After captivating families across the capital last year, the much-loved Ramadan Nights festival is returning to Umm Al Emarat Park for another month of culture, community and celebration. Taking place throughout Ramadan, the festival promises an even richer programme of experiences in one of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful green spaces.
Open daily from 10am until 2am during the Holy Month, the month-long event transforms the park into a vibrant hub where tradition meets togetherness. From communal iftars and storytelling sessions to pop-up markets and wellness evenings, Ramadan Nights captures the spirit of reflection and joy that defines this special time of year.
Building on the success of the previous edition, this year’s festival feels especially meaningful as it aligns with Abu Dhabi’s “Year of the Family,” highlighting unity, shared experiences and intergenerational connections.
A Heartfelt Iftar Experience Under the Open Sky
One of the most anticipated moments each evening is the firing of the iftar cannon, signalling the breaking of the fast. As the sun sets and the call to prayer echoes, families and friends gather in the serene surroundings of the park to share a meal together.
Iftar is served daily in the Children’s Garden from 6pm to 8.30pm, offering a welcoming setting designed to accommodate families comfortably. Children under six can enter free of charge, making it an accessible outing for parents with young ones. There are also corporate iftar packages available for groups looking to host colleagues or clients in a relaxed yet meaningful environment.
Dining outdoors beneath the trees adds to the atmosphere, with soft lighting and thoughtful décor creating an inviting space for reflection and connection. Whether you come with loved ones or colleagues, the sense of community is unmistakable.
Weekend Ramadan Market: A Celebration of Local Talent
Every Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 1am, the park comes alive with a bustling Ramadan market. This pop-up marketplace showcases a carefully curated selection of small businesses, artisans and food vendors, offering visitors the chance to discover unique gifts, handmade crafts and delicious treats.
The market not only supports local entrepreneurs but also gives visitors the opportunity to explore diverse flavours and creative products in one lively setting. From traditional sweets to contemporary street food, there is something to tempt every palate.
Those interested in participating can connect directly with the park’s organisers to volunteer or showcase their offerings, reinforcing the festival’s community-driven spirit.
Family Entertainment That Brings Traditions to Life
Ramadan Nights is designed with families at its heart, and the weekend programme reflects that focus. During market hours on Fridays and Saturdays, children and parents can take part in a wide variety of interactive activities.
Hakawati storytelling sessions revive the cherished tradition of oral storytelling, captivating young audiences with tales of heritage and imagination. Lantern-making workshops allow children to create their own Ramadan decorations, adding a hands-on element to the festivities.
Interactive gaming stations offer a modern twist, while live Arabic music performances provide a cultural soundtrack to the evening. Traditional characters also make special appearances, delighting younger visitors and creating memorable photo opportunities.
The blend of old and new ensures that every generation finds something to enjoy, whether it is learning about customs from the past or simply sharing laughter over a creative activity.
Wellness Evenings in the Garden
For those seeking a quieter way to embrace the spirit of Ramadan, the festival’s wellness programme offers a peaceful alternative. Set within the Evening Garden, these sessions focus on mindfulness and reflection.
A sound bath under the stars invites participants to unwind in a tranquil setting, surrounded by nature. The experience uses soothing tones and vibrations to encourage relaxation and inner calm, providing a welcome pause from the busyness of daily life.
Later in the month, a full moon ceremony offers another moment of collective reflection. Held in the open air, this gathering encourages attendees to reconnect with themselves and the natural world, aligning beautifully with the contemplative essence of Ramadan.
These events highlight how Ramadan Nights is not only about celebration, but also about balance and wellbeing.
A Green Oasis in the Heart of Abu Dhabi
Few venues are as fitting for a Ramadan celebration as Abu Dhabi’s cherished Umm Al Emarat Park. Known for its expansive lawns, shaded walkways and beautifully maintained gardens, the park provides a peaceful retreat from the city’s fast pace.
During Ramadan Nights, the space is transformed with subtle lighting and decorative elements that enhance its natural charm without overwhelming it. Visitors can stroll through the greenery, pause at activity stations or simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
The extended opening hours until 2am allow guests to experience the park in a completely different light, with cooler temperatures and a gentle nighttime ambience adding to the appeal.
Why Ramadan Nights Is Not to Be Missed
What sets Ramadan Nights apart is its ability to bring people together in a way that feels authentic and inclusive. It is a space where children craft lanterns while grandparents listen to traditional music, where colleagues break their fast side by side, and where strangers become neighbours over shared meals.
The festival offers something for everyone: culinary experiences, cultural enrichment, creative workshops and moments of stillness. It celebrates the values of generosity, unity and gratitude that lie at the heart of Ramadan.
With daily programming, weekend markets and special wellness events, there is always a reason to return. Whether you visit once or make it part of your weekly routine during the Holy Month, the experience promises warmth and connection.
As the capital prepares for another memorable season of togetherness, Ramadan Nights at Umm Al Emarat Park stands out as a shining highlight on the city’s cultural calendar.
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