Community spirit, culture and cuisine meet after dark in Dubai this Ramadan
Visiting Dubai during Ramadan offers a unique glimpse into the city’s cultural and spiritual fabric. The holy month transforms Dubai into a hub of cultural richness and communal harmony, showcasing the city’s ability to blend tradition with modernity.
Travellers can experience the unparalleled hospitality of Iftar gatherings, explore vibrant Ramadan markets, and witness the city’s landmarks and streets adorned in festive lights. The serene atmosphere, coupled with shorter working hours, provides a more relaxed pace, allowing visitors to immerse themselves deeply in the local culture and spirituality.
In this events roundup, we’re focused on markets and nighttime events all the family can enjoy during. For our dining listings, make sure to head to our guides on the best Iftars in Dubai and where to find authentic Dubai Suhoor experiences.
Ramadan Night Markets 2026
With opportunities to shop for dates, kaftans, lanterns, Eidi, and traditional foods and clothing, let’s take a look at the best places to join the community and feel the spirit of Ramadan in 2026.
NB Souk and souq are interchangeably used in the UAE – they simply refer to a market. The dates listed may still be subject to moon sighting.
Ramadan District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
February 28th to March 15 2026 – 5:00 pm to 12:00 am 1.00 am at weekends
Returning for its second season this Ramadan, the Ramadan District at the Plaza Terrace aims to blend cultural heritage with contemporary entertainment. Expect community activities, including board games, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and stage performances. You’ll also find henna and calligraphy artists.
You will find everything here, from big-name luxury goods brands to small local businesses, set in the backdrop of The Museum of the Future.
You are adjacent to the Ramadan Majilis at Jumeirah Etihad Towers, which hosts nightly iftar and suhoor.
Entry is free, but there are paid activities
Learn more at ramadandistrict.com or @ramadan.district
Dubai Festival City Mall
February 18th to March 28th 2026
Join the celebrations at Dubai festival City Mall, where there will be an evening programme of events and cultural experiences throughout Ramadan in their Ramadan Majlis by the Bay.
Alongside a Ramadan market, there will be a special Ramadan edition of the IMAGINE water, sound and light show, drone displays, live performances, parades and so much more!
Entry is free, but there are paid activities
Learn more at dubaifestivalcitymall.com
Dubai Municipality Ramadan Souq in Bur Deira
Open until end of Ramadan
This is a good one to attend in the run-up to Ramadan, noting that it’s actually scheduled to stop before the Holy Month starts.
Many locally will be making their Ramadan preparations by heading to this outdoor souq held on Old Municipality Street in Bur Deira. This souq will offer shoppers a unique range of products, including kitchen essentials, fabrics, and traditional food items.
Visitors can also enjoy entertainment and family-friendly activities. This is a great spot for visitors to Dubai during March to understand more about the culture and community surrounding Ramadan, as well as supporting the city’s traditional market traders.
Free entry
Ramadan Street Food Festival
19th February – Eid 2026
The Sheikh Hamdan Colony will be transformed this Ramadan with colourful decorations and more than 130 vendor kiosks serving all manner of south Asian street foods from February 19th to February 28th.
From the 28th February the focus will shift to entertainment and live activations until Eid.
Free entry
Learn more here
Hai Ramadan at Expo City
February 22nd until March 17th 2026; 5:00 pm to midnight
The market held in Al Wasl Plaza will host a mix of culture, tradition, and family-friendly activities with food outlets, handmade crafts, traditional garments, and Ramadan-themed items.
There are various iftar offerings at Hai Ramadan this year including a refined seated experience at ‘Iftar Al Majlis’ and a street-food iftar package at ‘Iftar Al Souk’.
Guests can also enjoy seeing the Al Wasl dome come alive with light projections that tell stories rooted in Ramadan tradition.
This will also be one of seven locations in Dubai where you can see the Iftar cannon fired.
The Moonlight Market
February 18th until March 20th 2026, 6:00pm to 2:00am
Head to uptown Dubai for the Moonlight Market every day from 5.00pm. This modern take on a traditional Ramadan market includes a variety of vendors selling locally produced items as well as delicious food and beverages. There will be live entertainment, cultural workshops, games and more!
Free entry
Learn more at uptowndubai.ae
Ramadan Wonder Souk at Global Village Dubai
Every Friday and Saturday throughout Ramadan from 10.30pm
Global Village has been a hub of multi-cultural activity in Dubai for decades now, and this Ramadan, the Wonder Souk, based on a traditional Emirati market, will take centre stage throughout the holy month.
Guests will experience the iftar cannon at sunset and then enjoy their iftar and suhoor at various dining venues around Global Village.
Entry starts at AED 25.00 per person, children under 3, seniors and POD are free
Learn more at globalvillage.com or @globalvillageuae
Other Interesting Ramadan Events in Dubai 2026
Dispelling myths that ‘there’s nothing to do in Dubai during Ramadan’, keep your eye out for these Ramadan-related events.
Ramadan Nights at Al Safa Art & Design Library
February 27th & 28th 2026
For something a little different, head to the Al Safa Art and Design Library for a creative market featuring the work of local artists, or perhaps test your own skills in the creative workshops on offer. There’s lots to keep you, and the little ones entertained with live cooking shows, a children’s corner, family games and a henna station.
Other events will also be held across Dubai’s network of libraries and museums. Learn more at mediaoffice.ae
Ramadan Majlis at the Museum of the Future
Saturday 28th February 2026 brings an exploration of Islamic jewellery and art to the Ramadan Majlis at The Museum of the Future. Discussions will focus on links between heritage and forward-thinking and jewellery as expressions of spirituality and religious symbolism.
Learn more at museumofthefuture.ae
Ramadan Nights at Jameel Arts Centre
March 6th to March 8th 2026; 8:30 PM to Midnight
Two intriguing evenings of cultural learning alongside a curated souk offering a range of Ramadan treats, fresh produce and artisanal goods.
If you are a visitor to Dubai or wanting to learn more, this would be a great education experience to attend.
Take a stroll at City Walk
Throughout Ramadan 2026
Fancy something other than a hotel iftar buffet? Well there’s plenty on offer at City Walk, with a wide range of Ramadan special offers. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by the special 125 AED menu at Wagamama, or a Ramadan bundle at Pickl for just 89 AED?
After Iftar, take a stroll through city walk where you’ll find beautiful Ramadan decor, live performances, art and craft sessions, games and more. Complimentary karak tea is also available.
Spend a 100 AED at City Walk to participate in activities for free.
Learn more at www.citywalk.ae
Before You Head to a Dubai Ramadan Market
It is important to remember that Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and togetherness. While these Dubai Ramadan events are by no means limited to the Muslim community, please be mindful that you are attending a religious occasion in an Islamic country.
Whilst Dubai may come across as ‘business as usual’ these days during the Holy Month, please be mindful when attending a Ramadan event where you are; dress appropriately for the occasion and refrain from eating and drinking around those fasting until after sunset.
We explain more about the Ramadan Rules for Tourists in Dubai During Ramadan here.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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