As the holy month of Ramadan has started, many have begun with their traditional fast and engaged in spiritual reflection. Additionally, both school and work hours are shortened, freeing up more time for leisure and activities. For those seeking adventure, Dubai's weather remains pleasantly mild, creating an ideal atmosphere to enjoy a wide array of events and activities taking place throughout the month of April. From Elegant Iftars to vibrant night markets and musical performances, there's something for everyone in Dubai this month. Explore our blog to discover the best happenings and events in Dubai this April 2023.
One of the most important traditions for Muslims is the daily breaking of the fast, or iftar. Dubai is renowned for its culinary scene, and during Ramadan, the city comes alive with an array of iftar offerings that cater to all tastes and budgets.
If you're looking to indulge in the best iftar experience in Dubai this April, you're in for a treat. From luxurious hotels to bustling street food markets, here are some of the top places to enjoy iftar in Dubai:
Indulge in authentic Arabic cuisine and entertainment at Al Hadheerah in Bab Al Shams. The extensive menu includes cold and hot mezze, soups, seafood, and grilled meats. Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional desserts like umm ali and kunafa borma muhalabia. Book a private bedouin iftar for a luxurious experience under the stars
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Dubai Opera's Ramadan iftar from 23 March to 19 April offers an elevated dining experience with Arabic and international cuisine. Enjoy a lavish buffet with mouth-watering mezze, succulent meats, fresh juices, and a wide selection of desserts. Live classical and Arabic music provide entertainment throughout the night.
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Jumeirah Beach Hotel's conscious iftar offering this Ramadan features Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with a spectacular view of the Burj Al Arab. The eco-friendly setup includes filtered water bottled at the venue and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy live oud music and the option to book a private majlis for up to 10 guests. Join this sustainable iftar experience.
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Experience a fantastic iftar feast with the family at Madinat Jumeirah's Al Majlis tent this Ramadan. Savor authentic Arabic dishes including cold mezze, grilled meats, and traditional desserts. Enjoy suhoor specials every night from 9 pm until late. Choose between sofa or majlis seating for groups of 10 at an additional cost. Don't forget to book in advance.
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SLS Dubai's Ramadan tent on the 75th floor returns from 23 March, offering breathtaking city views and a delightful dining experience for friends and family. The Arabian-themed decor features colorful lanterns, traditional carpets, and gold accents. Enjoy fresh Medjool dates and a variety of starters to break your fast, followed by delicious mains like sea bream samke harra and short rib tajine. Indulge in traditional desserts such as saffron and pistachio kunafa and baklava ice cream.
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Indulge in a lavish dining experience at Jumeirah Emirates Towers' Terrace Between the Towers, where you can relish traditional Arabian cuisine while taking in the stunning views of the Museum of the Future. You can feast on a variety of authentic dishes, including fish, goat, and even camel meat preparations, while being entertained by live oud music. For a more luxurious experience, book a private majlis for your family and friends. Special discounts are available for groups of over 20 people. Don't miss out on this unmatched Arabian hospitality at their iftar and suhoor gatherings.
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Experience the splendor of Ramadan in Dubai with spectacular fireworks illuminating the night sky every weekend. Join your loved ones to witness the stunning display of lights, with shows on April 1 at Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, April 8 at Al Seef, and April 15 at Dubai Festival City Mall. Take advantage of the opportunity to watch from sought-after dining hotspots and make unforgettable memories with those closest to you. All shows begin at 10 pm and are free to attend.
The Majlis is a renowned Ramadan venue in Dubai that offers a spacious and luxurious setting, excellent cuisine, and highly praised service. Experience the delectable Iftar feast that offers much-loved Ramadan favorites, international dishes, and live cooking stations. The Majlis is also an ideal spot for Suhour, where friends can enjoy shisha and catch up in a vibrant and spacious setting. Additionally, The Majlis offers bespoke catering for corporate events, with an award-winning buffet and catering team catering to specific requests.
Explore global cuisine and indulge in the spirit of Ramadan at Expo City Dubai this year. From March 3 to April 22, visit the futuristic development and savor a delicious feast with your family and friends. Enjoy an exciting show at Al Wasl Plaza where Rashid and Latifa embark on a moon-finding adventure. Kids can participate in various workshops and games, while adults can join in for sports or wellness activities. Don't forget to check out the market offering diverse products. Admission to Hai Ramadan is free, but certain workshops and activities come at a charge.
Experience an epicurean journey during the Ramadan Street Food Festival from March 31 to April 9 at Sheikh Hamdan Colony in Karama. More than 70 restaurants in the area will offer special menus and meal deals for iftar and suhoor.
From mouth-watering kebabs to delectable desserts, savour the delicacies at some of Dubai's best-kept secrets. This new foodie festival celebrates Dubai's rich culture and heritage with a variety of international cuisines, including Asian dishes that are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy picturesque Ramadan lights and exciting entertainment with your loved ones. Gather your family and friends for this one-of-a-kind experience!
Global Village is the perfect destination for a memorable Ramadan experience, featuring a Majlis of the World as part of its Ramadan Wonders event. Join in the festivities from 23 March onwards and enjoy a limited-time iftar dinner seating for two to six people or stay for the entire evening, including suhoor. Live music performances including oud players and harpists will add to the ambiance. You can also browse pavilions, watch live shows and shop for gifts.
Experience the Al Seef Ramadan Street Market from March 23 to April 22, offering delicious food for iftar and suhoor, along with art installations and lighting structures to explore. Enjoy live Ramadan music, participate in Fawazeer riddles and Hakawati storytelling sessions for all ages, all free of charge. Don't miss the special fireworks night on April 8 as part of a weekend fireworks series.
The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series is a renowned four-month season that includes five high-goal tournaments and attracts top polo players and notable audiences. The Polo Masters Cup is the second trophy of the series, added in 2015 as a 6-8 goal handicap championship. The series is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and is ranked among the world's best polo tournaments. Witness this high-profile sports spectacle with various seating options at Al Habtoor Polo Resort.
Al Marmoom Heritage Village's annual festival is a free event that attracts visitors from all over to celebrate Emirati culture. The festival includes camel races, concerts, dance shows, and handicrafts, promoting and preserving Arabian traditions. The festival runs for almost two weeks in April and provides non-stop entertainment for families. Attendees can also shop for authentic homemade mementos and experience the Emirati way of life through sports, cuisine, and music.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is hosting an exciting event at the largest theme park in the Middle East. Over 100,000 colourful eggs are hidden across the venue for visitors to find on 8 April, with prizes worth over AED200,000 up for grabs.
Prizes include entry tickets for Bollywood Parks, Motiongate, or JumpX, an overnight stay at Lapita Hotel or Legoland Hotel, and Roxy Cinemas movie vouchers. Additionally, visitors may also receive coupons for complimentary meals and ice creams. Entry is free for all ages.
On 8 April, take part in the Night Spartan Trail and leave the city streets for a 10km run through the rugged terrain of Jebel Ali Racecourse under the stars. Trail running can be more challenging than other sports due to the unpredictable terrain, but it provides an opportunity to connect with nature and explore the outdoors. All participants who finish the race will receive a t-shirt and medal.
Take advantage of the celebratory atmosphere and go to the Ramadan Night Market located at Dubai World Trade Centre. This temporary market, taking place from 9th to 18th April, will feature diverse vendors from the region presenting their unique merchandise. From clothing and accessories to handmade crafts and home goods, explore a broad range of products that demonstrate the skill and innovation of local creators. Admission to this yearly event is free, so don't miss out if you're seeking an enjoyable shopping experience during the Holy Month.
Indulge in Dubai's culinary delights during the 10th anniversary of the Dubai Food Festival from April 21 to May 7, 2023. This festival celebrates all things food, featuring everything from fine dining to street food and hidden gems. Throughout the festival, experience limited-edition menus, guided food tours, cooking masterclasses, and themed feasts with Foodie Experiences. Etisalat Beach Canteen will also be returning to Jumeirah Beach for 17 days of diverse dining and entertainment. Additionally, popular eateries will offer their signature dishes for AED10 per plate during the entire duration of DFF 2023, while Restaurant Week from April 28 to May 7 showcases the creativity of local and international chefs.
The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open) concludes with its fifth and final championship, the Dubai Cup, which is a 6 to 8-goal handicap tournament. This event attracts some of the world's top polo players and teams, offering spectators the excitement of head-to-head competition, while enjoying a picnic-style day out with the whole family.
Children can stay entertained at the dedicated kids' area while you watch your favorite teams from the sidelines. The tournament is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and it's the only polo tournament in the region recognized and certified by the World Polo Tour (WPT) and played under the banner and rules of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HP)
The FiNext Conference offers a platform for the worldwide Banking and FinTech industry, bringing together start-ups, SMEs, incumbent tech providers, investors, financial institutions, fintech companies in Dubai (MENA and APAC), and other stakeholders to network and engage in one location.
The conference is currently accepting speaker applications and nominations for the FiNext Awards, which recognize outstanding individuals and companies making groundbreaking contributions to the Finance and Technology space. They also have another event planned in the US, catering to FinTech companies in the US and the North American region.
GETEX, the leading student recruitment event in the region, provides education providers with the opportunity to increase their exposure and enroll new students. Established in 1984, GETEX draws over 25,000 local and expatriate students seeking higher education, professional development, and training options.
The 2023 edition of GETEX will include several exciting features, such as the Counsellors Forum, which is open to heads of exhibiting universities, schools, and education regulators. The Gulf Education Agents Meeting also provides an opportunity for regional and international universities to establish positive relationships with education agents in the Middle East.
Additionally, the Education Leaders Networking Evening offers a chance to shape public-private partnerships and engage with academic professionals, thought-leaders, and education innovators. With over 20 live seminars across three days, educators can connect with students and parents, and answer questions directly.
