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Infusion's Guide to Ramadan entertainment and events...
Eating Out
Iftar Buffet @ Holiday Inn (Barsha)
At the Gem Garden with their traditional Majlis setting the Iftar Buffet is AED 110 per person. With an à la carte Arabic menu, guests can enjoy a complimentary meal for one person when a table for 10 is booked. Call 04 323 4333 for more info.
Iftar Buffet @ Sezzam
At Sezzam (Kempinski Hotel, MOE), join in the communal spirit of the season with a sumptuous Iftar within the 1,000-seat restaurant, overlooking the slopes of Ski Dubai. With daily changing buffet of perennial favourites such as Arabic mixed grill, lamb and okra stew, chicken tagine and other international dishes, a live cooking station and a selection of dishes created especially for Ramadan, Sezzam's Iftar is the perfect dining destination to enjoy the season's festive evenings. The Sezzam Iftar Buffet is available at AED 150 per person including soft drinks, water, Ramadan juices, coffee and tea. Groups of 10 and over will enjoy a 10% discount. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, call (0) 4 341 0000 or visit kempinski.com/dubai.
Iftar Set Menu @ KGrill
Head to KGrill for a special Iftar set menu, including the finest selection of traditional Ramadan delicacies such as Kebbeh, Sambousek , Baked Hammour in Harra Sauce and Biryani, as well as relaxing shisha to be enjoyed in a Majlis on the poolside terrace. The KGrill Iftar Set Menu is available for AED 220, inclusive of soft drinks, Ramadan juices, water, coffee, tea and shisha, or for AED 195 excluding shisha. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, call 04 341 00 00 or visit kempinski.com/dubai
Grand Ski Chalet Iftar Package
For a truly distinctive dining experience this Ramadan, retire with your closest friends and family to the elegant surrounds of Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Grand Ski Chalet, where you can enjoy splendid views of Ski Dubai while feasting on a lavish, private Iftar meal in a richly adorned majlis set up especially for the occasion. The Grand Ski Chalet Iftar package is available for AED 365 per person, inclusive of a delectable selection of cold and hot mezze, soft drinks, water, Ramadan juices, coffee and tea. Up to six guests can also choose to stay at the Chalet following Iftar. Reservations are subject to availability and maximum room occupancy allowances apply. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 00 00 or visit kempinski.com/dubai
Suhoor Iftar Buffet @ Aspen
As the evening's gatherings stretch into the night, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is also serving up a sumptuous Suhoor buffet for the first time at Aspen for AED 110. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, call 04 341 00 00 or visit kempinski.com/dubai for more info.
Traditional Ramadan @ Pergolas Restaurant
Try the scrumptious buffet offering delectable traditional Ramadan dishes and an array of International cuisines complete the delectable Iftar experience for only AED 149*, inclusive of Ramadan juices, aromatic coffee and tea. Private Iftar parties can also be arranged in Al Yasat Ballroom, where any booking for a group of minimum 30 people would be at a special price starting from AED 125* per person if reservations are made before 1st of August, 2010. Pergolas is at the Al Murooj Rotana, call 04 3211111 for bookings.
Iftar @ Taj Palace
The Iftar buffet is AED 95 and includes baba ganoush and comforting soup as well as the increasingly popular harees and the communal ouzi. Once Iftar is over shisha fans can relax on the Al Khaimah Terrace with a variety of shishas from 8pm until midnight. Suhour will be served from 10pm at the Topkapi Turkish restaurant where diners can tuck into a mix of Arabic and Turkish dishes for AED 75 including service charge and tax. Call 04 2232222 for more info.
Iftar @ Park Rotana (Abu Dhabi)
In the Grand Ballroom overlooking Khalifa Park Iftar Buffet is served with live cooking stations, priced at AED 170 per person (individual bookings) and AED 150 per person (for group bookings of 20+ people). Contact them on 02 6573333.
Vista Rooftop Bar & Restuarant Iftar Buffet
Offering spectacular views of the Palm Jumeirah and Burj al Arab from its terraces Vista Rooftop Bar and Restaurant has some fantastic buffet deals during the holy month. Menus start at AED 95 including hot and cold mezze, chicken tagine with preserved lemons and Morrocan style lamb stews. Call 04 427 5500 for more info.
Iftar @ Flavours on Two
Flavours On Two passionately prepares the traditional Iftar buffet with fresh salads, grills and vegetarian dishes. An elaborate Arabic buffet including soft drinks, coffee and tea is AED125* net per person and you can also book a table for 10 people and 2 people receive their meals free. Please call 04 312 2202 for reservations or log onto www.rotana.com for more information.
Iftar @ Azur (Raffles Hotel)
Break your fast with a regal array of traditional Arabian favourites, with classic specialties that are very true to their origin. At AED 175 all inclusive, Iftar at Azur All Day Dining is a delightful Ramadan experience in an enchanting, intimate setting of Raffles Dubai. For more info, call 04 314 9888.
Iftar @ Radisson Blu (Dubai Media City)
Break the daily fast and spend more quality time with your family and friends this holy month of Ramadan at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. A traditional buffet is served every Ramadan evening from sundown at AED 115 per person. Call 04 366 9111 for bookings and info.
Iftar @ Media Rotana
For a traditional Iftar, break your fast in style at Channels Restaurant, with a massive array of Arabic, Oriental and International buffet for only AED 140* net per person inclusive of special Ramadan juices and soft drinks. Or try the Ramadan Tent at The Terrace which promises an unforgettable authentic Ramadan experience. Relax and enjoy the authentic feasts, oriental seating, shisha and live entertainment. Call 04 435 0201 for reservations.
Weekends Away
Dusit Hotel Ramadan Rates
Enjoy room rates throughout Ramadan from AED 250 pp net in a deluxe double room, which includes breakfast, Iftar Buffet AND all service charges and municipality taxes. The rooms and suites are spacious with king size beds, WIFI, refreshment centre and satellite, plus the hotel has a pool, sun deck and fitness centre. The Chill serves Iftar buffet and JoyBean is open for dining for non-fasting guests. There is also nightly shisha in the Shisha Zone. Call 04 209 5000 for bookings.
Stay @ the Kempinski Hotel MOE
For those looking to soak in the cultural atmosphere for longer can book a room starting from AED 799 plus taxes during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and enjoy a lavish Iftar at Sezzam or Suhoor at Aspen. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Tel +971 4 341 00 00 www.kempinski.com/dubai
The Alternative Ramadan Guide
We've checked out the alternative events guide for those in city during the holy month...
Eating/Going Out
Brunch @ Zuma
It's business as usual for Zuma as their Friday brunch continues throughout Ramadan. The lavish brunch includes starters and sushi from the sushi counter, followed by à la carte option of a selection of skewers and a main course, prepared fresh and brought to the table. The Ramadan Brunch is priced at AED 265, including non alcoholic beverages, Zuma cleansers and boosters. For bookings, please call 04 425 5660 and brunch is served from 12:30pm-3:30pm.
Certo's Friday Brunch
Try an Italian-style Friday brunch with a selection of dishes served at your table, including homemade pasta and pizza through to fish and meat recipes, all accompanied by salads and risotto. Every Friday from midday to 15:30pm, brunch is priced at AED 140 (soft drinks only); AED 190 (house alcoholic beverages); and AED 210 (with Prosecco). Call 04 366 9111 for bookings. (NB: During Ramadan only soft-drinks package available).
Pregos @ Media Rotana
The Italian specialities at Pregos are available throughout Ramadan for dinner from 7pm-11:30pm. Call 04 435 0250 for more info.
Let's Go Girls @ Spice Island
Enjoy a special Ladies Night discount of 50% on the Tee-Total and Original Grand Buffets at Spice Island. Indulge in delicious Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Indian and Mongolian cuisine, prepared at live cooking stations, with a great variety of cheeses and an extensive dessert buffet for a terrific finish. Priced at AED 84.50 (tee-total) and AED 109.50 (original grand buffet) including the discounts, and available from 6:30pm-11:30pm. Call 04 262 5555 for info and reservations.
Weekends Away
Le Meridien Al Aqah (Fujeirah)
The hotel celebrates industry workers with amazing discounted rates for the hotel: weekday/weekend rates of AED 300/600 (standard); AED 400/700 (superior); AED 650/900 (Royal club room). This is for double occupancy and include taxes and a buffet breakfast. Call 09 244 9000 or email: reservations@lemeridien-alaqah.com
Great Summer Escape @ Al Murooj Rotana
Relax this summer with the coolest room rate for only AED 450* per room per night, on single or double occupancy inclusive of buffet breakfast. Relax and enjoy a luxurious summer experience with us until 08th September (2010). For reservations call 04 3211111.
Atlantis Hotel Summer Special
From August until the end of September the Atlantis are booking their deluxe rooms for only AED 895. This includes: breakfast for 2 people; unlimited Aquaventure and waterpark access; preferential dates to swim with the dolphins; and 1 day complimentary stay for the teen and kids' clubs. Call 04 426 0000 for more info.
Health, Fitness and Spa
Bodylines Leisure & Fitness Club Membership Discounts
Enroll for a two month membership and get the third month free from now till 15th of September for only AED 1,200* for single; AED 1,850* for couples; AED 2,900* for families. The gym has an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium and massage room. The services of the club are highlighted by the range of facial and body treatments. For reservations, please call 04-3211111.
Serenity Package @ Senso Spa (Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City)
Senso's Serenity Package carefully bundles five spa treatments that are collectively proven to purify and stimulate the skin, reduce muscle tension, as well as relax the mind. Starting with a full massage, body polish and wrap to exfoliate and detoxify the skin, guests then have a refreshing shower and the Anne Semonin Express Facial for vibrancy and glow. The finale of the 180-minute spa programme is an Anne Sémonin classic manicure or pedicure. Three hours of five top-to-toe spa treatments for just AED 600 per person. Call 04 366 9111 to book.
Hero's Health Club @ Renaissance Hotel
During August guests can enjoy the dual benefit of a therapeutic and reflexology massage with head massage – otherwise known as Swedish massage. For only AED 280 for 90mins, plus the 30mins head massage. During September Hero's is offering a Strawberry Body Scrub made from fresh strawberries, pure shea butter and organic cocoa, with a foot massage to drain all the toxins from your body. Priced at just AED 350 for the body scrub with a 90mins foot massage. Call 04 262 5555 for reservations.
Leisure Activities and Sport
Ski Dubai
Get a Super Pass - the Upgraded Snow Park Experience! Escape routine and take to the snow with the all day Super Pass priced at AED 200 for adults and kids, and enjoy unlimited access to the Snow Park throughout the day, the panoramic chairlift ride, the breathtaking Mountain Thriller and the magical Family Sledge. Call 04 409 4000 for bookings.
Cosmic Bowling
We recommend playing a game of bowling with friends – go in the evening for Cosmic Bowling where the aisles light up and the music pumps. Check our competitions page to win vouchers or visit bowlingdubai.com
IFly @ Mirdiff Mall
Dreamt of flying since you were young? Live your dreams with the World's first double skydiving simulator, bringing you the state of the art technologies; flying has never been this easy! Visit IFly at Mirdiff Mall, open till 11pm daily. Contact them on 04 231 6292.
Rama-dos and Rama-don'ts – A guide to what to do and what not to do during Ramadan
The Don'ts
Don't smoke, chew gum, drink or eat in public at any point from of sunrise to sunset – this includes while you are in your car and public places such as offices and shopping centres.
Don't become inebriated in public. All nightclubs are closed during this period anyway although there may be some bars that serve alcohol after dark. Either way, best to keep noise down to a minimum while in your car, on the beach or partying at home.
Don't wear revealing, tight or provocative clothing. Best to keep short skirts and low-cut tops in the wardrobe till after Ramadan!
The Dos
Do smoke at home, in a personal office, conference or hotel room.
Do go out to enjoy the Iftar at sunset; most hotels and restaurants welcome all guests during this period, with food served until dawn. Often malls are a thriving hub of activity when the sun goes down and much entertainment can be found here too.
Do learn about the culture and traditions of Ramadan while you here; tolerance and understanding are key. Saying 'Ramadan Kareem' to Muslim friends is generally welcome and appreciated.
Do be careful on the roads; most people have been fasting during the day and their concentration levels may be low.
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