Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
Ramadan is a period of spiritual reflection and prayer.
It is also a time for community gatherings, immersing yourself in culture, and sharing special moments with loved ones.
During the holy month, Abu Dhabi comes alive with events that celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and Emirati traditions.
Across the emirate, festivals, markets and cultural performances make every evening a magical experience. Here are some of the events you can visit to get a taste of Ramadan in true Abu Dhabi style.
Joy of Ramadan
Abu Dhabi City Municipality has rolled out a series of community activations across six neighbourhoods: Al Rahba Plaza, Shakhbout Square, Al Shamkha Plaza, Khalifa Square, MBZ Square, and Al Falah Plaza.
Every evening from 9pm to 2am, these plazas light up with the municipality’s “Joy of Ramadan” programme, running until March 8.
Visitors can explore food stalls serving authentic Ramadan flavours, browse handcrafted and homemade goods by local artisans and families, and take part in games, competitions, and activities designed for all ages.
Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi’s famous racetrack is inviting the community to come together for “Ramadan at the Circuit”, a programme of experiences blending iftar, wellness, motorsport, and family-friendly activities throughout the holy month.
A highlight of the programme is “Trackside Iftar at Yas Marina Circuit”, offering all the opportunity to break their fast in a unique setting.
Guests can savour a generous iftar menu featuring traditional Ramadan beverages such as Qamar el Din and Laban, a selection of cold and hot mezze, grilled specialities, biryani, butter chicken, pasta dishes, fresh fruits, and an assortment of Arabic desserts.
Lammat Ramadan
Lammat Ramadan is a cultural festival that brings communities across Abu Dhabi together to celebrate the spirit of the holy month through Emirati tradition, hospitality and family experiences.
The festival, which is taking place at the Corniche until March 8, features live folk performances, cultural workshops, children’s activities, and a variety of traditional food stalls.
From authentic cultural activities to family-friendly entertainment, Lammat Ramadan Festival creates a space for visitors to relax, connect and discover, while enjoying the atmosphere that blends authentic Emirati heritage, community connection and entertainment experiences.
The festival is open from 8pm to 2am daily, and tickets start from Dh20.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
At sunset each day, the iftar cannon is fired to signal the breaking of the fast. Later in the evening, after performing the Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, visitors can indulge in a range of experiences, including a Ramadan market featuring 22 kiosks across the mosque’s northern and southern plazas.Guests can also enjoy culinary and retail experiences at the Dome of Peace and Souq Al Jami, which hosts a variety of shops and restaurants.
Following prayer times, the centre resumes welcoming visitors for cultural tours, including the “Sura” experience and guided tours.
Ramadan Nights at Zayed National Museum
The Zayed National Museum is bringing together culture, heritage and community with the launch of its first public Ramadan programme.
“Ramadan Nights”, running until the 20th day of Ramadan from 8.30pm until midnight, is hosting live performances, storytelling sessions, film screenings, traditional games, and hands-on workshops presented by Emirati talents, offering engaging activities for visitors of all ages.
The programme also features traditional Emirati games, a poetry activity titled “Verses of Riddles”, and interactive memory corners where artists, photographers and calligraphers create personalised souvenirs for visitors.
Those interested in cultural practices can join hands-on workshops such as “Mix and Make: Cooking Experience”, exploring traditional flavours with young Emirati chefs.
There is an arts and crafts workshop, “Weaving Threads, lantern-making and a lunar calendar art reflecting the Blue Quran.
From March 6 to 8, the museum will host moon sighting and stargazing experiences in Al Masar Garden, highlighting the historical relationship between astronomy and local traditions.
Ramadan Nights at Umm Al Emarat Park
Set in the park’s natural surroundings, the event embraces the spirit of Ramadan through a range of community-focused activities.
Each evening, the cannon marks the ceremonial breaking of the fast at the park’s main gate. A dedicated outdoor space within the park is designed to enjoy iftar in a tranquil environment accompanied by live oud music.
The popular Ramadan Pop-up Market takes place every Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 1am at the Promenade, featuring a selection of small businesses and food vendors, alongside Ramadan-themed entertainment that highlights local entrepreneurship and community participation.
Families can also savour activities every Friday and Saturday during market hours, such as Hakawati storytelling sessions, lantern-making workshops, interactive gaming stations, live Arabic music performances and appearances by traditional characters.
The park is open daily from 10am to 2am.
Iftar on Yas Island
Yas Island Abu Dhabi is offering a full programme of Ramadan experiences that combine hospitality with a variety of options and flavours, all within an atmosphere reflecting the special nature of the holy month.
The island welcomes its visitors with evenings that include waterfront iftar meals at sunset, Suhoor experiences extending late into the night, as well as family and social gatherings in outdoor spaces and settings.
Guests of Yas Island can benefit from the Stay & Play package during Ramadan, which combines hotel accommodation, iftar, and access to theme parks in an integrated offer designed for families.
