To cater to Indian travellers, Abu Dhabi clarifies that Muslims will fast between sunrise and sunset. However, this does not apply to non-Muslims and tourists who are not observing the fast. Restaurants and cafés have been permitted to operate as usual in recent years, allowing those not fasting to dine normally throughout the day.
Abu Dhabi, as a rapidly emerging destination, has also ensured that Indian travellers have access to drinking water in public places, dispelling the misconception that fasting is mandatory for everyone during Ramadan. Travelers can refer to the authority’s guidelines on Ramadan provisions at https://u.ae/en/information-
During the day, visitors can explore Abu Dhabi’s popular attractions, indulge in diverse cuisines, or unwind along pristine beaches. As the sun sets, the city comes alive with festive Ramadan markets, cultural performances, and unique iftar and suhoor experiences that offer a deeper connection to Emirati traditions.
Here are some must-visit experiences taking place in Abu Dhabi this Ramadan.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Light and Peace Museum
Experience the spirit of Ramadan by attending a communal iftar and admiring the mosque’s breathtaking architecture illuminated at night. The Light and Peace Museum at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre showcases artefacts and interactive exhibits that highlight Islamic civilisation’s contributions and the UAE’s values of tolerance and peace.
Experience the spirit of Ramadan by attending a communal iftar and admiring the mosque’s breathtaking architecture illuminated at night. The Light and Peace Museum at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre showcases artefacts and interactive exhibits that highlight Islamic civilisation’s contributions and the UAE’s values of tolerance and peace.
Qasr Al Hosn: Ramadan at Al Hosn (1–21 March)
The historic fort and Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building invites visitors to step back in time with storytelling sessions, cultural performances, and heritage experiences that bring Emirati traditions to life during Ramadan. Open majlis sessions, poetry nights, and live Oud performances add to the festive ambience.
The historic fort and Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building invites visitors to step back in time with storytelling sessions, cultural performances, and heritage experiences that bring Emirati traditions to life during Ramadan. Open majlis sessions, poetry nights, and live Oud performances add to the festive ambience.
Manarat Al Saadiyat: Ramadan Arcade (13–23 March)
A contemporary celebration of Ramadan that transforms traditional elements into interactive cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, cultural workshops, and art displays that encourage reflection and community gathering.
A contemporary celebration of Ramadan that transforms traditional elements into interactive cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, cultural workshops, and art displays that encourage reflection and community gathering.
Al Jahili Fort: Traditional Games Championships (10–16 March)
A vibrant event where teenagers and youth compete in traditional Emirati games. Organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Police, this championship preserves heritage while promoting community bonding through cultural sports.
A vibrant event where teenagers and youth compete in traditional Emirati games. Organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Police, this championship preserves heritage while promoting community bonding through cultural sports.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: Majlis by the Sea
One of Abu Dhabi’s most grand Ramadan venues, this luxurious setting offers a Michelin-starred culinary experience featuring dishes from Talea by Antonio Guida, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Hakkasan, and the newly launched Strawfire. Guests can enjoy a sushi station, Arabic delicacies, and international flavours with live instrumental music and stunning sea views.
One of Abu Dhabi’s most grand Ramadan venues, this luxurious setting offers a Michelin-starred culinary experience featuring dishes from Talea by Antonio Guida, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Hakkasan, and the newly launched Strawfire. Guests can enjoy a sushi station, Arabic delicacies, and international flavours with live instrumental music and stunning sea views.
Alba Terrace: Majlis Under the Stars
A picturesque outdoor setting perfect for suhoor, offering a tranquil atmosphere paired with late-night culinary delights.
A picturesque outdoor setting perfect for suhoor, offering a tranquil atmosphere paired with late-night culinary delights.
New Season Restaurant: Layali Ramadan
An authentic dining experience celebrating the rich flavours and hospitality of Ramadan.
An authentic dining experience celebrating the rich flavours and hospitality of Ramadan.
Al Raha Beach: Ramadan Night Market
Discover handcrafted goods, savour local street food, and enjoy the lively Ramadan atmosphere under the stars at this bustling night market.
Discover handcrafted goods, savour local street food, and enjoy the lively Ramadan atmosphere under the stars at this bustling night market.
Al Ain Oasis: Harees Ramadan (Fridays during Ramadan)
Visitors can witness the traditional preparation of Harees, a beloved Emirati dish, and explore an exhibition showcasing its history, tools, and cultural significance.
Visitors can witness the traditional preparation of Harees, a beloved Emirati dish, and explore an exhibition showcasing its history, tools, and cultural significance.
Immersive Community and Heritage Experiences
Heritage Village: Ramadan at Heritage Village (14–21 March)
An interactive cultural journey featuring food workshops, storytelling sessions, Arabic coffee making demonstrations, guided stargazing, and the Hag Al Laila Parade, celebrating the essence of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi.
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa: Before Suhoor Nights (1–15 March)
Enjoy traditional floor seating, café experiences, and heritage games, as well as live Arabic music performances on weekends, in a serene pre-suhoor setting.
Enjoy traditional floor seating, café experiences, and heritage games, as well as live Arabic music performances on weekends, in a serene pre-suhoor setting.
Abu Dhabi’s Ramadan celebrations provide visitors with a unique opportunity to embrace tradition, connect with the local community, and experience the true spirit of this special month. Whether exploring cultural landmarks, indulging in gourmet Ramadan delicacies, or participating in cherished traditions, every moment spent in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan is filled with warmth, discovery, and lasting memories.
Plan your trip now to enjoy Ramadan at ours and experience the warmth of Abu Dhabi. Visit visitabudhabi.ae for more details.
