Dubai is gearing up for Ramadan in Dubai 2026, and this year, the city’s evening culture will be more vibrant than ever. While Ramadan 2026 in Dubai itself is expected to start around February 19, 2026, several events begin earlier, including the much-anticipated Street Food Festival Dubai, which kicks off on February 16.
Street Food Festival & After-Iftar Eats
The Ramadan Street Food Festival returns to Sheikh Hamdan Colony with a lively evening atmosphere from February 16 to March 18, 2026. Free to enter and open daily from after iftar until late at night, the festival brings together dozens of vendors and more than 100 restaurants offering affordable dishes, often starting at just AED 5.
From traditional kebabs and regional specialities to popular international bites, the festival captures the spirit of communal dining and late-night social energy that has become one of the most popular Ramadan food festival experiences in the city.
The venue also incorporates entertainment and family-friendly experiences, making it one of the top things to do in Dubai during Ramadan for both locals and visitors alike.
More Ramadan Evenings to Explore
Beyond Karama’s food trail, Dubai’s broader Ramadan calendar is packed with evening-focused programs designed around post-sunset gatherings. Highlights include:
- Ramadan by the Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall, featuring drone shows, cultural experiences, and waterfront dining from February 18 to March 28 2026.
- Global Village’s Ramadan program, “Ramadan Wonders,” will run from 18 February to 18 March 2026, blending global food, retail and cultural performances throughout the holy month.
These events reflect an emphasis on shared experiences and community-centred evenings across the city.
Cultural context for Ramadan in Dubai 2026
While nights shine with flavour and activity, Ramadan remains fundamentally a period of reflection and togetherness. The city’s official calendar balances culinary experiences with communal spaces, cultural programs, and public celebrations that connect tradition with contemporary Dubai life.
From street food trails in Karama to illuminated waterfront evenings, Ramadan in Dubai 2026 offers both cultural depth and plenty of post-iftar exploration, making it a season worth experiencing after sundown.
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