The other night I experienced my first Iftar feast! This is the meal after sunset when Muslims break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It is usually done with family and friends following an entire day of no food or water. Just a little back ground info: The UAE is an Islamic nation, so Ramadan is taken very seriously here. It is a month of fasting from which Muslims do not eat or drink (not even water) from sunrise to sunset. In Dubai, it is considered breaking the law for ANYONE to do so in public – this includes chewing gum. Violators are subject to a 2000Dhs fine or one month in jail.
Similar to Christmas, retailers take advantage of this time with decorations, Ramadan sales, and massive Iftar feasts at hotels and restaurants. I had been anxious to attend an Iftar, so one of my friends who is fasting, organized a dinner at the amazing Al Qasr Hotel. As tradition goes, we started off with Arabic dates and water and then in true Dubai form moved on to an over the top Arabic buffet. It was the perfect place to enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the Arabian Gulf.
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