When it comes to The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina there’s a sense of scale and elegance as the hotel gives over its Serdaal Ballroom to iftar and suhoor.
And this, in turn, lends the post-fasting meal a sense of occasion and celebration – something even us non-Muslim diners can relish.
The setting also means plenty of space to accommodate a lot of individuals, families or corporate groups as the sun sets on the day.
A screen shows live coverage of the firing of one of the ceremonial cannons placed around Dubai to signal Mahgrib and the start of iftar.
Many of those who have been fasting will already have loaded their plate with lighter items in anticipation of beginning their meal.
The setting also means plenty of space to accommodate a lot of individuals, families or corporate groups as the sun sets on the day.
A screen shows live coverage of the firing of one of the ceremonial cannons placed around Dubai to signal Mahgrib and the start of iftar.
Many of those who have been fasting will already have loaded their plate with lighter items in anticipation of beginning their meal.
BRIGHT START: Who wouldn't want to dip into this fresh bowl of colour to start off their iftar
And the ballroom lobby offers plenty of choices, beginning with those traditional juices such as tamer hindi, karkade, jalab and qamar al dene.
Salads range from simple leafy varieties to more intricate combinations, as well as the hot and cold mezze options you might expect, beside good manakesh and a generous baked section with moreish breads.
Food stations tender everything from roasted and grilled meats - murgh tangdi kebab is tough to resist - beside some juicy king prawns.
A sushi corner presents another gentle route in to busting the hunger as does the cheese baladi, before moving on to the dedicated shawarma corner.
That said, it’s difficult to ignore an early look into a row of shiny tureens filled with buttery chana masala and dal tadka, among other dishes.
Salads range from simple leafy varieties to more intricate combinations, as well as the hot and cold mezze options you might expect, beside good manakesh and a generous baked section with moreish breads.
Food stations tender everything from roasted and grilled meats - murgh tangdi kebab is tough to resist - beside some juicy king prawns.
A sushi corner presents another gentle route in to busting the hunger as does the cheese baladi, before moving on to the dedicated shawarma corner.
That said, it’s difficult to ignore an early look into a row of shiny tureens filled with buttery chana masala and dal tadka, among other dishes.
MOOD MUSIC: This oud player gives the Serdaal Ballroom an authentic soundtrack during iftar
Also scoring highly for these taste buds at the Serdaal Ballroom was the flavourful chicken tagine, fish sayadiya and kousa mahshi with lamb chops.
A live pasta station is among the European options, while desserts include a range of Arabic sweets, gooey cakes and a Turkish Delight section.
Children will get a kick out of the animated Turkish ice-cream man and a chocolate fountain flanked by a number of fruit and sweet treat dipping options.
Suhoor happens immediately after iftar winds up, on the delightful Serdaal terrace.
This is where you’ll also find shisha after 8pm while eating choices include a selection of food trucks as well as a la carte.
A live pasta station is among the European options, while desserts include a range of Arabic sweets, gooey cakes and a Turkish Delight section.
Children will get a kick out of the animated Turkish ice-cream man and a chocolate fountain flanked by a number of fruit and sweet treat dipping options.
Suhoor happens immediately after iftar winds up, on the delightful Serdaal terrace.
This is where you’ll also find shisha after 8pm while eating choices include a selection of food trucks as well as a la carte.
MANE ATTRACTION: Save room for the selection of traditional Arabic sweets and desserts at The Westin
Where some venues finish their iftar service early, in the Serdaal Ballroom it continues until 9.30pm, so there’s plenty of time to relax and soak up the special atmosphere.
DETAILS:
IFTAR at Serdaal Ballroom, The Westin Mina Seyahi, happens from sunset until 9.30pm. Suhoor continues from 9.30am until 1am (2am on weekends).
BOTH cost AED155, AED55 for children under 12 and are free for kids under six.
TO book call 04-511-7373 or click on https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbmb-the-westin-dubai-mina-seyahi-beach-resort-and-marina/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2for more on the hotel and its dining options.
DETAILS:
IFTAR at Serdaal Ballroom, The Westin Mina Seyahi, happens from sunset until 9.30pm. Suhoor continues from 9.30am until 1am (2am on weekends).
BOTH cost AED155, AED55 for children under 12 and are free for kids under six.
TO book call 04-511-7373 or click on https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbmb-the-westin-dubai-mina-seyahi-beach-resort-and-marina/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2for more on the hotel and its dining options.
