Holidays in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan 2023

The Holy Month of Ramadan is the perfect time to visit the UAE and learn more about the local culture and its traditions. This year, Ramadan is supposed to start on March 23, with the beginning of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the lunar month, expected to be on April 21. Learning more about the ways to spend the holiest month of the Islamic year in the Emirati capital will help you to enjoy your holiday to the maximum.https://qasralhosn.ae/

Ramadan is an ideal time for visiting Abu Dhabi if you love shopping, as malls offer not only interesting promotions, but also extended opening hours. There is also a chance to purchase goods at attractive prices in supermarket chains or via online platforms.

Shopping Malls

The Holy Month of Ramadan is considered to be the month of generosity, and malls across the Emirati capital create special activities for its visitors from year to year, as well as discounts for local and international brands.

Last year, visitors spending from AED 300 (USD 80) in Yas Mall could receive one of the endless prizes, which included Yas Theme Parks Silver/Gold/Diamond Annual Passes, vouchers for Saadiyat Beach Club, a staycation with your close ones in W Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Guest Miles and much more.

To get up-to-date information regarding Ramadan 2023 offers and sales, you should monitor the websites and social networks of the shopping malls.

Online Platforms

If you are planning to purchase a new laptop, phone, TV or any audio/video device, keep an eye on SharafDG.com which offers up to 75% discount during Ramadan. If you have just become an owner of a residence in Abu Dhabi, you might also be interested in kitchen appliances and home systems and devices, which can also be found on its website.

Amazon.ae is a perfect online marketplace with grocery items, books, electronics, products for personal care and much more. With Amazon Prime, customers will be able to get exclusive 24-hour early access to all Ramadan deals with Prime delivery which will be free of charge for same and next-day deliveries.

Another online platform which is worth your visit is Noon.com which offers Ramadan discounts of up to 80% on various categories of goods including eyewear, fashion, electronics and more. Among the big brands that could be purchased at attractive prices during the previous years, were MI, Samsung, L’Oreal and Lego.

Note: To get the maximum benefit, spend time on comparing prices on different websites offering the same goods before making a purchase. This can be applied to clothes, electronics, furniture, grocery items and much more. You will also be able to find the best offers with the help of special websites publishing information about Ramadan sales and promotions.

Supermarket Store Chains

Carrefour, which is operated by Majid Al Futtaim, is one of the largest supermarket store chains in the UAE, and is popular among local citizens and expats. Carrefour supermarkets and hypermarkets can be found throughout the Emirati capital, including well-known shopping centres like Yas Mall, Deerfields Mall, Masdar City Centre and more.

This year the Ramadan campaign lasts for 6 weeks in the UAE Carrefour chain, from February 21 and offers promotions on 6,000 products which will be appreciated by residents and tourists. Sales will include bulk buys, local and international products, as well as its own Private Label brand.

The Emirati Fresh Festival will be offered by Carrefour, which will lead to discounts of up to 30% in vegetables and fruits from the nearby farms. Four new Iftar meals by talented chefs will be available for purchase in the supermarkets’ Central Production Unit including fish and rice, mutton and rice, chicken kabsa or koshare. The starting cost of these types of meals will be AED 15 (USD 4).

Note: This year Carrefour has again collaborated with Emirates Red Crescent and will offer customers boxes with food items for AED 50 (USD 14) and AED 100 (USD 27). Boxes will contain Private Label products including rice, cooking oil, sugar, etc. and can be purchased for yourself or for those in need.

Apart from Carrefour, other supermarkets offer goods at attractive prices, including Al Maya Supermarkets. Sales in this chain will last for 45 days and be divided into Pre-Ramadan, Ramadan One and Ramadan Two promotions. Buyers will benefit from discounts on over 480 products, with price reductions of up to 30%, including fresh produce, beverages, grocery items, frozen foods, meat, sweets, as well as household items and appliances.

Ramadan is the month of fasting, reflection and community activities. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the Islamic culture and history by visiting one of the numerous mosques and museums before the Eid Al Fitr celebrations.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-visit for all Abu Dhabi visitors, especially in the Holy Month of Ramadan. It’s one of the most popular places of worship in the emirate where Muslims pray. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most well-known religious attractions in Abu Dhabi, and tourists can visit even during the holy month. During Ramadan visiting hours, you can be provided with a cultural tour in English or Arabic, without the need for prior booking.

Note: During the Holy Month, open timings change a bit because of the nightly prayers. You can learn more about the visiting times on the official website of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.

Qasr Al Hosn

If you wish to immerse yourself into the Emirati culture, don’t miss the chance to visit Qasr Al Hosn. On the territory of the oldest heritage site in Abu Dhabi, which partly dates back to the 18th century, you will be able to see traditional performances, take part in workshops and enjoy games for children of any age. To understand the exact dates of the following events during Ramadan 2023, please visit the official website of the cultural landmark.

Yas Bay Waterfront

Yas Island is considered to be the entertainment centre of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and offers a variety of events and live shows during Ramadan. If you find yourself in the Emirati capital during Eid Al Fitr, you must see the Eid fireworks, which traditionally take place at Yas Bay Waterfront and are free to see. You can also book a table in one of the cafes or restaurants to enjoy the show over the city’s skyline with maximum comfort.

If you wish to taste traditional dishes, don’t miss the chance to visit the following restaurants. It’s preferable to book a table beforehand as places get very busy during iftar.

Sim Sim

If you are visiting Saadiyat Island, don’t miss the chance to enjoy an iftar in Sim Sim restaurant, located on the territory of Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. The venue offers not only Middle Eastern cuisine, but also Moroccan and Indian dishes, including kebabs and fish and much more. You will also be able to enjoy the live music performances whilst you dine.

Location: Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island

Kuzbara

If you find yourself in the centre of the Emirati capital, Kuzbara is a must-visit. Here you will be served Arabic dishes, as well as international cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to taste tandoor and lamb ouzi. The restaurant is known for its sweets and desserts, which will be appreciated by both children and adults.

Location: Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

The Village at Le Méridien

The Village at Le Méridien is known for its luxurious Ramadan decorations, ideal for photo shoots and new experiences. In the outdoor buffet you will be able to find dates and sweets, as well as Arabic grills and various soups.

Location: Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah

Assymetri

After visiting one of the famous amusement parks on Yas Island during Ramadan, spend your evening in Assymetri enjoying a traditional Arabic iftar. Endless barbecue dishes, desserts and drinks will allow you to soak up the atmosphere of Ramadan to the maximum.

Location: Radisson Blu, Yas Island

COYA

In case you wish to try something new, you might be interested in COYA, which is one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, offering Peruvian dishes. During iftar you will be able to enjoy sweet dates, guacamole, tomato or creamy corn soup, veal bacon maki rolls, spicy beef grilled asparagus and much more. You will also be able to taste special desserts for those who have a sweet tooth.

Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Note: Keep in mind that eating and drinking in public areas during the daytime in Ramadan is prohibited in the UAE, as well as wearing inappropriate clothing. In case you wish to learn more about Muslim traditions, rules for non-Muslims and the working hours for social infrastructure objects, you might be interested in this article.

It’s worth noting that during Ramadan, many developers offer sales and attractive promotions, which are appreciated by investors and anyone wishing to move to the UAE. If you wish to purchase a residential unit in the Emirati capital, our Metropolitan Capital Real Estate agents are ready to help you. We will help you in choosing the property corresponding to your needs and budget, as well as prepare all the necessary documents for the transaction. Additionally, we will also assist you in obtaining a mortgage from a local bank.