Souq strolls and sky-high suhoors.
During Ramadan the city softens its pace, streets shimmer with lantern light, and evenings stretch into warm, unhurried gatherings filled with dates, dua and delicious dishes.
With Ramadan being announced for Thursday 19th of Feb, the first Ramadan market is open, the iftar tents are being fluffed and festooned, and reservations are quietly disappearing faster than a plate of kunafa at sunset.
From heritage souq shopping in Deira to majlis moments under the Burj Khalifa, here’s your fun (and slightly fabulous) roundup of spots to shop and dine.
Souq It To Me: Ramadan Markets
The Dubai Municipality Ramadan Souq
If you love a festive find and a bargain with a backstory, the Dubai Municipality Ramadan Souq is back, and this year it’s taken over the historic Grand Souq Deira.
Open daily until February 15, 2026, it’s giving pre-Ramadan prep a proper glow-up. Think traditional charm, old-Dubai energy, and enough lanterns to make your living room look like a Pinterest board. It’s affordable, atmospheric and full of that nostalgic magic that makes Ramadan shopping feel like more than just ticking off a list.
Dubai Festival City Mall
If you like your Ramadan evenings with a side of spectacle, Dubai Festival City Mall is dialling things up. Throughout the Holy Month, the waterfront destination will host a dedicated night-time programme blending cultural performances, immersive dining and large-scale visual magic.
Expect a special Ramadan edition of the IMAGINE show, synchronised drone displays lighting up the skyline, a purpose-built Ramadan market and plenty of communal seating for leisurely iftars by the water. Parades, interactive zones and family-friendly entertainment add to the festive atmosphere.
Free entry. Wed Feb 18 – Sat Mar 28. Dubai Festival City Mall, dubaifestivalcitymall.com.
Expo City Dubai
One of the city’s most beloved Ramadan gatherings returns as Hai Ramadan takes over Expo City from February 22. Each evening, Al Wasl Dome transforms into a canvas of projections and storytelling, creating a cinematic backdrop for the season.
Beyond the dome, wander through souq-style markets, cultural showcases and relaxed community spaces designed for connection. For those planning to break their fast onsite, Iftar Al Majlis offers a buffet-style dining experience under the dome itself — dramatic, delicious and distinctly Dubai.
AED 150 | Iftar Al Majlis: AED 285. Sun Feb 22 – Tue Mar 17, from 5pm. Expo City, expocitydubai.com.
Global Village
Global Village is adding extra sparkle to Ramadan 2026 with its seasonal Ramadan Wonders programme. From February 18 to March 18, expect themed décor, cultural performances and international dining experiences that stretch well into the evening.
The highlight? Musical fireworks lighting up the sky every Friday and Saturday at 10.30pm — because in Dubai, even reflection comes with a little razzle-dazzle.
AED 25 entry. Fireworks every Fri & Sat at 10.30pm. Global Village, Dubailand. globalvillage.ae.
Moonlight Market, Uptown Dubai
Uptown Dubai’s Moonlight Market is giving traditional Ramadan markets a contemporary remix. Open daily from 5pm, this evening destination blends artisan retail, interactive board games, workshops and live entertainment in a relaxed plaza setting.
Come hungry — vendors include favourites like Salt, Lana Lusa and Goodies — while Ripe Market hosts a special pop-up filled with curated stalls and local brands. It’s the kind of place where you browse, bite and linger long after sunset.
Free entry. Mon–Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat–Sun 5pm–2am. Uptown Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan Colony
Back for its fourth edition, the Ramadan Street Food Festival at Sheikh Hamdan Colony transforms the neighbourhood into a lively after-dark dining hub.
Running from February 19 to March 18, the festival unfolds in two phases — first focusing on festive décor and restaurant pop-ups, then layering in entertainment, activations and family-friendly experiences through to the end of Ramadan. It’s casual, community-driven and perfect for relaxed iftar plans that stretch into the early hours.
Free entry. Thu Feb 19 – Wed Mar 18, sunset–2am. Sheikh Hamdan Colony, ramadanindubai.ae.
Tent Goals: The Most Beautiful Iftar Set-ups
Every year, Dubai’s hotels transform into lantern-lit majlis wonderlands. Think flowing fabrics, live oud music, and buffets that deserve their own postcode.
Here are the Ramadan tents worth pencilling in.
Asateer Tent, Atlantis The Palm
Big. Beautiful. Buffet royalty.
Asateer returns with its signature seaside splendour and a spread that travels the region (and beyond). It’s dramatic, delicious and designed for both lively iftar gatherings and calm suhoor conversations. A Ramadan classic that never goes out of style.
More info here.
Madinat Jumeirah Ramadan Tent
Heritage meets haute hospitality.
Whether you choose indoor majlis seating or garden tables under the stars, Madinat delivers that warm, family-friendly magic. The buffet leans traditional, the setting is romantic, and the atmosphere feels unmistakably Ramadan.
More info here.
Armani Pavilion Iftar, Downtown
Skyline serenity with a side of sophistication.
Dining beside the Burj Khalifa? Yes please. Armani Pavilion pairs city sparkle with curated dishes from across its restaurant portfolio. It’s polished, peaceful and perfect for date-night iftars with fountain views doing the flirting for you.
More info here.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach Ramadan Majlis
Refined, relaxed, and quietly luxe.
If you prefer your Ramadan with a touch of elegance, this is your spot. Expect premium cuisine, live entertainment and private majlis options for those bigger, more exclusive gatherings. Corporate iftar? Sorted. Special celebration? Also sorted.
More info here.
Layalina Majlis, Marriott Palm Jumeirah
Beachfront breezes and buffet ease.
One of the newer additions to the Ramadan scene, Layalina brings a laid-back coastal charm to the holy month. Think waterfront views, generous buffets and live performances — all at slightly softer pricing than some ultra-luxury counterparts. A smart pick for those who want atmosphere without going full extravaganza.
More info here.
