Before I came to Dubai, I’d never heard the word “iftar”. During Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, followers go without food and drink from dawn until sunset. Then they break the day’s fast with an evening meal called iftar.
My favorite iftar was at the rooftop restaurant of the Gevora Hotel, which was the world’s tallest hotel at the time. My boyfriend took me there, and I still smile when I think about how magical the experience was.
Trying a day of fasting
It was my first time fasting for a full day during Ramadan. I wanted to take part in the experience, so I made myself a good to-do list for the moment I woke up. I figured if I had things to work on, the hours would pass more quickly than if I sat around thinking about food and water. The plan worked. Fasting was not as difficult as I expected, though I only did it for 1 day.
Iftar above the city
By the time we reached the restaurant, I was very excited about iftar and the feast. I remember sitting and talking with my boyfriend until it was time to eat. The view stretched toward the Burj Khalifa and across Dubai. The restaurant had multiple indoor and outdoor levels, a light breeze moving through the space, beautiful Ramadan lights, and live Arabic music.
There was a sumptuous buffet, and the gahwa (Arabic coffee) was delicious. We started with dates and water, then took our plates to the buffet. I had arrived with an ambitious appetite and a long list of things I wanted to try.
But, my stomach had other plans. I filled up much faster than I expected and remember wishing there was a way I could make room to try ALL of the delicious dishes.
The part I’ll always treasure
The evening felt special from beginning to end. I loved the lights, the music, the city view, and the sense of gathering around a meal as a nice reward for the discipline shown during the day’s fast.
I was grateful to share in it as a guest and to have tried fasting myself.
I only fasted for 1 day, so I won’t pretend to know what observing Ramadan for a whole month feels like. But that day helped me understand a little more of the discipline involved. Going without food and water takes commitment, and I came away with a lot of respect for the people who practice it.
