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DISCOVERING A DIFFERENT SIDE TO DUBAI THIS MONTH

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A time for self-reflection, renewal and ritual practice for Muslims around the world, Dubai takes on a distinctly different persona during the holy month of Ramadan. While daylight hours move at a slower pace, the city comes alive after sunset and the breaking of the fast at iftar.

If cultural exploration is your thing, then this is the perfect time to experience another side to the emirate with a host of unique events, occasions and gatherings designed to celebrate the spirit of togetherness and kindness that defines the season.

Whether you’re a long-term UAE resident enjoying a staycation in one of our fantastic vacation homes, or a first-time visitor to the Emirates, we hope you enjoy our guide to some of the experiences on offer across Dubai.

CITY OF LIGHTS

Hop on-hop off night bus city tours

www.citysightseeing-dubai.com

See the city from a different perspective during the holy month with an after-dark tour on board one of the City Sightseeing double decker buses. Choose from the Sunset Red Route, which wends its way along the famed Dubai Creek and surrounding area out to Dubai Festival City and modern Downtown Dubai, or opt for the Midnight Blue Route for amazing views of Dubai Marina, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Atlantis, The Palm. Sparkling fairy light and seasonal decorations meet glittering skyscrapers and busy streets on this 6-11pm tour.

CULTURAL IFTAR

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding iftar experience
www.cultures.ae

The traditional meal to break the daily fast during Ramadan, iftar doesn’t get more inclusive than this traditional experience at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Located in a restored windtower house in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical District, your Emirati hosts will talk you through the symbolism of the season before you tuck into a delicious collection of Emirati dishes. There’s even an opportunity to quiz your hosts on the season, Islam and local traditions in an open forum. Runs until 12th June, reservations a must.

DINE AND RIDE

Iftar at Legoland Dubai

www.legoland.com

The Nasma Luxury Stays top recommendation if you’re in town with the kids, Legoland Dubai out at Dubai Parks and Resorts is offering an iftar buffet experience complete with free entry to all its rides until 14th June. Enjoy a family feat with traditional far such as local dates, slow-cooked lamb ouzi and chicken kabsa, as well as all your international favourites plus a special kids’ only counter (think spaghetti and sausage rolls). Don’t go too crazy on the buffet though as a full tummy isn’t the best combination with the park’s collection of thrilling rides and experiences open for your amusement until 9pm.

IMMERSIVE ART

Ramadanization at The Gallery of Light

www.ductac.org

An annual seasonal exhibition held at Dubai Community Theatre & Art Centre’s dedicated art space, Ramadanization is back for its third edition and runs until 17th June. A group project, that showcases – and celebrates – the talent of a collection of Dubai based artists, this year’s open call for submissions asked the community to present works that illustrate what Ramadan means to them.

LOCAL FLAVOUR

Al Seef Night Market

www.alseef.ae

One of Dubai’s newest retail and entertainment attractions, Al Seef is a cultural hotspot on the banks of the historic Dubai Creek and its Ramadan night market (open until 22nd June) is well worth a visit. Get ready to double up on cultural exploration and bag a bargain with as you wander through this seasonally themed bazaar. Packed with local flavour in the form of food stands, arts and crafts areas and souvenir stalls selling all manner of cultural mementos, you’ll also find henna artists and a Ramadan storyteller. Visit on the weekend and there’s live musical entertainment as an added bonus.

MALLS AND MORE

Roaming entertainers and Eid celebrations
www.visitdubai.com

You can’t visit Dubai without popping into one of its many fabulous malls and even if you’re not a hardcore shopper in search of a sweet retail deal, there’s still lots to do and see in these mega entertainment centres. The Eid Al Fitr holiday to mark the end of Ramadan sees the city’s shopping hubs amp up the excitement from 14-17 June with stilt-walking ballerinas in rainbow-hued tutus, traditional strolling musicians, wearable art on show and freestyling football action. Quite possibly our favourite thing this year is the giant floor piano at City Centre Deira – if you’re a Tom Hanks in Big movie fan, this has to be on your Dubai to do list!

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

FIFA World Cup 2018 in Dubai

www.barastibeach.com

We’re pretty sure there’s a football fan or two among our Nasma guests and we haven’t forgotten you this month. From 14th June onwards, Dubai will go football mad with numerous hotels, purpose-built pavilions and lounges offering giant screens and brilliant food and beverage deals. We love the Barasti SuperDome on the edge of the Dubai Marina district – a two-floor soccer centric venue that’s being touted as the place to catch all the tournament action live from Russia. Check it out and cheer on your favourite team to victory in air-conditioned comfort.

Nasma

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