Ramadan Happenings

The National Newspaper
Last Updated: August 22. 2009 12:14AM UAE / August 21. 2009 8:14PM GMT


There is much to experience socially during Ramadan beyond iftars. Shops, spas and art galleries have special shows or deals timed for the holiday.
Here’s a selection:

Fashion suhoors at Soirée: The Dubai boutique is hosting weekly showcases of abayas, jalabiyas, shalwar kameez and evening dresses for Ramadan and Eid. You can browse new collections for the holiday by designers such as Mehdi, Maheen Karim and Wafa Saifi, and enjoy refreshments in a Ramadan tent. Every Tuesday starting in September at 8pm, Villa No 11, main Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, 04 349 4995

S*uce’s Ramadan Shopathon: The annual event will showcase the latest fashions by more than 20 emerging local and regional designers at stands outside the Village Mall shop. (There will also be a small stand in the Marina Mall store in Abu Dhabi.) Watch for works by Essa, Nadine Kanso, SugarVintage, Jake&Gigi, Chamaille, Petite Marie and more. September 10-11, 7.30pm-1am at the Village Mall location, Dubai, 04 344 7270

Ramadan Art Bazaar at Ghaf Gallery: Works by a group of artists, curated by Sumayyah al Suwaidi. Starting August 23 and running until September 7, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 02 665 5332The Farjam Collection’s Ramadan exhibition: The gallery is hosting its inaugural exhibition with “The Holy Quran”, a collection of rare Qurans, including one copied by the 19th-century female calligrapher, Omm-e-Salameh; as well as a remarkable scroll containing the entire Quran. DIFC, Gate Village 4, 04 323 0303

SensAsia Urban Spa offer: You’ll get 20 per cent off your treatments for 12 months if you open up a spa account (a deposit of Dh1,000) during Ramadan. The Village, Jumeirah Beach Road, 04 349 8850, or at The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 04 422 7115Footprints spa offer: Free half-hour back or foot massages with any treatment you book during Ramadan and Eid. Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 443 7375

Saks Fifth Avenue contest: If you spend Dh5,000 at their Dubai stores from August 22 to September 20, you’ll get the chance to win a trip for two to Six Senses Destination Spa in Phuket, Thailand.