The post Ramadan 2022 in Dubai – Guide appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>What Ramadan really offers is the opportunity to reflect on your sins, ask for forgiveness, practice tolerance and convey gratitude to your family and friends, while observing the month-long fasting period to weed out everything negative from your life.
Ramadan 2022 in UAE is different, better and warmer. With the restrictions finally easing out, we can definitely expect an almost normal, pre-pandemic Ramadan this year!
And since we are referring to Dubai, there is one more thing that sets this city apart from the rest – Iftar! From quick AED 10 Iftar box meals to lavish Iftar buffets upward of AED 300, when it comes to breaking the fast, this city caters to every taste and pocket.
This guide will take you through what’s in store this Ramadan 2022 for Iftar, Suhoor, and much more in Dubai & Abu Dhabi. Look out for #RashidaReviews to read snippets of my personal experience at selected Iftar spots.
Note: this list will keep getting updated on a daily basis so make sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back for more options.
IFTAR & SUHOOR
Listed in alphabetical order – Click on the offer for more details
Hotels – Dubai
Address Beach Resort
> Li’Brasil - AED 228
Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel
> Timo - AED 185
Atlantis
> Asateer Tent Iftar - from AED 240
> Asateer Tent Suhoor - AED 170
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
> Al Hadheerah - AED 299
> Bedouin Iftar Experience - AED 500
Crowne Plaza® Dubai Marina
> LO+CALE - AED 169
> Connexions
Fairmont the Palm #RashidaReviews
> Fairuz Iftar & Suhoor under the stars - AED 295
FORM Hotel
> Month long stay - AED 4500
InterContinental Dubai Marina
> Accents Restaurant & Terrace - AED 175
JW Marriott Marquis
> Kitchen6 - AED 215
> Rang Mahal - AED 225
> Bridgewater's Terrace
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates #RashidaReviews
> Olea - AED 250
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai
> Al Khaima - AED 190
Meliã Desert Palm
> Epicure - AED 175
> In-villa Iftar package - AED 2888
Millennium Place Marina
> Masterchef, The TV Experience - AED 199
> Ikigai Resto + Bar - AED 199
Movenpick JLT
> Nosh - AED 195
Raffles The Palm Dubai #RashidaReviews
> Le Jardin - AED 230
Rove Hotels
> The Daily - AED 149
Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai
> Feast - AED 220
The Dubai EDITION
> Duomo - AED 450
> Thía Sky Lounge - AED 225
> Staycation - from AED 1999
The H Dubai Hotel
> Eat & Meat - AED 189
> Ramadan Spa Special - AED 399
> Room offers - from AED 699
The Meydan Hotel
> Iftar at OUMSIAT - AED 199
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
> Amaseena Iftar - AED 249
> Amaseena takeaway - from AED 680
Time Out Market Dubai
> Al Fanar - AED 500
> 21grams Balkan Bakery & Deli - AED 520
> Allo Beirut - AED 125
> BB Social Dining - AED 145
> Masti - from AED 90
TRYP by Wyndham
> Iftar buffet - AED 199
> Suhoor
Wyndham Dubai Marina
> Allorro Restaurant - AED 99
> In-Room Dining - from AED 89
Stand-alone restaurants & centres
> Art of Dum delivery - AED 55
> Bol Gappa - AED 59
> Café Society - AED 250
> COYA Dubai - AED 250
> Dhaba Lane - AED 59
> Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)- from AED 48
> High Note, Pool and Sky Lounge Suhoor
> India Bistro - AED 79
> India Palace - AED 80
> Jehangirs - AED 79
> Masti - AED 175
> Nara Camp
> PRATO - AED 125
> Sagar Ratna - AED 30
> SEVA Table - AED 179
> SMCCU - AED 185
> Vasai Local - AED 35
> Yoko Sizzlers - from AED 85
> Yummy Dosa - AED 49
> Zafran Indian Bistro - from AED 109
Hotels & Restaurants – Abu Dhabi
Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
> Al Mabeet Desert Camp - AED 195
Crowne Plaza Yas Island
> Jing Asia - AED 149
> Barouk - AED 120
Grand Millennium Al Wahda
> Layali Shahrazad - AED 159
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island
> Assymetri - AED 149
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
> Grills@Chill’O - AED 225
> Grills@Chill’O Suhoor
> Silk & Spice - AED 195
> Iftar in a Box - from AED 245
The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi
> Giornotte Iftar - AED 299
> Grand Lawn Suhoor - AED 200
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
> Olea - AED 250
W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
> Iftar at Garage - AED 198
> Suhoor at Skylight
> Iftar2Go - from AED 125
Yas Island Rotana
> Choices and Rangoli - AED 159
> Blue Grill - AED 175
> COYA Abu Dhabi - AED 219
> Hakkasan Abu Dhabi - AED 288
> Two.0 Cove Beach Abu Dhabi - AED 179
Hotels & Restaurants – Northern Emirates
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
> Iftar at Views - AED 165
> Suhoor at Layali
> Staycation - from AED 583
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]]>The post UAE Golden Year Music Festival appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>December 2nd this year will become a truly special day for all the citizens and guests of this country as the Festival City arena gathers international and local artists to set the atmosphere of unity and friendship fit for such a holiday. Among the headliners are loved artists like Michael Learns to Rock, Boyce Avenue, and Alira. All of the artists are equally excited and motivated to bring joy to their long-time fans and new audience on the UAE’s main holiday.
Michael Learns to Rock otherwise known as MLTR is a Danish soft rock band that has captivated attention with its hits for over 30 years. The true legends of the stage, they are global recognized and have created singles that skyrocketed music charts. At the festival, they are going to please the audience with old and new hits such as “Take Me to Your Heart”.
Boyce Avenue has prepared a special program with a combination of the world’s greatest music hits. The band has become popular due to their covers on the most loved songs of international artists. Their concerts are always a spectacle and are sure to pleasantly surprise both long-time fans and a new audience.
A rising brilliant star, the first Emirati countertenor and songwriter, Alira is now stepping onto a big stage with the self-titled debut album and his first single, Take Flight. This soprano singer has captivated the hearts of many with his brilliant voice and unique talent to sing in high-range with six vocal octaves. This talented artist who is able to sing in Hindi, Filipino, English and French is going to make the 50th anniversary of the UAE memorable to all the visitors of this celebration.
Tickets can be purchased from Platinum List and Virgin Megastore
The organizer of the event – Creative Minds – has one goal to make this celebration a day to be remembered for years. Their idea is to unite people together in an atmosphere of relaxation and drive motivated by pure human emotions. It is time to get charged with energy after the long period of the pandemic, and enjoy delicious street food and drinks in the friendly atmosphere of the celebration. The world has been dormant for too long and now it is time to wake up. People want to feel something real and joyful, something that can carry them away from everyday troubles, something that will be the UAE Golden Year Music Festival.
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]]>The post Diwali Bazaar | Ennigma Events appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
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Among the various brands we checked out were Kyle’s Collection – a bespoke jewelry brand from the UK which fuses traditional customized designs with Swarovski crystals to create exclusive pieces that are unique to the person wearing it.
Chocolat by Sanam Laungani features a delicious selection of homemade chocolates and dry fruits in gorgeous packaging, making it perfect for festive, weddings, occasions and more.
Sonali’s Fashion Statement & Shanavi brought in a fresh mix of ethnic and fusion party wear.
Prratha Home Decor and Kliim Ananta offer colorful options for home decor, gift packaging, diyas and more.
We also loved the Maharashtrian Paithani work on sarees, dupattas, pouches and masks at Swapnagandha collection.
And as much as everyone loves receiving chocolates, so does everyone love receiving savories. Wrapped Wonders offered amazing savories hampers for Diwali while Wrap it Up had an amazing collection of chocolate gifting options.
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]]>The post UAE shines as a saviour in Afghanistan’s darkest hour appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>This includes thousands of civilians who have fled their homeland to seek refuge and asylum in international countries and those who need assistance in getting to their final destination. The UAE is one among the many countries that have agreed to host them and ensure they receive all the necessary care and help.
In addition to playing an active part in the civilian rescue and repatriation efforts from Afghanistan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, has also introduced a programme for refugees that aims at providing adequate housing facilities, especially to Afghan women and children, and social care to all evacuees who have landed in the UAE, ensuring they receive the safety, security and dignity they deserve after having faced their ordeal.
Moreover, under his directive, the UAE continues to deepen its assistance with an around-the-clock air bridge to Afghanistan through multiple planes that have successfully airlifted urgent medical aid and food essentials required to meet the basic needs of thousands of Afghan families. Through this humanitarian act of extending support to the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan, which includes women, children and the elderly, the UAE is ensuring they leave no stone unturned when it comes to promoting the values of the Late founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The UAE has also welcomed 41 Afghan evacuees en-route to Canada, on humanitarian grounds and hosted them at the Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi, providing them with quality housing, sanitation, food and medical requirements. This includes members of the Afghan girls’ cycling and robotic teams, as well as human rights activists and their families who are considered to be at high risk.
But this is not something that the UAE has started doing of late. From as early as 2001, when the war started ravaging Afghanistan, UAE was always at the forefront in providing significant aid to the civilian population in the country through the Red Crescent and its armed forces.
A majority of these efforts have taken shape in foreign lands of the UAE allies. This includes a refugee camp built by the UAE in Pakistan which housed over 10,000 refugees and supported them with essential commodities and a fully functional hospital to take care of their sick. Then came the Sheikh Zayed housing project which facilitated 200 families with accommodation, mosque, schools and medical centres. During the rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan, the UAE yet again came forward to support by constructing housing developments, schools and universities, medical facilities and mosques to ensure the progress of Afghanistan and its people.
Among the recent projects is the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan city in Kabul, which is financed by the UAE, offers residential housing with more than 3,300 apartments.
The UAE has always been identified as a country that stands in solidarity with nations in need and has also been ranked among the top countries that are swift in providing foreign aid. In fact, ever since the UAE was founded back in 1971, the country has donated over $ 87 bn towards humanitarian efforts.
It was the founding father of the nation, late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan vision that helping people in need is a duty, and he ensured this led the foreign policy of the UAE. While new leaders have now taken over the reign, they continue to follow in his footsteps and carry forward UAE’s long policy of extending their helping hands to those in need, which today includes Afghanistan, until the country regains stability.
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]]>The post Epitome | Aloft Deira City Centre appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
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For drinks, we went in for trio tropical which was a mix of mango pineapple and coconut water along with their signature Epitome cooler which brought together basil mint and pineapple.
Our first starter was Ras Malai ki chaat which featured sweet milk sponges topped with golden saffron curd and cherries, served alongside leafy greens, carrots and beetroot threads. A little on the sweet side, this starter would pair well if you’re alternating it with a savory dish. Next in our starters were Hoison chilli wontons, that were crispy fried and tossed in a honey chilli sauce. Bringing a really good balance of spicy, sweet and savory flavors, paired with that slight crunch, these were the perfect young to the Ras Malai’s yang.
For mains, we went with the elephant garlic and basil sticky rice which was wok-fried with finely chopped assorted veggies and topped with burnt garlic and basil leaves. At first, it came across as a mushy version of Manchurian dumplings, but as the flavors began to pop out we were welcomed by the garlicky goodness. Of course, we couldn’t resist ordering an Indian main and for that, we went with Dilli styled nikka choley bhature that came topped with amchoori potatoes and paired with chilli carrot pickle and onions on the side. My favorite from the evening, the choley with potatoes in it was a combination that took this dish to the next level. Considering the portion of the choley, I do think they should give 4 bhatures instead of 2 as a part of this dish.
Next, it was time for desserts and we started with Gulab e Godiva. A Godiva chocolate brownie stuffed with a Gulab Jamun in the centre and topped with vanilla ice cream, this dish was quite a fusion laden item. The vanilla ice cream was a little too sweet for my liking and paired with the Gulab Jamun it made the dish overpowering sweet, but all in all, it was a good concept. The next dessert, not very different from the previous one, was the bomb chocolate soufflé which featured a classic molten chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream and cherry compote. The chocolate soufflé with all that melted gooey chocolate goodness inside was simply perfect. Again the ice cream was a little sweet but it went well with the dense cake. Like all molten chocolate cakes, this dessert takes a little while to prepare and arrive which means it is made fresh.
Did you know? Epitome is the first of its kind vegan and vegetarian licensed cocktail bar and restaurant in Dubai. They have a ladies night too and the place is buzzing with people over the weekend. Make sure you dress to impress and remember this venue is only for ages 21 and over.
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Epitome has got a good selection of fusion and Indian inspired dishes which spans across finger food and proper carby mains. Their choley bhature is a must must try.
Epitome
Location: Aloft Dubai Creek Hotel, Baniyas Road, Deira City Centre Area, Dubai
Contact: 04 5260851
View this restaurant on Zomato
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]]>The post Behrouz Biryani | Delivery appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>As much as I love making it myself, I also love trying out restaurants that specialize in Biryanis. One such place is Behrouz Biryani
The menu features a fusion of different regions – Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan and of course, India, and this regional flavor is evident in their kebabs and grills, as well as the 11 different types of biryani they offer.
View this post on Instagram
The Murgh Makhani Biryani that I tried, had its cooking style and flavor reminiscent of classic Mughal rice preparation, and while it was very rich, it wasn’t too spicy. However, I can’t really confirm if that’s the style they follow for the rest of their biryanis until I’ve tried them all 
Coupled with a small salad, raita and a piece of gulab jamun, the portion was great for 2 people, and albeit a little pricey, it made for a complete meal.
Would I order it again? Yes, but definitely a spicier one like the Murgh Tikka Biryani.
The other items I tried along with the biryani was the mini kebab platter which featured a mix of their best grills, and spinach corn tikki – both of which came with a portion of roti on the side. And to wash it down I had the desi version of Ayran.
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A great option for indulging in royal Indian Mughlai food. Their kebab variety as well as selection of different Biryanis is brilliant and deserves multiple orders so you can try them all!
Behrouz Biryani
Location: Multiple outlets across Dubai
Contact: +971522831995 | +97142471100
View this restaurant on Zomato
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]]>The post Copper Chimney | Sheikh Zayed Road appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>I like to think of myself as someone who enjoys the spicy types, the luscious ones with tender pieces of chicken, the ones that are dotted with potatoes and cashews and occasionally a mix of all of these!
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Anywayyyy, last week I got a chance to dine at Copper Chimney and try out some of their signature items. Their chicken biryani was one of the many dishes we got to try. Bringing together the perfect proportions of rice, mildly spicy gravy and chicken, the North Indian Mughlai styled biryani ticked quite a few boxes for me. Apart from this biryani (which I packed up and ate for lunch next day too), I loved their Amritsari shrimps and Agra Samosa Chaat.
Other dishes we tried were Almond Chicken Soup, Jaipur Salad, Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan and Punjabi Kulfi.
Did you know Copper Chimney was founded in 1972 in Bombay and has been serving secret recipes from undivided North India for over 45 years?!
Although this was my first time visiting the Dubai outlet, I’ve been to the Mumbai ones quite a few times and all I can say is they carry their beautiful flavors along with them wherever they go 
#RashidaReviews
Their rich authentic North Indian flavours are what makes the food incredible. I really loved the mains along with a couple of starters. I just felt the Jaipuri salad could’ve been a little more creative. To me it felt like a packet of namkeen was topped with some veggies and sauce.
Copper Chimney
Location: Ground Floor, Millenium Plaza Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
Contact: +97142221399
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]]>The post Catwalk Salon | Color Refresh appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>If you managed to see even little excitement in my stories, then you know how extremely happy I am that I got this done with them.
The layered haircut is one of the best I’ve had in years and it was done with so much precision, I can’t stop talking about it. The color refresh is even better than the color I had on my hair before and the stylist shared so many tips with me throughout the process, it was obvious they really care.
One takeaway for me from this experience is to trust small stand-alone salons compared to commercial ones especially when it comes to hair services because they offer personalized treatments and build a relationship with you that pays off with every next visit!
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]]>The post Osh | La Mer appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>Located at La Mer this upscale licensed restaurant spans across two levels and features an elaborate selection of Uzbek favorites which include appetizers, salads, grills, plov rice dishes and more.
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For our tasting session, we were offered a curated mix of their bestselling dishes, and I have to be honest, there’s not a single food item we didn’t like or sent back without licking off its very last bit off the plate!
My favorite has got to be the lamb cheburek with adjika sauce, chicken shashlik and osh prazdnichniy. I love how so many of their vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots) are imported fresh from Uzbekistan and you can actually taste the difference in the flavors.
Highly recommend you try out this place and sample the flavors that the country has to offer.
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I cannot get how fresh their veggies were! Imported from Uzbekistan and so good in flavor, I would just go back for the salads if I had to. The meat dishes were really flavorful too and there are so many options on their menu, you will have to go back to try them all!
Osh
Location: Shop 52, North, La Mer, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Contact: +971559636756
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]]>The post India Palace | Garhoud appeared first on Rashida Blogs.
]]>Serving an incredible variety of Indian dishes that highlight the foods of royalty from the country, India Palace is also well known for the palatial ambience that the restaurant flaunts. Whether it’s their intricate woodwork, their oxidized gold and copper dishes or the choodi-wala at the entrance, everything gives you a very Rajasthan-esque feel, making it an ideal choice for experiencing royal dining.
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For our dinner, we started off a papa complimentary papad basket and a couple of drinks from their limited time mango menu – Mango lassi & Mango juice. This was accompanied with Sunheri Jheenga – butterflied tiger prawns marinated in a mix of chili, lemon and coriander and fried coated in rawa to a crisp perfection.
For tandoor, we went straight to the mixed grill called Tarah Tarah ke Kebab that featured an assortment of the Mughlai styled Shahi Seekh Kebab, spicy Murgh Tikka Joshila, creamy Murgh Malai Tikka, garlicky Lasuni Machchi and ajwain roasted prawns in Samunder ke Ratan.
Our main was a classic Hyderabadi dum styled Murgh Masala Biryani layered with succulent chicken pieces and basmati rice in a spicy masala-rich marinade.
We went back to the mango menu for dessert and chose to indulge in Mango Ras Malai, promising ourselves to return soon and try out their Mango Falooda as well.
India Palace has a bunch of different outlets located across the UAE so regardless of which emirate you stay in, you can definitely try out the impressive Indian cuisine at this restaurant.
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India Palace is one of the oldest and best Indian restaurants for a reason. Their food takes you back to Mughal times and paired with their hospitality and ambience, it is a 10 on 10 experience. Highly recommend their biryani.
India Palace
Location: Near GGICO Metro Station, Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Garhoud, Dubai
Contact: +97142869600
View this restaurant on Zomato
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