Offering culture, food and family-friendly activities, Expo City Dubai gears up to host community Hai Ramadan celebrations

UAE residents and visitors can look forward to a host of cultural and traditional experiences, family-friendly activities, tempting iftars and suhoors and a vibrant artisanal market this holy month as Expo City Dubai hosts Hai Ramadan.

Expo City Dubai will again be home to the Iftar Cannon, with a single shot fired to notify everyone of iftar timings each evening. Worshippers will also be able to access a dedicated mosque located in the Sustainability District for all prayers, including Isha and the later Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.

A cultural interpretation of the Arabic word hai, which means both ‘neighbourhood’ and ‘welcome’, Al Wasl Plaza will be at the heart of Hai Ramadan’s celebrations, infusing the surroundings with an enchanting atmosphere that invites visitors to embark on a spiritual journey filled with nostalgia. As the sun sets, Al Wasl Plaza will come to life with a series of stunning immersive projections curated especially for the month-long event, including the spellbinding Immersive Story Time with Al Wasl. During this session, Al Wasl herself will narrate special stories about the prophets to children gathered at the dome.

Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director – Entertainment & Experiences, Expo City Dubai, said: “The arrival of the holy month of Ramadan fills us with a sense of anticipation and joy as we get ready to celebrate this time of reflection and gratitude. Expo City Dubai’s family-orientated Hai Ramadan will bring together people of all nationalities to our community-focused city to commemorate some of the Islamic world’s most notable traditions.”

Younger visitors will love the warm welcome from Expo City mascots Rashid and Latifa – who will star in the Quest to find the moon theatrical show in Al Wasl Plaza – while immersive workshops and games that teach the values of Ramadan, such as kindness and compassion, encourage children of all ages to embrace the spirit of the holy month.

Reflecting the joy of breaking fast and sharing a meal with a loved one during the holy month, visitors can also indulge in a variety of delicious food and beverage across the site. Iftars, suhoors and Ramadan treats will be on offer at more than 20 outlets and food carts, together with specially curated corporate iftars (starting at AED 275 per person); scenic iftars open to everyone at the Surreal water feature (AED 220 adults, AED 95 children aged 6-12, free for children aged five and under); family-friendly iftars at the newly opened Oasis Food Hall (starting at AED 150 for adults, AED 90 children aged 6-12, free for children aged five and under); and a unique iftar and suhoor menu at Al Wasl Plaza Café.

Visitors are invited to explore the lively souk offering handmade crafts, traditional garments and Ramadan-themed items, as well as a ‘Grandmother’s Supermarket’ or Dukan Yadoo, where children can buy candy using tokens obtained from a traditional ‘Floos Bank’ – a popular payment system – and enjoy a unique arcade gaming experience courtesy of Magic Planet UAE.

Hai Ramadan runs daily from 1700-2400. Entry is free for guests with iftar and suhoor bookings, or AED 20 per person, free for children aged five and under, with tickets available soon on platinumlist.net and at the venue. For more information, please visit expocitydubai.com.