UAE restaurants experience surge in Ramadan bookings: 'We are feeling more hopeful'

Restaurant and hotel managers say hope is back on the table here and around the world

Mafroukeh pistachio at Palazzo Versace, which is clocking an increase in number of private and large gatherings this Ramadan. Photo: Palazzo Versace

It is par for the course for Ramadan to coincide with messages of hope and prosperity being sent out by everyone from worshippers and celebrities to brands and political figures. As with most businesses, the food and beverage industry went through unprecedented upheavals in 2021 and 2020, linked directly to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers and culinary bodies such as the Michelin Guide and the World’s 50 Best group — both of which made their foray in the UAE this year — have said during that time footfall faded away and retaining staff became tricky. Some venues shut shop as fine-dining establishments turned to home-delivery services.

But this year, as some semblance of normalcy returns, with travel restrictions and lockdowns easing in many parts of the world, hope is back on the table for restaurants.

The UAE is no exception, particularly during Ramadan.

Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of Ramadan decorations across the UAE.

'We’re finally allowed to celebrate being together'

Traditionally, people tend to dine out more frequently during Ramadan, says Ihab Hilal, regional operational manager at Eggspectation.

Stefano Pizzini, Coya's operations manager in the Middle East, says iftar is typically eaten at home for the first 10 days.

"And after that we see a higher footfall from those who fast. However, after the two years of the pandemic, we are already seeing an increase as people want to be out more.”

"With Ramadan taking place at a time where the weather is still pleasant, we are excited and confident for the season ahead," says Hilal. "This year, with the Covid-19 regulations lifted, we are already welcoming more customers until 10pm in JBR and 9pm in City Walk compared to 2020 and 2021.”

Mansour Memarian, hotel manager at Palazzo Versace Dubai, says while it’s still early days, “the number of private events and big gatherings in the restaurants – be they social or corporate – has significantly increased compared to last year. So far, we have a better base than 2021 in terms of restaurants bookings … going out after sunset for iftar is definitely on people’s list at least two times a week.

“I do believe we’re in so much better place this Ramadan as the restrictions are almost gone, and we can gather our family and friends for sumptuous iftars, be them in the cosiness of our homes or in a restaurant – we’re finally allowed to celebrate being together.”

'Guests had more time to discover culinary offerings'

In the UAE, we were fortunate to have fewer stay-at-home restrictions than many other countries and the travel ban on citizens meant restaurants benefited from local patronage.

“During the pandemic, guests had more time to discover culinary offerings. We have also a noticed a trend of visitors looking to learn more about [Peruvian] cuisine and sample all of its delicacies," says Pizzini.

“At both Coya Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we have seen a 10 per cent to 20 per cent increase in footfall even over the past two years. Our iftar offer has consistently garnered positive appreciation from guests. This year’s Ramadan promises to be more social, with people looking to seize every chance to … gather with friends and families.”

'We are feeling more hopeful for the season'

Meanwhile, a relative newbie on the scene, La Fabbrica Italiana launched just over a year ago “when the Covid-19 regulations were still in effect”, says co-founder Karam Annab. “As a result, we believe that operationally we were not able to fully embrace the holy month. This year, we are feeling more hopeful for the season and are already welcoming more customers throughout the day as well as for iftar and suhoor."

Diners, too, are looking forward to breaking their fast outdoors. “Truth be told, we were apprehensive about stepping out for iftar and suhoor last year because we had a new baby, but my wife and I have decided to eat out at least once a week this Ramadan,” says advertising professional Abdulrahman Yousuf. “There is so much choice here."

Thirty iftars to try in the UAE during Ramadan 2022 — in pictures: