxury 350+​, which is a handy guide to finding promotions in your budget bracket.
  • Value-Added Offers: Restaurants also entice guests with extras. You might find iftars that include unlimited Ramadan juices in the price, or a complimentary gahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates at arrival. Some buffets incorporate interactive elements e.g., a henna corner, live music, or even gift giveaways on certain nights. A few places run raffle draws or loyalty stamps if you dine frequently. During the last week of Ramadan, when people start Eid shopping, restaurants might bundle iftar with shopping coupons or hotel stay deals (for example, an iftar + room package for a short “staycation”).
  • Charity Promotions: Ramadan is a month of giving, so you’ll see initiatives like “dine with us and we donate X% to charity” or chances to contribute to meals for the needy. Participating in these not only fills your stomach but warms your heart too. For instance, some hotels partner with the Ramadan Sharing Fridges or local charities so part of your iftar bill might go to feeding workers or supporting a cause. It’s a great way for businesses to give back and encourage the community spirit.

In summary, Ramadan 2025 is a fantastic time to explore Dubai’s diverse dining scene, with the city’s restaurants adapting hours and menus to celebrate the season. Whether you’re seeking a sumptuous buffet, a quiet budget meal, a cultural experience, or a late-night hangout, there are options for everyone.

Just remember to plan ahead, respect the local customs (dress modestly and be patient with service, as many staff may be fasting), and most importantly, enjoy the warm hospitality and delicious foods that mark this special time of year. Ramadan Kareem wishing you a blessed month and happy dining!