Five reasons to visit Abu Dhabi during Ramadan

Ramadan is one of the most special times of the year in Abu Dhabi, with unforgettable experiences filled with discovery, tradition and cultural immersion. It’s a time where the emirate takes on an even warmer, more welcoming glow shaped by community and connection. From serene mornings to lively, culture-rich evenings, Ramadan is a meaningful way to experience the destination, whether you’re discovering Abu Dhabi for the first time or returning to a place that already feels like home.

From February 19 to March 19, 2026 (start and end dates subject to moonsighting), visitors are invited to embrace the spirit of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi, where every day brings something new to explore and every night comes alive with flavour, celebration and community.

What Ramadan feels like in Abu Dhabi?

A visit to Abu Dhabi during Ramadan will add extra richness to your experience. There’s already much to see and do, and the spirit of the holy month offers the perfect opportunity to both enjoy the emirate’s attractions and discover new flavours and cultural traditions. 

Why visit during Ramadan?

1- Explore culinary scene that brings community togetherAs sunset approaches, the emirate prepares for one of the most cherished moments of the day: iftar. Restaurants across Abu Dhabi, from beachfront hotels to heritage-inspired venues, curate special menus for the fast-breaking meal. Expect a variety of options from Emirati dishes to global flavours, as well as special experiences including desert iftars and iftars at the zoo, all served with the warm hospitality that makes every meal special.

2- Enjoy destination alive into the early hours
After dinner, Abu Dhabi continues to stay awake. Ramadan tents — traditional gathering spaces set up during the holy month where people come together to share suhoor, the pre-dawn meal and spend time with family and friends — sit alongside outdoor lounges and restaurants across the emirate. It is one of the most special ways to experience the month, with relaxed gatherings, game nights and a lively social scene that lasts into the night. Many venues stay open later than usual, offering plenty of opportunities to spend time with loved ones.

3- Spend days exploring culture
Across the emirate, cultural sites buzz with seasonal activities during Ramadan. Visitors can wander through the museums of Saadiyat Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the newly opened Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the immersive digital art experience teamLab Phenomena, offering moments of discovery and creativity throughout the day. Elsewhere, visitors can explore heritage at Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans, or take a guided tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s most celebrated architectural landmarks.

4- Shop and explore till late
Ramadan brings extended hours at malls and retail destinations across Abu Dhabi, creating lively evenings perfect for shopping and strolling. Pop-ups, seasonal collections and late-night retail experiences add to the festive atmosphere, offering visitors more time to browse and discover.

5- Feel the warmth of genuine Emirati hospitality and community
Ramadan deepens the feeling of welcome that Abu Dhabi is known for. Visitors can learn about Emirati coffee customs at Bait Al Gahwa, witness the firing of the cannon in iconic locations across the emirate, a historic tradition that marks the end of the daily fast at sunset, and join community iftars or observe local volunteering initiatives that reflect the spirit of giving.

Abu Dhabi’s blend of rich flavours, cultural traditions and warm community spirit makes Ramadan a memorable time to experience the destination. Every sunset brings a new moment to enjoy, every meal is an opportunity to connect and every night reveals the vibrancy of the emirate.

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