Feel connected to family and friends with these experiences all through Ramadan 2022

| 7 min read

DUBAI: This Ramadan, it’s time to connect with family, friends and the wider community, embrace Dubai’s heritage and enjoy a huge range of cultural events and experiences across the city during the Holy Month. The Ramadan in Dubai 2022 campaign, curated by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), will see the city’s residents and visitors connect and contemplate community events, charitable initiatives, gastronomic and cultural offerings, as well as special promotions across Dubai’s world-class retail, hospitality and entertainment portfolio. 

Speaking about what to expect from the Ramadan in Dubai 2022 campaign, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said: “As EXPO 2020 draws to a close with its theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ we wanted to continue the ethos of connecting people into our Ramadan campaign for 2022. This time we’re looking closer to home with a packed calendar of cultural events and experiences that bring family, friends and the wider community together at this very special time of year. Those who live in Dubai, as well as our visitors, will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the true spirit of Ramadan with initiatives designed to give back as well as activities that everyone can enjoy together.”

Community Events

Dubai will welcome Ramadan with traditional lighting installations across the city to mark this special time of the year. Featuring Ramadan themed lighting, illuminated Modesh statues and installations on infrastructure such as lamp posts and trees, the city will be adorned with ambient light and sparkle to spread the message of Ramadan. Huge lighting displays and decorations will also be featured in many of the malls and popular destinations including La Mer, City Walk, The Beach, Souq Al Marfa, Al Seef, BlueWaters, Dubai Festival City Mall, Mercato Mall, Nakheel Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira and Ibn Battuta Mall.

Five Night Markets in Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato Mall and Bluewaters will also bring family, friends and communities together for an immersive experience that blends shopping with delicious food, entertainment and culture activities.

Some of the highlights include the Dubai Festival City Mall Night Market in collaboration with Ripe By The Bay, which will offer a one-of-a-kind experience with delicious food, Oud entertainment, camel riding and much more. The indoor Emirati village will also highlight UAE traditions during Ramadan such as Hakawati (storyteller) and workshops for the kids, traditional setups and calligraphy. Both the Night Market and Emirati village in Dubai Festival City Mall will be open during the mall operating hours from 2 April to 8 May. 

In the cultural destination of Al Seef, Al Seef Ramadan Night Market will offer all kinds of different products from April 2 to May 5, from Iftar time until midnight, including Ramadan Home Décor, Fawanees (Ramadan lanterns), kids’ products and Ramadan sweets. A magical outdoor art gallery will also showcase selected pieces endorsed by Dubai Culture and Arabesque in addition to contemporary art installations, live art shows and activities.

Don’t miss the chance to explore local Emirati heritage at Mall of the Emirates with its “Ramadaniat Zeman Awwal” market that will offer wonderful activities, workshops, entertainment, food and locally produced items for all the family. Ramadaniat Zeman Awwal will take place from April  12 to May 5.

Mercato Mall is offering two markets this Ramadan during mall operating hours; “Bhebak Ya Ramadan’‘ a pop-up market to shop the latest Ramadan essentials from April  17 to April 24, and Al Misk Abaya Market for the latest Abaya and Kaftans collections from April 26 to April 30.

The Plaza at Bluewaters, opposite JBR, will also be offering local food, a Ramadan market, a variety of workshops and entertainment with oud and Qanoon players, henna and kids activities like painting and hakawati onwards every day during Ramadan. 

Ramadan Initiatives

In the spirit of giving and connecting with the wider community this Ramadan, a number of charitable initiatives will also come to life across Dubai.   

Lovin’ Dubai is offering a chance for foodies to donate Iftar meals to a local cause by only using the hashtag #ShareAnIftar when posting their Iftar dining experience in Dubai, from April 2 until May 2. Mercato Mall in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent will place donation boxes throughout its premises to collect donations for those in need such as toys, non-perishable food, books, and other necessities.  

Majid Al Futtaim Group is launching its biggest Ramadan Campaign “One Donation, Six Times the Impact” in City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira in partnership with six different organisations, Al Jalila Foundation, Red Crescent, Make A Wish, Dubai Cares, Senses and Dubai Foundation for Women & Children. The campaign will run from 2 April to 2 May with donations made on the Share App helping children in the community.

Dubai Municipality is also providing food boxes and supplies in collaboration with UAE Food Bank with its “Iftar Meal for the Fasting Person” initiative during Ramadan, from 2 April to 2 May. Donations will be given to needy families, senior citizens and people of determination, and also to workers in appreciation for their efforts.

Mall Activations

A number of activations and celebrations will take place at the malls during Ramadan to reflect the spirit of the Holy Month including the ‘Imagine’ daily light show outside Dubai Festival City Mall every day after Iftar time. 

Mercato Mall is offering several activities for families on the weekends, starting from 2 April until 1 May. This includes Hakawati Story Time which tells beautiful stories under the theme of Ramadan, meet and greet with Mascots of Ramadan and an Arts and Crafts corner with Ramadan themed activities including lantern making, candle decorations and greeting card making. Traditional Arabic music will also be played live in the mall every day after Iftar.

Retail Promotions 

A number of stores will offer a range of exciting retail promotions this Ramadan on a wide selection of brands across Fashion, Beauty, Home Decor and much more. 

The Luxury Shoe brand Jimmy Choo is introducing an exclusive Ramadan capsule collection comprising five exclusive designs. The ANISE FLAT, ANISE 70 slip-on mule, AZIA 95 sandal, BONNY bag and MINI PARIS micro bag are presented in a striking colour palette that spans signature snake printed leather, Miami blue, candy pink, natural and champagne. 

Balenciaga is launching Balenciaga Ramadan 22 Series that will bring classic designs for women, men and kids in new colours and textures, like emerald and pink strass, metallic light gold, dark red and green with its classic all-over logo pattern. The exclusive Ramadan collection will be available on balenciaga.com and in selected Balenciaga stores across the Middle East.

Galeries Lafayette will feature local and regional fashion wear brands for Ramadan such as Poca & Poca, Deena Salha, United Designers, Kaftish, Meena Rose which have designed Ramadan Capsule collections that feature an outstanding mix of luxurious printed kaftans, elegant floor-sweeping gowns, and lightweight abayas perfect for spiritual Iftars and Suhoor nights. 

Ramadan Dining 

A wide variety of dining options will connect friends and family this Ramadan including Iftar and Suhoor offers with special menus in different restaurants and tents across the city.  

Special Iftar offers will take place at Dubai Opera, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Majlis, Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant in Bab Al Shams, Madinat Jumeirah Al Majlis, Oumsiat in Courtyard Meydan, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk, Address Beach Resort, Mezzerie at Waldorf Astoria Hotel at Dubai Palm Jumeirah, The New Moon Iftar at Le Gourmet in Galeries Lafayette, Nakheel Mall Restaurants and Iftar Buffet at Intercontinental Dubai Marina and Dubai Festival City.

Enjoy a delicious Iftar at the Souk Al Marfa Tent with a beautiful waterfront view for the whole family to enjoy from April 2 to May 8, which will welcome guests daily. The tent has it all, from a kid’s play area with inflatables to stage shows and over 35 kiosks selling Arabic merchandise.

And for a one-of-a-kind experience this Ramadan, you should pay a visit to The Ramadan Moments Tent on Festival Bay Helipad, which will offer the first-ever holographic show in a tent. The new tent will also carry an extensive programme of entertainment that includes a live violin show, a love tarabiyat show and the Harget Kart concert. For the first week of Ramadan and starting from 6 April, The Ramadan Moments Tent will open for Suhoor only during weekends, and then will take in bookings for Iftar until May 1.

Zomato has curated more than 100 dining experiences this Ramadan, with two collections of Iftars – Must Try and Traditional – and daytime dining offerings for those not fasting on both its website and app.  The initiative will feature Iftar menu offers from some of the most popular restaurants on Zomato including Nurai Restaurant and Cafe, Indian Palace, Allo Beirut, Zaroob, and Ewaan – The Palace Downtown, Logma, Ibn Al Baher, Zafran, Zouzou La Mer, Bombay Bungalow and much more.

Hotel & Attraction Offers 

Many hotels are offering visitors and residents alike great offers on stays, dining and attractions to enjoy Ramadan time in Dubai this year including Mercure Hotel Apartments, Millennium Place Marina Hotel, Millennium Place Barsha Heights, Jannah Hotels and Resorts Dubai Branch, Waldorf Astoria Hotel Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Edge Creekside Hotel, The H Hotel, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah (Branch – Golden Sands Hotel), The Address Beach Resort. 

Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan, Hilton Jumeirah and Hilton The Walk are offering a unique blend of Arabic specialities and Ramadan favourites with different Iftar options for the family whilst the H Hotel is offering incredible staycation offers in its spacious rooms inclusive of private Suhoor, and Lavish Iftar buffet at the Eat & Meat Restaurant.

For Spa fans, Waldorf Astoria Hotel Dubai Palm Jumeirah is offering special Ramadan offers on its “A Sense of Ramadan at Waldorf Astoria Spa” packages, featuring healing anti-ageing treatments and therapeutic and rejuvenating massages.

Attractions across Dubai will also be offering special deals for Ramadan including UAE Resident rates for Wild Wadi waterpark from 17 April to 2 May, as well as the opportunity to bring the Nanny for free; Buy one get one free at the Dubai Kartdrome; Ramadan at IMG World of Adventures featuring a special Iftar for AED75 and fun children’s activities such as the Arabian Night show, Magic carpet, Face painting, Magic show and character meet and greets; Ramadan Ski Pass at Ski Dubai and Ramadan Art workshops at Infinity Des Lumieres, all from April 2 to May 2.

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