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    The best iftars in Abu Dhabi for Ramadan 2025

    From twinkling Ramadan tents under the stars to lavish spreads amongst the golden dunes…
    During Ramadan in Abu Dhabi, iftar is a lovely opportunity to get together with family and friends over a decadent spread. From large-scale buffets in beautiful Ramadan tents to set menus with Middle Eastern flavour, there’s iftars to suit all tastes.
    Here are 10 fabulous iftars in Abu Dhabi for Ramadan 2025. 
    Al Wathba, Desert Resort & Spa Abu Dhabi
    Explore a diverse range of local and global culinary delights as you bask in the serene atmosphere of a qanoon performance and a warm bonfire under the dazzling night sky at the Al Mabeet Desert Camp, taking inspiration from Bedouin heritage.
    Al Wathba, Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 11pm, Dhs250. Tel: (0)2 204 4444. @alwathbahotel
    The Abu Dhabi EDITION

    Enjoy a sunset spread on the serene Alba Terrace daily during Ramadan. Overlooking Al Bateen Marina, enjoy a buffet of Ramadan favours to start, a choice of main course, and an array of wood-fired specialities.
    The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, sunset to 9pm, Dhs245. Tel: (0)2 208 0000. @abudhabiedition
    Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
    Layali Al Baraka adopts an Arabian Nights theme for a daily iftar this Ramadan, an opulent and elegant setting for gatherings with friends, family or colleagues. Enjoy an extensive selection of Arabic delicacies featuring live cooking stations manned by the expert culinary team, as well as some international dishes that cater to all tastes.
    Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, daily from sunset, Dhs295. Tel: (0)2 811 5666. hilton.com
    COYA

    Do iftar a little differently with a four-course menu of Latin flavours at COYA. This upscale restaurant in The Galleria will start things off with dates, homemade soup and bread with hummus, followed by a selection of Peruvian appetisers like salmon maki chicken tacos and an array of anticuchos. Select a main from options like Salmon a la brasa or the signature pollo a la parilla, then end with a decadent sharing serving of COYA’s bespoke Torre de Pistachio Ramadan dessert.
    COYA Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah, sunset to 7.30pm, D249. Tel: (0)2 306 7000. @coyaabudhabi
    Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

    This palatial address on the edge of the Corniche always puts on a spectacular iftar spread, and 2025 is no different. They’re bringing back the beautiful Majlis by the Sea, which will take place at a new location within the resort. But as well as all of the usual gourmet live stations and expansive seating areas, this year diners can look forward to pop-ups from the hotel’s acclaimed eateries including Michelin-starred Talea, Hakkasan, and newly opened Strawfire.
    Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs355. Tel: (0)2 690 9000. @mo_emiratespalace
    Hakkasan Abu Dhabi

    Putting an elevated Cantonese twist on the iftar meal is Hakkasan. Enjoy a three-course set menu of Michelin-starred cuisine, with the option to pair it with an exclusive lychee and hibiscus flavoured kombucha for Dhs42 from Yalla Kombucha.
    Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, sunset to 8pm, Dhs358. Tel: (0)2 690 7739. taogroup.com
    Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

    In the beautifully landscaped gardens of this luxe Saadyiat Island resort, iftar takes place under the twinkling lights of The Oasis Tent. Enjoy a memorable evening as you dine at an opulent buffet to the soft melodies of the oud and qanun. Foodie highlights include Moroccan tagine, Emirati machboos, and Jordanian mansaf, across an array of live cooking stations and decadent displays of salads, mezze and dessert.
    Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, sunset to 9pm, Dhs375, Dhs187.50 children aged six to 11. Tel: (0)2 407 1127. parkhyattabudhabi.com
    Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

    Inspired by traditional Emirati heritage, enjoy a Bedouin-inspired iftar with a luxury Anantara touch at Al Falaj’s open-air iftar. Set in the grand golden dunes, enjoy a sharing-style menu that celebrates the rich flavours of the Levant. For iftar in a stunning setting, few compare.
    Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Liwa Desert, sunset onwards, Dhs450. Tel: (0)2 886 2088. anantara.com
    Rosewood Abu Dhabi
    Live culinary stations offer traditional dishes and refreshing drinks alongside a live oud player at Aqua restaurant. Alfresco seating and shisha are both available.
    Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, sunset to 9pm, Dhs275, Dhs150 for shisha. Tel: (0)2 813 5550. @rosewoodabudhabi
    Taparelle
    Enjoy an iftar set menu of French and Italian dishes at newly opened Taparelle. This Saadiyat Island gem will serve sharing plates of crispy calamari and croquettes, followed by a choice of pizza or pasta, then a dessert of crème Catalan or almond citrus cake.
    Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, from sunset, Dhs195. Tel: (0)2 657 5832. @taparellerestaurant
    Tean
    This Ramadan, embrace the spirit of togetherness with an unforgettable iftar experience by the sea at Tean, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort. Set against the serene backdrop of Saadiyat’s pristine shores, indulge in a carefully curated iftar buffet featuring a selection of international flavours and cherished Arabic favourites. Highlights include live Turkish ice cream and knafeh stations, alongside a refreshing selection of Ramadan-inspired juices.
    Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, sunset to 8pm, Dhs280. Tel: (0)2 811 4342. jumeirah.com More

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    Strawfire: A new flame in Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    12 mins ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Strawfire is the latest gastronomic offering by acclaimed Chef Ross Shonhan. Situated within the prestigious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, Strawfire celebrates the ancient art of Warayaki cooking.

    Inspired by the rich heritage of Kochi prefecture, Japan, Strawfire brings the timeless tradition of cooking over straw-fired flames to the heart of the UAE. This unique technique infuses each dish with a distinctive smokiness and depth of flavor, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

    Chef Shonhan’s meticulously crafted menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, prepared with precision and passion.  As you savour the flavours, you’ll experience a balance where tradition meets innovation.

    The Art of Warayaki
    At the heart of Strawfire lies the ancient Japanese technique of Warayaki, where food is cooked over open straw flames. This time-honoured method infuses each dish with a unique smoky flavour and a tantalising aroma, creating a sensory delight that is both authentic and innovative.

    A Symphony of Flavours
     Indulge in a curated selection of exquisite dishes, each crafted with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection over the open flame. For a truly immersive experience, opt for the signature tasting menu or the Chef’s Omakase menu, where Chef Shonhan personally curates a bespoke culinary journey.
    Designed with Style
    The restaurant’s interior is a stunning fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary design. The Toyama Private Dining Room, adorned with a magnificent Shimenawa rope and hand-painted silk wall coverings, offers an intimate and exclusive setting for special occasions. The main dining room, with its open grill and elegant decor, creates a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

    A Night of Entertainment
    As you savour the culinary delights, immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of Strawfire. Live entertainment, featuring a DJ playing Jazzy House and Nu Disco, elevates the dining experience. On Fridays and Saturdays, a live jazz band sets the mood for a truly unforgettable evening.

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    Images: Supplied  More