Ramadan in UAE 2026: Free Iftar, Visit Pop Up Market in Abu Dhabi

This Ramadan, events and activities celebrating the holy month are taking place across the UAE. Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi has launched its second annual Ramadan Nights program with a series of family-focused events throughout the month.

The park is offering daily iftar meals, weekend markets, children's activities, and wellness sessions, aligning with the UAE's Year of the Family 2026 initiative.

Daily Iftar Service at Ramadan Garden

Starting February 19, visitors can reserve iftar at the Ramadan Garden within the park. The menu was developed with Emirati chef Mariam Al Mansoori, who incorporated traditional Emirati recipes and hospitality customs into the offerings.

Al Mansoori is the founder of Montauk Boutique Cafe and Restaurant in Abu Dhabi and became the first UAE citizen to win the Best of Gastronomy gold award from France in 2024. She specializes in traditional Emirati cuisine, drawing on family recipes and cooking methods passed down through generations.

Iftar service runs daily from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Children's Garden. Meals include traditional Ramadan beverages. Children ages six to 12 receive discounted rates, while those under six eat free. Corporate groups can also book iftar packages.

The park is offering early booking discounts for individual reservations made before February 15.

Each evening, the iftar cannon will fire at the park's Main Gate to mark the breaking of the fast, starting on the final day of Sha'ban at Maghrib prayer time. This traditional cannon firing signals to people across the area that it is time to break their fast.

Weekend Pop-Up Markets and Entertainment

Every Friday and Saturday, a pop-up market will operate from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am at the Promenade. The market features local small businesses, food vendors, and Ramadan-themed entertainment.

The weekend markets highlight local entrepreneurship and community participation. Vendors and volunteers interested in participating can reach out through the park's official channels.

The markets provide families with a place to gather during Ramadan evenings, browse local products, and enjoy food from various vendors while experiencing the atmosphere of the holy month.

Children's Activities and Cultural Programs

Families can bring children to Ramadan-themed activities on Friday and Saturday evenings during market hours. The program includes hakawati storytelling sessions, lantern-making workshops, gaming stations, live Arabic music performances, and appearances by traditional characters.

These activities are designed to help younger visitors experience the cultural aspects of Ramadan through interactive and engaging programs. The storytelling sessions feature traditional tales, while the lantern-making workshops allow children to create their own Ramadan decorations.

The activities run alongside the pop-up market hours, giving families multiple options for how to spend their evenings at the park during Ramadan.

Wellness Sessions Scheduled

The park has scheduled wellness programming at the Evening Garden. A sound bath event is set for February 18 at 5:00 pm, and a full moon ceremony will take place on March 4 at 8:00 pm.

These sessions provide opportunities for reflection and relaxation during the holy month. The sound bath uses various instruments to create calming sounds, while the full moon ceremony offers a mindful practice under the stars.

Additional wellness sessions may be added throughout Ramadan. Details on the schedule and reservations are available on the park's website.

About Umm Al Emarat Park

Umm Al Emarat Park, formerly known as Mushrif Park, is one of Abu Dhabi's largest urban parks, covering 145,000 square meters. The park was originally opened in 1982 and was redeveloped and reopened in March 2015.

In 2016, the park was renamed Umm Al Emarat Park in honor of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

The park features multiple attractions including a botanical garden with over 250 species of trees and plants, an animal barn, children's playgrounds, an amphitheater that accommodates over 3,000 people, and various restaurants and cafes.

Umm Al Emarat Park is managed by Salayel Hospitality and is open daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 am, with last entry at 1:00 am. Regular admission to the park is AED 10 per person, with free entry for children under three and People of Determination.

Aligning with Year of the Family 2026

The Ramadan Nights program aligns with the UAE's Year of the Family 2026 initiative. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan designated 2026 as the Year of the Family to promote family growth and stability as a national priority.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among citizens and residents about the importance of maintaining strong family ties, which serve as the foundation of a resilient and prosperous society. It seeks to promote values of unity, empathy, and cooperation that characterize Emirati society.

The Year of the Family initiative includes three strategic priorities: Roots, which encourages actions that strengthen values and intergenerational bonds; Bonds, which promotes communication and closeness within families; and Branches, which provides practical tools to support family development and wellbeing.

By offering spaces for families to gather and share experiences during Ramadan, Umm Al Emarat Park's programming supports these national objectives. The park provides a community-focused setting that brings families together during the holy month.

The Ramadan Nights program follows the successful launch of similar programming at the park in 2025, which marked the first year the park hosted dedicated Ramadan events. The return of the program reflects its positive reception from families and visitors.

Park officials stated that the program is designed to offer families and friends a series of shared experiences that reflect the values of togetherness, cultural connection, and reflection during Ramadan.

Additional information about the Ramadan Nights program, including updates on schedules and activities, is available at www.ummalemaratpark.ae or through the park's social media account @ummalemaratpark.