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Exploring The Majlis at the Dubai World Trade Centre

Looking for an authentic, no-frills iftar experience?

From iftars with a twist to fusion affairs to à la carte menus and even vegan iftars (which are currently on the rise in the region), Dubai has no dearth of offbeat options for discerning diners. But, as they say, when in Rome (eat) like the Romans do and so I decided to ditch the road less taken in favour of the classic Arabian experience this week. The Majlis, at Dubai World Trade Centre, seemed to offer exactly what I was looking for.
I knew that the iftar was taking place at Za'abeel Hall 6 but somehow I wasn't prepared for the vastness of the space. With chairs and tables spreading out as far as the eye could see and two buffet counters at each end, the space is cavernous. Great for big groups but there is something less intimate about tables laid out in this manner as well.
We were expecting classic Arabian fare and The Majlis delivered on this promise. In the centre of the hall lay the appetisers - hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, moutabel and a variety of breads the perfect way to begin the meal. There's even a shawarma station so you don't miss the streetfood. The buffet comprised traditional Arabic dishes like harees and lamb mandi alongside some international favourites like butter chicken, salmon in lemon butter and a live pasta station. Arabic with a touch of international flair - this is Dubai, after all.
TASTE (3/5)
The meal definitely started out on a good note. We loved the variety in the mezze section and the flavours were truly authentic. A special shoutout to the shawarma! The buffet was pretty standard - no
complaints, but nothing quite stood out either.
AMBIENCE (2.5/5)
The Majlis is a makeshift iftar experience and you can definitely see the effort that has gone into giving it that Arabesque vibe. But it is an exhibition centre at the end of the day so expect exposed pipework ceilings, no windows and a massive dining space.

SERVICE (3/5)
The staff were quick to seat us and, aside from asking for our drink requests, were happy to leave us be - standard for a buffet, of course. Used plates were cleared on time, drink orders were brought promptly. But some explanation of the food is always appreciated.
PRESENTATION (3/5)
The buffet and appetiser sections were standard. The desserts were, by far, the best presented. We were disappointed that the dishes (at the buffet and the appetiser section) didn't have name cards, which made it hard to discern what we were eating.
VALUE FOR MONEY (3/5)
At Dh165 for adults, this is competitively priced. The location is central for all and the ample space ensures that this is perfect for larger
groups and even corporate events. All things considered, this is a good contender for a classic experience.
janice@khaleejtimes.com