The blessed month of Ramadan is here once again with all its piousness and zeal. And while Muslims around the globe dedicate this month to praying and performing other good deeds, there’s one part about it that also excites everyone: Iftar!
Sure, iftar all over the world has its own charm, but nothing can beat Iftar in Abu Dhabi. The combination of Abu Dhabi’s grandiose and lavish iftar buffets is an experience to remember for a lifetime!
What is Iftar?
After fasting all day from sunrise till sunset, Muslims break their fast with dates and water, known as iftar. Having waited all day to eat, many people include other dishes in their iftar menu for a more fulfilling meal.
Popular items can include fruits, nuts, sweet drinks, soups, salads, and a variety of meats. Some dishes, like lamb ouzi, are very popular during Ramadan, and some dishes only appear at this very special time of year.
Preparing for iftar every day is hard work, especially if your family likes to have a lot of different dishes. That’s why many people choose to celebrate with their family and friends at restaurants or iftar tents (pop-up eateries), where a wide variety of foods are on offer.
Most restaurants offer some sort of buffet or set menu, knowing that there are a lot of hungry people keen to eat as soon as the iftar canon is fired (see below for more details). So whether you’re a fan of traditional Arabic food, or prefer something from further afield, check out our list of the 12 best iftar places below!
Remember, you don’t need to be Muslim to join in the nightly celebration. So, if you’re in Abu Dhabi for Ramadan in 2026, you are in for a treat! Here are our top 12 places for a special dine-out iftar in Abu Dhabi.
When is Iftar time in Abu Dhabi?
Iftar timing in Abu Dhabi during 2026 will fall between 6:18 PM and 6:32 PM, gradually getting later over the month. You can see the exact timings for today here:
Oh, and if you prefer to break your fast in simple style and save your full meal until later, you’ll find Abu Dhabi has some amazing Suhoor spreads too, ideal for getting your fill before sunrise.
Things To Remember When Attending Iftar
- Even if the Iftar buffet opens a little before sunset, waiting to serve yourself until after sunset (often marked with a televised viewing of the cannon firing at the Grand Mosque) would be respectful.
- Do let Muslim guests who have been fasting serve themselves first.
- Do dress respectfully with your knees, shoulders and cleavage covered. Many places do have a dress code, so be sure to check in advance.
- Most hotels and high-end restaurants require booking at least 48 hours in advance.
Visting at other times of the year? Make sure to check out our guide to the best family dining venues in Abu Dhabi
12 Best Iftars In Abu Dhabi For 2026
There are dozens of top-quality spreads put on at hotels across the city of Abu Dhabi. If you are new to the Iftar scene in Abu Dhabi, here’s a selection to try at different exciting venues with varied cuisine:
1. Garage
Let’s start with a place that offers a bit of everything! At Garage, you’ll find 5 distinct culinary hubs offering everything from local delicacies like ouzi, to sushi and biryani.
The relaxed and trendy venue at the Centre of Yas Marina Circuit is the perfect place to take visitors to the city for a truly scrumptious Iftar serving up some of the best food Abu Dhabi has to offer.
The stunning Ramadan decor only adds to the ambience, along with the choice of indoor dining or outdoors overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit Grand Prix Track.
Location: W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Cost: 285 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:30 PM
You can get more information about Garage and book via Marriott Bonvoy More Cravings app.
2. 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant
Now, if you’re looking for a place for all things Japanese, head over to the Michelin-starred 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant.
Here, you will find a lavish iftar menu that includes a variety of signature dishes. Indulge yourself in a range of sushi, lamb chops with miso black garlic juice, and yuzu cheesecake with delicious kunafa cheesecake, whilst enjoying the festive ambience.
Location: The Galleria – Al Maryah Island
Cost: 349 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
For further information and to book, visit 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant’s official website.
3. Khaymat Skydome, Dusit Thani
Offering one of Abu Dhabi’s most glamourous indoor iftars, the magnificent Sky Dome at Dusit Thani offers a Ramadan evening not to be missed. With over 20 live cooking stations and night sky views, this iftar really does have the wow factor.
Location: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Cost: 240 AED
Timing: From iftar till 8:00 PM
4. Bushra by Buddha Bar
Celebrate with an incredible buffet of authentic Lebanese fayre by the waterside at Yas Bay’s Bushra restaurant. Enjoy a traditional breaking of the fast with dates and water, before indulging in delicious soups, salads and hot and cold mezze favourites. Then, elevate your dining experience at one of the live cooking stations which feature lamb, chicken and seafood.
Location: Yas Bay, Yas Island
Cost: 249 AED
Timing: From iftar till 10:00 PM
5. Majlis by the Sea
If you’re looking for an iftar buffet with a real Ramadan ambience, check out the Majlis by the Sea at the Emirates Palace.
Not only does it have an exquisite iftar buffet cooked by some of the best chefs in Abu Dhabi, but it also has a magnificent view of the Arabian Gulf, as well as live Arabic instrumental music to keep you entertained while dining.
The buffet itself has a variety of local dishes as well as a number of international favourites. Choose from an impressive range of salads, soups, cheeses, meat, seafood, and several other hot and cold mezzes. Plus, the Middle Eastern dessert variety is to die for!
Location: Emirates Palace
Cost: From 356 AED
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
6. Cyan Brasserie
Enjoy stunning views from Andaz’s beautiful Cyan Brasserie. Located on the 18th floor of the Capital Gate (Leaning Tower) building, the Franco-Arabic style brasserie offers an uninterrupted vista towards the city and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the distance. This year the restaurant has been transformed into an colourful and aromatic spice-souk. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy the breaking of the fast, whilst savouring the true flavours of Ramadan.
Cyan has chosen to focus on local quality dishes over international variety, and the decision does not disappoint. First, there is a range of mezze dishes, salads, dips and small pies, as well as a variety of breads and pickles; then comes an array of delicious grilled meats and rice dishes, such as lamb Ouzi. There’s also a range of delectable local desserts, including many that are hard to find elsewhere.
Location: Andaz Capital Gate
Cost: 245 AED
Timing: From iftar until 10.00 pm
7. Oasis Tent
With Ramadan falling earlier in the Gregorian year, many establishments offer al fresco dining experiences that make the most of the balmy February and March evenings. One of the best outdoor setups is at the Oasis Tent at Park Hyatt.
The Oasis Tent is a Bedouin-style affair with all of the traditional Ramadan that you could possibly desire – and a lot more besides! There will be dishes like lamb ouzi, veale harees, various Moroccan tagines, and the traditional selection of salads, dips and grilled meats.
You can also delve into a range of Arabian sweet delicacies, including oriental booza ice cream, umm Ali and a variety of delicious baklava.
Location: The Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island
Cost: 375 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
8. Al Andalus Tent
The lavish Al Andalus Tent offers the authentic flavours of Arabia with views of the Grand Mosque. Succulent grilled meats and seafood form the bulk of an elaborate buffet featuring a range of hot and cold mezze options as well as local Emirati delacies like thareed, harees and machboos.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with premium dates, kunafa and baklava as well as artisan ice cream.
Location: Fairmont, Bab Al Bahr
Cost: 320 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9.00 PM
9. Iftar under the stars at Nahaam
Enjoy an elevated Ramadan experience with loved ones at Nahaam this Ramadan, as you gather for Iftar Under the Stars. The lavish buffet spread includes all of your festive favourites as well as
Michelin recognised Li Beirut, will also be offering iftar for those seeking a quieter iftar atmosphere. Here you will find a carefully curated set menu and live music.
Location: Conrad Hotel, Etihad Towers
Cost: 275 AED for Nahaam Iftar Under the Stars
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
10. Rixos Abu Dhabi Marina
Traditional Turkish music and authentic Turkish cuisine set the tone for an evening to remember at this exceptional venue by the sea. Enjoy everything from slow cooked lamb Ouzi through to Yayla yoghurt soup and pomegranate glazed soudjouk. Delicious!
Location: Rixos Hotel, Abu Dhabi Marina
Cost: 299 AED
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
11. Pincode by Kunal Kapur
Offering modern Indian cuisine in a relaxed yet refined setting, this Michelin Guide recommended restaurant is the perfect place for an inspired south Asian iftar.
The all-you-can-eat sharing style menu carefully curated by celebrity chef, Kunal Kapur, serves up aromatic curries, succulent grills and a variety of delicious Indian desserts.
Location: The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island
Cost: 179 AED
Timing: From iftar time onwards
To learn more or reserve a table click here.
12. Al Noor
Al Noor at the Yas Hotels Central Plaza offers a serene open-air environment in which to connect and share the true spirit of Ramadan. Offering a range of traditional buffet style dishes and grilling stations, as well as calming and atmospheric live entertainment, there is truly something for everyone at this magical yet easygoing iftar.
Location: Yas Plaza, Yas Island
Cost: 220 AED (early bird offer of 145 AED available until 25th February)
Timing: From Iftar onwards
Other Iftar Experiences in Abu Dhabi
Experiencing iftar in a fancy restaurant or tent is one thing, but there are other iftar experiences to savour. Many smaller restaurants on side streets and in malls offer iftar packages that are excellent value for money. They don’t generally need to be booked in advance but provide all the satisfaction your stomach needs at the end of a day’s fast.
Increasingly, more unique iftar experiences are becoming available in Abu Dhabi. These include the chance to take iftar in extra special locations. We’ve outlined a few of our favourites below.
A Desert Iftar Adventure – Al Mabeet Desert Camp
The Al Mabeet Desert Camp, located in the heart of the desert dunes, is the perfect place to experience a luxurious iftar. Located almost 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi, the authentic Arabian night feel is definitely worth the drive.
Prepare for a spectacular international buffet, featuring an array of local and international dishes including a range of mezze-style dishes, Moroccan tagines, and Bedouin zarb – lamb slow cooked underground for around 18 hours.
When it comes to desserts, once again, there’s an array of different sweet treats, including kunafa, umm ali, koulaj and ashta.
The desert setting, live qanun player and bonfire make this an unforgettable atmosphere. So, if you’re up for a beautiful Bedouin experience, Al Mabeet is the place to go!
Location: Al Wathba Desert Resort
Cost: 280 AED
Timing: From iftar till 10:00 PM
For information about other things to do at Al Mabeet Desert Camp, check out the website.
A Luxury Desert Escape Steeped in Tradition – Qasr Al Sarab
If you’re happy to drive a little further from the city and have your sights set on a truly luxurious Iftar in a unique location, then the open air Iftar at the Al Falaj restaurant at Qasr Al Sarab is something you won’t want to miss. Set amongst rolling sand dunes, this Bedouin style retreat is the perfect place to break your fast and connect with tradition.
Location: Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa
Cost: 485 AED
Timing: Sunset onwards
Ramadan Nights at Umm Al Emarat Park
For a family-friendly Ramadan experience head to Umm Al Emarat Park. Enjoy the spectacle of the firing of the cannon to mark the breaking of the fast, before enjoying a delicious iftar buffet in the children’s garden.
As well as the daily iftar offering, the park will also host a Ramadan Market from 8.00pm until 1.00am on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to stalls selling a range of locally made products, foods and beverages, there will be live performances, story-tellling sessions and lantern-making workshops.
A full moon celebration is also planned for 8.00pm on March 4th which will include sound healing and yoga.
Location: Umm Al Emarat Park
Cost: Various depending on the activities undertaken, entry to the park is 10 AED.
Timing: Iftar 6:00pm until 8.30pm – Other activities until 2.00am at weekends.
For further information, click here
Ramadan Nights at the Zoo
Experience Iftar with the animals at Emirates Park Zoo this Ramadan. At just 195 AED per adult, you can enjoy a rich selection of traditional and international dishes in beautifully adorned tents with live entertainment, up close animal experiences, story telling and craft activities, this is an Iftar that’s sure to please the whole family!
Location: Emirates Park Zoo,
Cost: 105 AED per child, 195 per adult
Timing: 7.00 PM until 9.00 PM
For further information, click here.
Experience an underwater Iftar at The National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi
In previous years, The National Aquarium has hosted a special underwater Iftar in its magnificent underwater tunnel. No dates have been set for 2026, but stay tuned into their social media channels, just in case!
Location: Abu Dhabi Aquarium, Al Qana
If you’re not looking for an elaborate spread but want to enjoy the evening festivities, next head over to our guide to Ramadan night markets in Abu Dhabi.
What about Suhoor?
Many Muslims like to break their fast with the traditional water and dates, before a small snack and take a larger meal later in the evening, or in the early hours of the morning, this is known as Suhoor in the UAE. Many hotels and restaurants offer Suhoor as well as Iftar, which is why many Iftar gatherings end at 8.30pm. This allows for tables to be cleared and food replenished before the Suhoor starts, which can be anything from 9.00pm onwards. More often than not, venues offer a more intimate setting for Suhoor with an a la carte menu or a small, carefully curated buffet.
When contacting venues to ask about Iftar, don’t forget to ask if they have a Suhoor offering, as this might be more to your liking if you haven’t been fasting during the day. To give you an idea of some of the Suhoor opportunities available in 2026, check out our Suhoor article here!
One Suhoor that we really must mention right here, however is Layali Ramadan, an exquisite, yet relaxed suhoor opportunity at the Saadiyat Nights venue on Saadiyat Island. Returning for its second year, Layali Ramadan will offer a refined evening of live music and carefully curated cuisine under the stars. The food, provided by the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental adds to the extraordinary magic that Layali Ramadan presents. Open nightly from from 9.00pm until 3.00am.
You’ll find many places with amazing iftar deals, but if you’re looking for a great iftar experience in Abu Dhabi, our detailed guide will surely come in handy.
Take a look at our article on the best buffet in Abu Dhabi for more inspiration.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi
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