JAKARTA - Bored with the atmosphere of eating sahur or breaking the fast for Ramadan that's all? If you have the opportunity, try the seven recommended sahur to iftar experiences that are not uncommon in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
To help make the holy month even more special, this year, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, UAE has created a number of unique experiences for iftar and suhoor.
These seven experiences are for animal lovers, architecture buffs, to those who are looking for a different experience that is unusual but memorable.
Launching The National News April 11, here are seven unusual sahur and iftar experiences that you can try in Abu Dhabi:
1. Iftar with the Lions at Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo offers a unique opportunity to enjoy iftar with the lions.
The activity kicks off at 5:30 p.m. local time, with a sunset tour by Al Ain Safari that takes visitors around the zoo before escorting guests to iftar, which is set up next to the lion's den.
A set menu is offered and available for those over 12 years old, and for groups of four to 12 people. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
This service ends exactly at 20.00 local time. The price is around 840 dirhams or around Rp. 3,285,616
2. Iftar with Elephants and Giraffes at Emirates Park
If lions sound too ferocious, why not enjoy a night with the giraffes, thanks to Emirates Park Zoo. It offers a two-hour iftar experience starting at 6:30 p.m., giving visitors the opportunity to not only admire these creatures up close, but also feed the gentle herbivores.
It is open to groups of up to five people and also provides full day access to the zoo, for those who wish to spend the day, as well as free tour guides and an African drumming experience.
There is also the option of breaking the fast with an elephant. At 18.30 every night, there is a set menu for iftar available at the elephant area. Experience comes with educational lectures on these fascinating pachyderms, and even the opportunity to interact and feed, them.
Up to 12 people can be involved and, like the giraffe experience, the ticket also provides full day access to the zoo and an African drumming session.
Iftar with giraffes costs 1,785 dirhams or Rp. 6,981,935 per group of five people. Meanwhile, iftar with elephants can be enjoyed at a cost of 250 dirhams or Rp. 977,862 per person, for a maximum of 12 people.
3. Iftar at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Art lovers will enjoy the opportunity to dine in this prestigious museum and under the beautiful dome of Jean Nouvel, as two venues have opened their doors for iftar.
Fouquet's Abu Dhabi offers three Emirati and French dishes, while the Art Lounge offers light meals on its rooftop location. Open from sunset until 10pm.
For the price, the Abu Dhabi Fouquet costs 390 dirhams or IDR 1,525,464 per person, and the Art Lounge is a la carte.
4. Iftar and Suhoor with a Star Roof at Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Enjoy dining under the stars at Jebel Hafit Desert Park, starting at 19:00 throughout Ramadan, at Hafit Foothills Lounge by Pura. Offers for iftar and sahur are offered against the stunning backdrop of Jebel Hafit.
Enjoy the surroundings at the Eco Retreat Temple, Jebel Hafit Desert Park, when iftar starts at 19.00 and sahur starts at 21.00.
For those who want to make the most of the night, why not "party" at the sky bubble or ceiling dome, and enjoy the bonfire starting at 9pm every night?
Offers to stay for Ramadan with iftar or sahur start from 845 dirhams or around Rp. 3,305,173.
5. Bedouin-style Ramadan Sahur on the Beach of Saadiyat Island
Located on Saadiyat Island, it offers a quiet environment away from the city. For a whole month, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas hosts Suhoor on the Beach with gourmet food, tea and shisha.
The program is offered from 21.00 to 01.00 local time, and includes live Arabic music entertainment with oud or qanun performances. To enjoy this service, it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance.
Sahur is priced at 495 dirhams or around Rp. 1,936,166, with 300 dirhams or around Rp. 1,173,434 the starting price for a shisha.
6. Sahur in the open air overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, offers sahur outside on its lawn, overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Open from 9pm to 2am every night with an a la carte menu of Middle Eastern specialties and different flavors of shisha, all offered in an open air lounge style setting.
For those who prefer privacy, shared cabanas are also available. To be able to enjoy the services here, you have to make a minimum transaction of 200 dirhams per person or around Rp.782,289
7. Iftar While Sailing on the Corniche Abu Dhabi
Want to feel the sensation of breaking your fast on the water? Choose a cruise along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, taking in the ambiance and impressive skyline of the city.
This service is offered by Royal Yacht and includes an open international buffet, as well as traditional Ramadan juices and sweets.
This experience lasts for one hour, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm daily during Ramadan. The cruise starts at Marina Mall, then cruises along the Corniche and Mina before returning on its own.
To be able to enjoy the iftar service while sailing, you are charged 120 dirhams or around Rp. 469,373 per person.
Interested in trying these seven undifferentiated experiences?
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