Ramadan 2019: Suhoor tents to try in the UAE

With Ramadan set to begin early next week, plenty of UAE hotels and private companies have begun setting up hospitality tents for the season. While most venues are vying for the sizeable and captive iftar crowd, there is also much to be said for experiencing the post-iftar suhoor service. Often running from 9pm to 2am, suhoors are a much more relaxed affair, in that there are less "hangry" people milling about. For more health-conscious diners, suhoor venues offer an a la carte service, thus allowing you to portion your food intake. With their laid-back vibe, which often includes instrumental performances by oud players, and television screens set to the sport channels or the latest popular drama series, suhoors are a great way to unwind with friends or conduct a low-key business meeting. Here is a list of recommended spots across the Emirates. The granddaddy of all the capital’s Ramadan tents: when it comes to luxurious experiences, it will be hard to beat the lavish Palace Tent at Emirates Palace. Purpose-built for the occasion, the tent is located on the hotel grounds, and stretches out towards the sea. It specialises in regional cuisine, and the generous mixed-grill platter a standout. The dining area is split between tables and couches, the latter is best if you want a view of the water. Emirates Palace, Corniche; Dh150 minimum spend. Call 02 690 7999 or email restaurants@emiratespalace.ae Another favourite among Abu Dhabi suhoor-ites, the fine-dining Lebanese restaurant stands out for not only its excellent service, but also its expansive menu of Lebanese delicacies, sweets and innovative mocktails. In addition, you may find a local Arabic radio station broadcasting its Ramadan competition programmes live from the restaurant, so brush up on your local trivia and pick up some prizes. InterContinental, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Saud Street; Dh95 minimum spend. Call 800 423 363 More a sparkling ballroom than a tent, the space at the Four Seasons Hotel is festooned with lanterns and other decorative knick-knacks for the occasion. This is another place to go if you want to sample traditional Middle Eastern food done right. Relaxed and elegant, Al Maryah Tent is good for friends and family. Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island. For details, call 02 333 22 22 A classy evening awaits you at this tent, located within the Rosewood Hotel. With views of the Arabian Gulf, and live performances by qanoon and oud duo Khalid and Razan, the Sambusek Tent is a good option if you are looking for a serene and stylish suhoor vibe. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island; Dh135 minimum spend. Call 02 813 5550 The hottest suhoor in the emirate, this lavish, ocean-themed tent in Atlantis The Palm is so sought after that it is virtually impossible to get in without prior booking. The arena is also a showcase of the resort’s high-profile F&B outlets, so expect to sample dishes from Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen (try the Shepherd’s Pie) and Giogio Locatelli’s Ronda Locatelli (look out for the porcini mushroom risotto). Of course, there will be plenty of regional bites available as well. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah; from Dh220. Call 04 426 0800 or email asateer@atlantisthepalm.com The beautiful scenery is worth the drive to this tent pitched within the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. It features nearly a dozen food stations serving cuisines ranging from Emirati and Omani to Syrian and Moroccan, with several vegetarian options available, too. An oud player will be on hand to set the scene, and guests can also enjoy a heritage show featuring a falcon and camel. Be sure to have your suhoor early, however, as this tent closes at 11.30pm. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa; from Dh265 and free entry for children under the age of four. Call 04 809 6194 or email BAS.Restaurants@meydanhotels.com There is always an extra sense of excitement when a new venue celebrates its first Ramadan. Such is the case for Bacchanal, located in the recently opened Caesars Palace Dubai om Bluewaters Island. This is an al fresco suhoour experience, and will serve a range of regional food, including Emirati luqaimat. The targeted vibe is chilled and intimate, and children are invited to spend the evening playing at the hotel’s Empire Kids Club and Roam Teens Club. Caesars Bluewaters Dubai; Dh200 for a set menu. Call 04 556 6466 or email dine@caesarsdubai.ae A good option if you want an early night as the tent closes at 10pm. The beachside canopy features live cooking stations, mocktails and live musical entertainment. A prayer tent is also available in addition to an activity-filled children’s area. Free valet parking is available. Call 06 599 0088 or email restaurants.sharjah@sheraton.com Nestled within Al Zorah Marina, the Kahraman Tent is an idyllic spot to unwind. Decked out with Arabesque furniture and decorative elements, the tent hosts various musical performances throughout the month. The menu is a traditional assortment of hot and cold Arabic dishes. Call 056 422 6521 or email reservations@kahramantent.ae The popular nightspot is entering the suhoor game by hosting this beachside pop-up venue at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria. While the food will be Middle Eastern, the standout offering here is the wide and colourful array of Instagramable mocktails designed by Buddha-Bar's worldwide executive bar chef Matthias Giroud. Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah; Dh129 (excluding taxes and service charge). Email rasalkhaimah.info@waldorfastoria.com _________________ Read more: Ramadan 2019: Emirates is set to serve 1 million dates this year When is Ramadan expected to begin? Ramadan 2019: Almost one million meals to be distributed _________________

Ramadan 2019: Suhoor tents to try in the UAE

For those looking for a more chilled Ramadan dining experience, suhoors are the way to go