A touch of Turkish extravaganza from the Ottoman era is what guests at the Rixos The Palm Dubai can experience during this Ramada at the resort, which is located on Dubai’s iconic man made island The Palm Jumeirah. 

The Sutlan’s era is the theme for this Ramadan Tent as Breaking Travel News roving reporter Phil Blizzard discovered.

As soon as I entered Qasr Al Sultan I was transported back to another era - a period when time drifted by more slowly, where people broke their fasts at this very spiritual time of year with board games and shisha, while reflecting back on life.

This gentle breaking of the fast is what I witnessed at Qasr Al Sultan.

The tent has been designed to reflect the elegance of the Sultan’s palace with its drapes of vibrant coloured silks, glass chandeliers suspend above the main dining area, a relaxing majlis for smoking shisha (hubble bubble pipe) and quiet conversation.

Alongside this a stage for a small band to perform during the late evening Sohour meal - accompanied by Ottoman and Middle Eastern rhythms.

Meanwhile, soccer fans can watch live action from the FIFA World Cup on monitors around the tent - during both Iftar and Sohour.

As for Iftar, the meal began with water, dates and assorted dried fruits along with the laban - a salty milk drink and also fruit juices made from watermelon, apricots and the tamar hind - using the spice tamarind.

In separate glasses and not all mixed together I’m pleased say.

Following that fast breaking start to Iftar there was a full ‘buffet’ - a wide variety of dishes from across the Middle East, with a special emphasis on Turkey.

So plenty of doner and other kebabs, along with the popular ‘ouzi’ - a whole lamb cooked very slowly on a bed of rice with an assortment of spices and sprinkled with nuts.

During the Iftar meal I was joined by Mouhamad Hadla who is the hotel manager at The Palm Dubai and he said: “Ramadan for is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship.

“It is simply the time of the year where we become much more forgiving and start appreciating all the good and pleasant things in life.

“It is a complete way of life, sense of unity, gathering of friends, family and expression of genuine feelings.

“For our team it is the synergy of respect, commitment, improvement and unity that leads to such a phenomenal experience during Ramadan.”

He then suggested I try the desserts - and what an array!

From numerous international dishes, to delight everyone with a sweet tooth, to the regional dishes such as the rice pudding called locally ‘Umm Ali’ - coming from Ali’s Mother! 

Plus, and no Sultan’s Palace would be complete without a copious array of silver platters overflowing with baclava and the ‘must have’ Turkish Delight.

Finally, to cool off the evening the world famous Turkish Maras Ice Cream, followed by Turkish tea, making this an Iftar fit for a Sultan.

More Information

Rixos The Palm Dubai has been recognised by the World Travel Awards World’s Leading Lifestyle Resort.

More information can be found on the resorts official website.