Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, subject to the moon sighting, and the best iftar buffets in the UAE book out in the first week. Prices run from about AED 40 to 60 at community restaurants to AED 150 to 250 and more at hotel Ramadan tents. This guide covers what you get at each level and how to choose.
What does an iftar buffet cost in the UAE?
- AED 40 to 70: Pakistani, Indian and Arabic restaurants, mostly in Sharjah, Ajman and the older districts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- AED 70 to 150: mid-range hotels and larger restaurant groups
- AED 150 to 250 and more: five-star hotels and Ramadan tents, often with live entertainment and shisha areas
What a good iftar buffet includes
- Dates, water and laban ready on the table at the call to prayer, not at the counter
- Soup and light starters first, then the mains
- Traditional dishes: harees and thareed at Emirati spreads; pakoras, chana chaat, fruit chaat and samosas at desi ones
- A live grill, since the mains have to stay hot for the whole evening
- Seating guaranteed at sunset: a booking, not a queue
Desi iftar: what to expect
A Pakistani or Indian iftar opens with dates, rooh afza or juice, pakoras, samosas, chana chaat and fruit chaat, then moves to biryani, karahi, BBQ and dessert. It is the most popular iftar style in Sharjah, and some of the best value in the country. Our Ramadan in Sharjah guide covers iftar, suhoor and group catering at our restaurant.
When should you book iftar?
For a family table at a popular restaurant, book a week ahead; for the first weekend of Ramadan and the last ten nights, earlier. For a company or community iftar of 50 or more, book catering two to three weeks ahead; see how far in advance to book catering.
Iftar at Taier Al Monal
Our Ramadan timings and iftar prices will be published here and on our offers page before Ramadan begins. Our kitchen is Taier Al Monal, opposite Nesto Hypermarket in Abu Shagara, Sharjah. For group and office iftars anywhere in Sharjah, Dubai or Ajman, our corporate catering packages start at AED 45 per person. Message us on WhatsApp to be told the moment bookings open.
Planning an iftar for a group?
Catering from AED 45 per person across Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman.
Office & Group Iftar Catering
