Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi's Umm Al Emarat Park embraces the holy month of Ramadan with a special focus on family. This year, the park has crafted experiences that bring families closer, from shared iftar meals to interactive activities that children and adults can enjoy side by side.
Speaking to Aletihad, Rasha Kablawi, the official spokesperson of Umm Al Emarat Park, said the second year of Ramadan Nights at the Park has been designed to create a warm, relaxed outdoor environment where families can connect and create lasting memories.
Every evening begins with the iftar cannon at sunset, one of the most recognisable traditions during the holy month. Then, the Ramadan Garden beckons, inviting families "to gather around one table, reflecting the importance of hospitality in Emirati culture", Kablawi said.
At the heart of the iftar experience at the garden is a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates cherished family recipes and rich culinary traditions. The park has partnered with celebrity chef Mariam Al Mansoori to bring the comforting tastes of home to every table.
From a Mother's Recipe Book
For Al Mansoori, this iftar curation is deeply personal, shaped by the lessons and memories of her childhood home. "I learned from my mother that the kitchen is a space of love and nurturing before it is a place for cooking," she said, reflecting her belief that food is a way to preserve identity and connect generations.
Her partnership with Umm Al Emarat Park, she told Aletihad, "embodies a mission to revive authentic Emirati cuisine and ensure that treasured family recipes are passed down thoughtfully to future generations". The Ramadan Garden's iftar menu draws directly from recipes Al Mansoori inherited from her mother and documented in her cookbook.
"Traditional Emirati dishes are not just recipes to me; they represent passion, flavour and personal history, and [the desserts represent] the sweets traditionally prepared in Emirati homes during Ramadan," she said.
The collaboration is rooted in a shared belief that family forms the foundation of society, and that Ramadan offers the perfect moment to celebrate those bonds. Umm Al Emarat Park, she added, is "one of Abu Dhabi's most established family destinations, a natural setting for a concept centered on heritage, togetherness, and family".
Family-Friendly Experiences
Beyond dining, the park offers treasure hunts, arts and crafts workshops, and cultural experiences, ensuring that every member of the family-young and old-finds something to enjoy.
Children's workshops and cultural performances allow young visitors to experience Ramadan customs in an interactive and memorable way.
On weekends, the Ramadan Pop-up Market runs from 8pm to 1am, showcasing the work and products of local vendors. Youngters enjoy Tannoura performances, treasure hunts, and Ramadan-themed decoration sessions.
For many, these evenings are not just about food, but about connecting, learning, and celebrating the spirit of Ramadan together.
Kablawi said the programme is designed to reflect the spirit of the holy month, emphasising "togetherness, reflection and meaningful interaction".
"Ramadan at Umm Al Emarat Park brings together heritage, nature and family-focused experience within a community setting," Kablawi said.
She added that the goal is for visitors to leave feeling they have shared meaningful moments with loved ones and experienced Ramadan "in a way that is heartfelt and deeply connected to Emirati traditions".
