Every year during the holy month, Ramadan tents add an element of festivity to iftar time. In addition to the wide variety of dishes served, here in the UAE, these purpose-built venues can be visual and architectural marvels.
This year, these are some of the striking tents to visit around the emirates.
Asateer Tent at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
By far one of the most famous iftar and suhoor destination in the UAE, Asateer Tent is back bigger than ever, this year including a new garden by the terrace. Set on a patch overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Palm Island, with a backdrop of Dubai’s stunning skyline, this expansive tent features a modern decor with unique traditional Arabian touches.
Up to 1,730 guests can dine each night with both indoor and outdoor dining options. Those looking for a bit of exclusivity can choose either the Royal Majlis or the VIP Majlis, which seat up to 20 or 14 guests respectively.
Helmed by Atlantis Dubai's executive Arabic chef Ali El Bourji, the international buffet will feature a rotating theme each night for iftar, showcasing Arabic, Khaleeji, Persian and Turkish cuisine. For suhoor, visitors can expect live entertainment alongside a curated menu.
Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and priced at Dh285 per person on weekdays and Dh310 per person on weekends; suhoor is served from 10pm until 2.30am, with a minimum spend of Dh180 per person; Royal Majlis and VIP Majlis are charged separately; a smart casual dress code is enforced; Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai; 04 426 0800
Ramadan Nights at Nara Desert Escape, Dubai
The luxury desert destination has launched a Ramadan experience at its stunning camp, which has been transformed into an authentic Arabian spice market. Guests can book for iftar or suhoor seating and enjoy their meals amidst striking dunes in a specially designed setting.
On the menu for iftar are a selection of Middle Eastern and international dishes, including live food stations, regional clay pot specialties such as fish sayadieh, tajines, curries and slow cooked spit roast lamb. After breaking their fast, guests can also go on camel rides and enjoy a falcon show as live oud players entertain.
Suhoor entertainment includes a fire show as guests relax in the lounges and enjoy shisha and tea. The camp is also fully equipped with prayer tents for both men and women.
Iftar is served from 5.30pm until 9pm and is priced at Dh590 for adults and Dh250 for children; suhoor is served from 9pm until midnight; Nara Desert Escape, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve; 050 336 7909
Al Diwan at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Iftar and suhoor at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab's first Ramadan tent is meant to be as memorable as visiting the Dubai landmark. With a menu designed by Solayman Hasan, the head chef of Al Iwan, the lavish spread includes live cooking stations, as well as elevated traditional Ramadan dishes for iftar. Three menus will be rotated throughout the holy month, with a separately designed suhoor menu.
Guests will be entertained by live music every evening.
Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and priced at Dh360 per person; suhoor is available from 10pm until 1am on weekdays or until 2am on weekends and priced at Dh260 per person; Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai; 04 301 7333
The Majlis by the Sea at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Another UAE Ramadan staple, The Majlis by the Sea moves to a new location on the grounds of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental this year. The massive tent will feature pop-ups from the hotel's top restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida and Hakkasan Abu Dhabi. There will also be catering from their signature Indian restaurant Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi and Japanese Warayaki from Strawfire.
The tent also features a Kids Palace, which includes iftar movie nights, Ramadan crafts and team-building games.
Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and priced at Dh355 per person; suhoor is served from 10pm until 2am featuring an a la carte menu with an average spend of Dh200 per person; Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi; 02 690 9000
Alsimrah at Aljada, Sharjah
Spread across 1,600 square metres and making its debut this Ramadan, Alsimrah is the largest tent in Sharjah, according to developer Arada. Located within the sprawling 2.2 square kilometre megaproject Aljada site close to the airport, the tent will offer a mix of Emirati and international delicacies for iftar and suhoor.
For those who want a bit of exclusivity, a VIP Majlis with a set menu for a minimum of 15 guests is available.
Entertainment and activities include storytelling sessions for kids, Arabic calligraphy and henna work as well as live oud and qanun performances.
Iftar is served from sunset until 8.30pm and is priced at Dh195 per person; suhoor is served from 9.30pm until 2am and is a la carte, with a minimum spend of Dh80 per person; Aljada, Sharjah; 04 702 0600
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JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.
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November 26: ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’
SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue.
SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."
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“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December."
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- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
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