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IN DEPTH: Ramadan rendezvous

Ramadan tents across the Emirates represent a confluence of traditions and modernity.

How about getting up, close and personal with Burj Dubai this Ramadan? Maybe, a sumptuous post-iftar dinner with friends and family in an exquisite Ramadan tent while relishing the towering presence of the world’s tallest building nearby? You can get a taste of the upcoming downtown high living if you drop in at the tent set up by Emaar at the heart of the Burj Dubai Boulevard, close to the Old Town Island.

The spot of white in the dusty boulevard also mirrors how contemporary lifestyle and traditions can peacefully coexist. “The holy month of Ramadan is also a celebration of the spirit of true Arabian hospitality and camaraderie. Therefore, we have welcomed Ramadan with a special tent that reflects the dynamics of our developments in Dubai --- urban yet rooted in tradition,” says Saif Al Mansoori, sales director, Emaar Properties.

“Emaar has a rich history of conceptualising Ramadan tents that are the talk of the town. This year too, we decided to make a difference. Our objective was to create a design that was unique but also incorporated traditional touches. This was to reiterate the achievement of Burj Dubai, which is currently the world’s tallest free-standing structure,” says an Emaar spokesperson.

He adds, “By having a Ramadan tent that overlooks the Burj Dubai - located within our master-planned mega project, Downtown Burj Dubai, we decided to have a unique design that reflects the character of the entire development.”

The tent skilfully mixes traditional art with modern stylistic elements. Blending with traditional Arab motifs are the modern contemporary décor in blue and white, complete with stylised leather chairs and glass tables. A melodious performance by an oud player is another traditional aspect of the tent that can accommodate about 250 people at a time. In addition to these, comfortable seating arrangements, delectable cuisine (there are set menus that cost between Dh 120 and Dh 165 per person), live music and the whole ambience has been designed to foster the feeling of togetherness, according to the Emaar spokesperson. “Apart from the balanced mix of traditional Arab architecture and contemporary downtown lifestyle, the tent has some of the most exclusive views in Dubai today. Overlooking Burj Dubai and the other projects within Downtown Burj Dubai, the tent gives a sneak preview of Dubai’s emerging skyline,” he says.

The tent remains open for visitors from 9 pm to 3 am every day. Manoeuvring the tortuous route through the concrete buildings in the area off the Shaikh Zayed Road, residents pour in droves to have a cool evening at the tent. “It usually gets chock-a-block with people after 10 pm. So we advise that people should reserve seats at the tent,” says an official at the tent, adding that people have come to know about the tent primarily by word of mouth. “We have also sent SMSs to Emaar clients. People visit the tent from various parts of the UAE,” says the official.

The crowd is usually a mixed one, comprising people belonging to various nationalities. But predominantly it’s a yuppie gathering.

For the young crowd, Ramadan gives a unique opportunity to mingle with friends and peers. “Ramadan gives an opportunity to catch up with old friends,” says Rifaa, a fashion stylist, who likes to spend Ramadan evenings with her group of friends at various tents in big upmarket hotels across the city. “The Emaar tent is quite funky and very upper class! What I particularly like about the tent is its modern look,” she adds.

Charity is the essence of Ramadan

In keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan, which is a time of giving and sharing, free iftar tents have been set up in various parts of the Emirates to offer food to thousands of people during the holy month. Some tents have been set up by individuals or communities in various areas. In addition to these, charity organisations like the UAE Red Crescent Society and big companies like Etisalat have drawn up elaborate iftar programmes too. They also distribute zakat among the poor.

Al Imam Mohammed, who’s in charge of the iftar tent in Sharjah’s Al Oroubah Street, says more than 300 poor people, most of them working in the Rolla Market area, come to the tent to have iftar provided by a number of people as part of their charitable endeavours. “The iftar meal is prepared by a restaurant which brings the food to the tent every day at 5pm to be distributed among the poor and to be sent to a large number of poor families in the area,” he says.

Ibrahim Al Awadi, an official at the Shaikh Zayed Mosque in Ajman, says, “The most blessed month in the Muslim calendar is characterised by prayers, fasting and charity, a time when we ought to be loving and caring towards the needy, irrespective of their religion. Over 500 workers and poor people come ever day to have iftar at the tent. Meals are also being sent to many prisons in the country to be served to all prisoners regardless of their religion.”

In Dubai, Al Futtaim tents are providing iftar meals to around 3,000 people per day. Al Amin Jumma, a visitor at one such tent, says, “I never used to go to any such tent in the past because I used to have my iftar at a restaurant. But, this Ramadan the food prices at restaurants and cafeterias have shot up to such an extent that I can’t afford it any more. So, I prefer to go to the Al Futtaim tent to have Iftar and break the day’s fast with a community meal. Allah bless those who provide iftar for poor people like me.”

Adil Al Marzouqi, a religious scholar at the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities department, says, “People in the UAE are known for their hospitality. Setting up tents to provide the people with food is an old UAE tradition that reflects the generosity of the UAE people. The number of Ramadan tents is increasing with each year across the country. We also encourage the young generation to keep alive their ancestors’ religious and traditional practices.”