Ramadan in Ras Al Khaimah

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. With endless white sandy beaches, cloud-piercing mountains and seemingly unlimited dining offerings, Ras Al Khaimah is ideal for Ramadan celebrations this year. From Wednesday, 22 March, to Friday, 12 April, the holy month of Ramadan will be observed and honoured in various luxury hotels across the northernmost emirate of the UAE. The date will be confirmed with an official moon sighting by a Muslim of integrity in Saudi Arabia and other mother Muslim-majority countries in the region. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar are all expected to follow Saudi Arabia’s sighting of the new moon. Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month in which Angel Gabriel revealed the first verses of the Qu’ran to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago.

One of the five pillars of Islam

Observing the fast during Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, emphasising reciting the Qu’ran during this important month. Various events will celebrate the daily Iftar or breaking of the fast from sunset until the early hours of the morning with delicious food prepared by international chefs, traditional music, dancing, and Ramadan drinks. Fasting is considered an act of worship, enabling Muslims to strengthen their spiritual health, self-discipline and feeling closer to God. The pre-dawn meal suhoor is the last meal Muslims enjoy before sunrise. Muslim visitors can choose from beautiful beaches, strikingly constructed tents, private events, desert locations and lavish hotels to break their fast.

Al Marjan Island

You may know Al Marjan Island for its Guinness World Record-breaking fireworks displays each New Year’s Eve, the RAK Marathon, the triathlon and a host of other events. The cluster of four artificial coral-shaped islands forms an archipelago in the Arabian Gulf, which has become home to numerous internationally acclaimed luxury resorts and apartments.

Marjan Island Resort & Spa

Located on the northernmost tip of Treasure Island, Marjan Island Resort & Spa is home to numerous restaurants and cafes. Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, the resort has a host of celebratory events so that you can join friends, family or colleagues to break your fast or enjoy suhoor. Enjoy a delicious set Iftar menu featuring authentic Ramadan drinks, Arabic coffee, and desserts from the sweet buffet served each day from sunset. The delicious suhoor menu includes falafel, kallaj and lagaimat whilst the live oud jalset plays. Celebrate the close of Ramadan on Friday, 21 and Saturday, 22 April, from noon until 4 pm with a unique buffet featuring a blend of Arabic and international specialities.

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island 

Bringing families, friends and workmates together, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island celebrates the magic of Ramadan with an extravagant buffet featuring traditional Iftar offerings, including hot and cold mezze, oozi, tandoori and mixed grill delicacies, a variety of Emirati, Arabic and international desserts, dates and other sweet treats. Throughout Iftar, oud music will play in the impressive ballroom whilst shisha is served on the terrace that boasts views across the Arabian Gulf. Located on 300 metres of private white sandy beach, the multi-award-winning Mövenpick Resort has an exciting range of accommodation and six speciality restaurants and bars.

Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan Island

Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan Island, boasts two swimming pools, a private beach with inimitable views of the Arabian Gulf and diverse dining in its six restaurants. Gather together to break your fast at La Med or RBG Restaurant. Enjoy the extensive Levantine buffet with Iftar delicacies, including Arabic mezze, mixed grills, traditional desserts and a soft-drink station. The in-house DJ will play authentic tunes throughout the evening and into the small hours of the morning. You can enjoy private Iftar celebrations on the white sandy beaches or around the swimming pool for a minimum of 25 people.

Al Hamra Village

Next to Al Jazeera Al Hamra, the ancient fishing village, Al Hamra, completed over 15 years ago, is home to several luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, a golf course and plenty of independent bars and restaurants. The area is among the most culturally important in the Arabian Gulf region. Recently, it’s become a film location for Hollywood movies starring actors of global fame, including Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds.

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Celebrate the spirit of Ramadan at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah’s Majlis located at the Camelia terrace. Revel in breathtaking views from the sea view terrace as soothing Oud music fills the air each evening, creating a perfect setting for family and friends. Camelia Majlis is open for Iftar and Suhoor, serving delicacies from an à la carte menu. A selection of premium shisha, Arabic teas & sweets is also available. An authentic iftar experience takes place at the luxury property’s all-day dining restaurant Qasr Al Bahr, serving a lavish iftar including the crowd’s favorite lamb ouzi and chicken shish taouk – all skillfully crafted for an unforgettable culinary experience. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach

Head to the island-inspired Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach and enjoy a four-course, family-style Iftar at The Shore House and The Beach Deck. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, choose from a selection of hot and cold mezze, piping-hot soup, a wide variety of main dishes served at live cooking stations, and delicious desserts. Suhoor is served in-villa or in The Shore House restaurant, and various flavours of shisha are prepared upon request. Laban and dates will be served when you break your fast, and delicious Ramadan juices will be present throughout the evening.

Mina Al Arab

Between Al Hamra and the city of Ras Al Khaimah, Mina Al Arab is a well-established waterfront community with protected coastal wetlands, pristine beaches, lush landscaping, international hotels, a marina, and a popular lagoon walk with cultural gardens, several restaurants and boutique shopping facilities.

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa

Enjoy your Ramadan staycation at the island-inspired InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa. Indulge in creative cuisine in Levant, Nar or Saffar restaurants and savour local and international set menus and buffets for Iftar or suhoor with hot and cold mezze selections, ouzi, outdoor live BBQ stations, soup, salads and signature main courses before ending the meal with an unlimited array of Arabic and Turkish sweet delicacies. Head to Ransa Lounge for a stunning arrangement of Ramadan specials. For a treat, indulge in a 90-minute massage for the price of 60 minutes. You’ll have access to the health club, sauna and whirlpool, and the kids can explore the all-day programmes at Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club and Teens’ Club.

Ras Al Khaimah

Fondly known as RAK, Ras Al Khaimah is the sixth-largest city in the United Arab Emirates. The creek divides the city into two parts, the old town in the west and Al Nakheel in the east. You’ll find bustling souks, flamingo-filled mangroves, breathtaking beaches, and excellent access to the formidable Jebel Jais mountains.

Longbeach Campground

Go back to nature and enjoy Iftar at Longbeach Campground this Ramadan. The beach-fronted campground is ideal for families wanting to experience a peaceful fast on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. As the sun dips over the horizon, tuck into a delicious feast of traditional Arabic fare as the waves crash on the beach and the resident entertainment team provide soulful traditional music. Each Thursday to Sunday, from sunset to 11 pm, you are welcome to break your fast in a unique environment by the sea. There are numerous glamping tents in which to stay, such as an authentic deluxe tent and the lavish sunset terrace suite tent. Each accommodation has outside furniture and a sublime sea view.

Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah 

The Cove Rotana Resort has a Meditteranean appeal. The charming candyfloss-coloured village is located around a series of pretty lagoons, beautifully manicured gardens and seemingly hidden narrow hillside streets that meander to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The resort has two infinity pools and a private 600-metre beach. Enjoy Iftar in the Cinnamon restaurant with tasty oriental and international dishes. Suhoor is served to in-house guests with two menu options. Several other eateries throughout the resort serve refreshing drinks and light nibbles. If you stay in the resort, why not take advantage of their room service Iftar menu?

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort

Al Maeda Ramadan Lounge is the place to be this Ramadan. The relaxed setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf offers a sunset Iftar to remember and a late-night suhoor until 2 am daily. Choose from the carefully curated a la carte menus that include Arabic favourites from around the region. Enjoy shisha and coffee at the oceanfront lounge if you want to extend your celebrations so that you can enjoy the long balmy evenings. The sprawling resort nestles on a 1.5-kilometre beach in a private cove and boasts glorious views over the Suraya Islands and the Jebel Jais Mountains. The beach resort is close to the city and is the ideal destination for exploring Ras Al Khaimah whilst on a Ramadan staycation.