Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a month-long calendar of cultural events, activities, and workshops for Ramadan 2025, offering residents and visitors enriching experiences that celebrate the spirit of the holy month.
As part of its commitment to preserving and promoting Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage while fostering creativity and community engagement, DCT Abu Dhabi has curated a diverse programme that highlights the emirate’s traditions, arts, literature, and culinary heritage. Whether through immersive storytelling, thought-provoking discussions, or hands-on workshops, these events enable visitors to connect with the essence of Ramadan in meaningful and memorable ways.
Here is a selection of activities to get you into the spirit of Ramadan.
HERITAGE
Ramadan’s Harees
Al Ain Oasis, every Friday during Ramadan
Experience a revival of the traditional custom of preparing and distributing the “Harees” during the Holy Month of Ramadan from the houses of Sheikhs to neighbouring citizens, relatives and the needy. We invite you to taste this Emirati dish that is considered as the centrepiece of the Ramadan table, and to know more about its ingredients and how it is prepared.
In 2023, Harees was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For more information, visit here.
Before Suhoor
Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, every weekend until March 15
Experience the essence of the Holy Month of Ramadan at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, the newest cultural site in Al Ain City and enjoy a variety of entertainment with family and friends. Enjoy Arabesque Nights from 8pm to 1am, including Emirati Night: “Saifa, Asa, and Sama’a’ on March 2; Syrian Night: “Takat Souria” on March 7; Women’s Night: “Women’s Quartet” on March 8 (ladies-only evening); Pakistani Night: “Qawwali Art” on March 14, and Iraqi Night: “Melodies from the Tigris” on March 15.
In addition to these nights, enjoy Ramadan Games, taking place every evening from 8pm to 12am. Indulge in the delightful atmosphere of Ramadan at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa as you share game sessions with your loved ones, playing classics such as chess and Carrom. In addition to guided tours around the house, enjoy a variety of food stalls, Emirati businesses, and more!
Entry is free and open to all.
For more information, visit here.
Al Jahili Traditional Games Championships
Al Jahili Fort, 12 – 15 March 2025, 9pm to 12am
Al Jahili Traditional Games Championships will take place at Al Jahili Fort, brining to life and celebrating Emirati cultural heritage. Enjoy a variety of activities, including individual and group games, open challenges for the public, exhibition showcasing traditional games, interactive educational and art workshops, and food stalls and coffee shops. What’s more, winners of the games stand a chance to win prizes.
For more information, visit here.
Ramadan at Al Dhafra Fort
Al Dhafra Fort, 11 – 12 March 2025, 6pm
Al Dhafra Fort is offering a series of activation programmes inspired by the holy month of Ramadan. Expect a range of activities, from iftar gatherings to panel discussions held by the Al Dhafra Youth Council, Kids’ Traditional Attire Contest, children’s activities, workshops, food and beverages and much more.
For more information, visit here.
Ramadan Nights at Heritage Village
Heritage Village, 14 – 21 March 2025, 8:30pm to 12am
Embark on a cultural journey through the rich traditions of Ramadan at Heritage Village. This immersive experience invites the community to explore and celebrate the cultural heritage of the UAE through interactive entertainment, educational workshops, and authentic culinary experiences.
For more information, visit here.
COMMUNITY
Ramadan at Al Hosn
Al Hosn Site, 8 – 23 March 2025
Experience Ramadan at Qasr Al Hosn where you will recall the memories rooted in our past, when the people of Abu Dhabi gathered to celebrate the holy month. The programme includes various activities and entertainment suitable for the whole family, including Majalis Ramadan, food and beverage pop-ups, community events, entertainment and workshops, and retail shops.
For more information, visit here.
Panel Discussion: Thirty Years and Thirty Stories and More by MAKTABA
Cultural Foundation, 8 March 2025, 10pm
Nujoom Al-Ghanem and Asma Al-Mutawa in a session celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Salon Al Multaqa literary platform in Abu Dhabi.
For more information, visit here.
Book Discussion: “The Prophetic Etiquette” by MAKTABA
Zayed Central Library, 15 March 2025, 10pm
Join us for a discussion session on the book ‘Prophetic Etiquette’ with author Dr. Ghosna Al-Amri, exclusively for women, and explore the etiquette values mentioned in the Prophet’s biography.
For more information, visit here.
Panel Discussion: The Language of the Qur’an and the Early Beliefs of the Ancient Arabs by MAKTABA
Cultural Foundation, 20 March 2025, 10PM
A conversation between Dr. Nizar Qublan and Reem Al-Kamali.
For more information, visit here.
Ramadan Arcade
Manarat Al Saadiyat, 15 – 25 March 2025, 9pm to 2am
Ramadan Arcade Nights return for another season, bringing you the ultimate community experience. Celebrate the spirit of togetherness in a modern setting, featuring a fan-favorite mix of arcade and board games, tournaments, live performances, comedy shows, art installations, and creative workshops — all curated by our vibrant creative community. Bonus points — indulge in a wide selection of Suhoor delights to complete the experience.
For more information, visit here.
Talk: Al Ain in the Memory of its People by MAKTABA
ZOI Café, 14 March 2025
Celebrating World Poetry Day with Mohammed Al-Neyadi, Al-Hath Al-Kuwaiti, and Sheikha Al-Jaberi.
For more information, visit here.
Ramadan Islamic Philosophy Talks
Louvre Abu Dhabi, 8 and 15 March 2025
This Ramadan, explore the profound influence of Islamic thought at two compelling talks, held in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi Institute. Setting the stage for each discussion, Dr. Lamya Tawfik will bring the Hakawati tradition to life with captivating storytelling performances, immersing audiences in the rich oral heritage of the Islamic world. Delving into philosophy, literature and ethics, these talks highlight how Islamic ideas have shaped global narratives, influencing both Eastern and Western storytelling traditions.
Entry is free, but prior reservation is required. For more information, visit here.
Literary session with Author Dr. Omar Al Amiri by MAKTABA
Al Bahia Library, 13 March 2025, 10pm
Dr. Omar Al Amiri will talk about his journey with writing and the role of reading in his emergence as a writer, short story author, and novelist.
For more information, visit here.
WORKSHOPS
Suhour wa Fanoon: Abstraction through Monoprint with Khalid Al Banna by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Cultural Foundation, 13 March 2025
This Ramadan, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi presents a vibrant programme led by UAE artists, featuring interactive workshops that celebrate societal connection and introspection. Join artist Khalid Al Banna for a hands-on monoprint workshop, where participants will experiment with innovative techniques to create one-of-a-kind prints. Monoprinting is a dynamic and expressive printmaking method that involves applying ink or paint to a surface and transferring it onto paper or fabric. Guided step by step, participants will explore a variety of tools and materials, learning how to design, layer, and experiment with colour and texture to produce their own unique artworks.
For more information, visit here.
Suhour wa Fanoon: Abstract Calligraphy with Diaa Allam by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Cultural Foundation, 18 March 2025
Join artist Diaa Allam for a workshop exploring abstract calligraphy, inspired by the shape and form of Arabic letters. In this session, participants will discover the beauty of Arabic script in abstract form, moving beyond traditional calligraphy and exploring personal expression. Known for his flowing and dynamic compositions, Diaa Allam will guide participants step by step through the interplay of brushstrokes, colour, and movement as participants experiment with different techniques and materials to create their own personal and expressive pieces.
For more information, visit here.
Suhour wa Fanoon: Exploring Abstract Architectural Drawing with Asma Belhamar by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Cultural Foundation, 20 March 2025
Explore abstract architectural drawing in this workshop led by artist Asma Belhamar. Through a fusion of structured techniques, Asma will teach drawing styles that explore the relationship between space, form, and abstraction. Participants will experiment with stencils to create intricate shapes and patterns, while also incorporating free-drawing techniques and painting. Asma will demonstrate how to combine these approaches to create expressive, dynamic landscapes.
For more information, visit here.
