Ramadan 2015.

Ramadan has now begun. It’s the holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar which last for 29-30 days. There are 1.6 billion Muslims in the world and for a month their life changes. Ramadan is when the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar based on the lunar cycle, which began in AD622, when Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina.

During daylight hours, Muslims do not eat or drink because fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting isn’t just about giving up food, it’s a time to understand and help those who are less privileged than you, and to get your family and friends together to indulge in amazing Iftar feasts, and there are some wonderful events and menus to celebrate:

The Asateer Tent at the Atlantis is where you can enjoy oriental entertainment and a wide array of buffet dishes and traditional Iftar delicacies. The tent, which can accommodate over 800 people, is only open during Ramadan, and looks over the Arabian Sea. It’s a beautiful setting, from the candles gently flickering around pools filled with rose petals to the grand egg-shaped chandeliers in the main dining area. There’s a wide selection of cold mezzeh, with about 25-30 different choices from pizzas and pastas to biryanis and kebabs. It’s a fantastic place to kick back, relax and enjoy the glitz and glam of Dubai.

Café Rouge at the Medinat Jumeriah is certainly something unique. During Iftar it offers a three-course French meal. To begin, diners are served dates and a Jallab drink, before diving into a set menu, with the following highlights: Café Rouge Salad, Soupe à l'Oignon ,Poulet Breton, Confit Canard and the chef’s dessert selection. This restaurant chain is very popular in the UK and is renowned for its honest French cuisine.

Three amazing words. The Cheesecake Factory. Need I say more? For me this place is heaven on earth. Even though its name may suggest it’s just a cheesecake parlour, don’t be fooled. It’s much, much more. The menu is the size of a hefty book, with a staggering 200 different options. Dishes range from buffalo wings to wasabi crusted tuna, plus 16 different types of pasta, seafood specials, steak chops, salads and sandwiches. Now breathe. The cheesecake is sold in hefty wedges rather than slices too. Just a word of warning this restaurant can get extra busy during Ramadan so if you don’t get a chance to go, this place is good for a feast at any time.

Ramadan Kareem everybody!