In a city known for its towering skyscrapers and lavish experiences, one of the most unforgettable iftars isn’t served in a five-star ballroom or an opulent Ramadan tent. Instead, it unfolds beneath the stars in the historic Al Fahidi district, where a simple courtyard meal carries a depth of meaning that no extravagant buffet can match.
Each evening during Ramadan, as Dubai’s luxury hotels compete to offer the most elaborate iftar spreads, a different kind of gathering takes place at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). Inside a 150-year-old wind tower, guests from around the world come together, not just to break their fast, but to connect with Emirati culture in an intimate and profound way.
Long before the Maghrib call to prayer signals the end of the day’s fast, visitors settle onto soft carpets, seated shoulder-to-shoulder on floor cushions. The setting is unpretentious yet deeply immersive—low tables, glowing lanterns, and vintage décor that transport guests to a Dubai of the past. “This is my third iftar in Dubai,” shares a visitor from Germany, “and while the hotel feasts were grand, nothing compares to this. It feels raw, real, and deeply human.”
The evening begins with a warm welcome from Emirati hosts Noura and Hamad, dressed in traditional attire. They guide guests through the significance of Ramadan, weaving history and personal stories into their explanations. As the sun dips below the horizon, the fast is broken with Khalas dates and crisp sambosas, followed by delicate handle-less cups of gahwa—Arabic coffee infused with saffron and cardamom.
“The cups are called finjan,” Noura explains with a smile. “We never fill them to the top, because in our culture, a full cup signals that you want the guest to leave. And if you’d like more, just extend your cup. If you’re done, simply shake it lightly when it’s empty.”
As the evening progresses, guests enjoy a hearty Emirati meal featuring dishes like chicken machboos, lamb tharid, and vegetable salona. The food is abundant, the hospitality even more so. Conversations flow freely between locals and visitors, creating an atmosphere of warmth and curiosity.
Following the meal, guests embark on a guided tour of a nearby mosque, gaining a deeper understanding of Islamic traditions. The night concludes with sweet indulgences—umm ali, luqaimat, and steaming cups of tea—on a rooftop under the moonlight, accompanied by traditional games and live cooking.
One of the highlights of the evening is the open Q&A session, where no question is off-limits. “Why do Emirati women wear black abayas while men wear white kandouras?” a guest asks.
“It’s not a religious rule, just tradition,” Noura explains, before demonstrating the layers of traditional Emirati attire. She unveils a sheila, a flowing black headscarf, and a vibrant embroidered dress typically worn underneath the abaya. Holding up a shimmering metallic-like mask, she captivates the audience.
“This is a burqa, but it’s not metal—it’s delicate fabric,” she shares. “In the past, Bedouin women wore it to signal marriage. Today, it’s more of a cultural statement—sometimes just for selfies.”
Hamad then describes the practicality of Emirati men’s clothing. “The white kandoura, or dishdasha, keeps us cool in the desert heat. And this black cord on my head, called an agal, was once used to tie camel legs to keep them from wandering off.”
Priced at Dh180 per person, the SMCCU iftar offers something far more valuable than a meal—it offers connection, understanding, and a window into Emirati heritage. For over 25 years, the centre has been breaking barriers and fostering cultural exchange under its guiding motto: “Open Doors. Open Minds.”
“Our iftar is more than just food,” says Hamad. “It’s a moment to share, learn, and truly experience the spirit of Ramadan. In a world that often focuses on differences, nights like these remind us of all that we share.