RAMADAN IN AN ARABIAN OASIS
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AND TRADERS HOTEL QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI 2019
Ramadan Kareem! Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar which is based on the cycles of the moon. Observances begin in the morning after the crescent moon is visibly sighted, marking the beginning of the new month. Once the crescent is sighted for the month of Ramadan, Muslims from all around the world begin a month of strict fasting; abstaining from food, water and all other consumables from dawn to dusk. Preparation for fasting (sawm in Arabic) begins with a pre-dawn meal called “Suhoor”, where fasting individuals prepare their bodies with enough water and nutrients to last them throughout the day. One must make sure to finish the meal before Fajr (dawn) prayers, which marks the beginning of the fast. The fasting period stands a reminder of the suffering of the less fortunate, to physically and spiritually purify, and to further solidify one’s faith. Once the sun begins to set, the Maghreb (dusk) prayers mark the end of the fast and an “Iftar” meal is served to quench the hunger and thirst. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and dried-fruits or herbal drinks such as Qamar-Al-Deen (dried apricot juice), Karkadeh (hibiscus), or even simple dates with milk.
Celebrate Ramadan With Us
Embrace the spirit of the holy month at Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. From hearing the beautiful sounds of the Athan (prayers) being recited from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the canal to a sumptuous Iftar buffet served at Sofra bld in Shangri-La Hotel for AED250 per person. You may also discover the spirit of the month at Afyä in Traders Hotel with a lavish buffet in a mesmerizing setting for AED125 per person. Book your Iftar at Sofra now and enjoy 25% off during the first 10 days of Ramadan. Golden Circle members can enjoy a 10% discount throughout the holy month. For more information, please contact 02 509 8555 or email restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com. Price is in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charge, local fees and tax.
Ramadan Group Iftar Commemorate the harmony of your team during the holy month of Ramadan with a delicious, team-bonding Iftar in a private dining room including private use of a meeting room, special Iftar menu, Ramadan juices, Arabic coffee, Ramadan decorations and a dedicated staff member for a minimum of 35 guests starting from AED175 per person!
Your Ramadan Business Meetings Lunch meeting during Ramadan? We’ve got you covered. Book a meeting room* and enjoy lunch at Sofra bld along with a coffee break starting from AED212 per person.
Meet & Iftar Tight schedule with an Iftar to fit? Experience culinary delicacies of the holy month at Sofra bld when booking a meeting room* starting from AED235 per person!
Private Villa Iftar Enjoy a Ramadan Iftar set-up inside the privacy of one of our luxurious villas with up-to 20 guests for AED8,000 Don’t miss this exclusive offer - limited availability.
For more information, please contact 02 509 8608 or email events.slad@shangri-la.com. *Bookings are for a minimum of 10 people. Prices are in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charge, local fees and tax.
The Month of Generosity “Ramadan Kareem” - A simple greeting, with a delightful meaning. As “Kareem” translates into generosity, Ramadan is celebrated with good deeds and acts of kindness, such as giving to the less fortunate or donating to charities (zakat), providing food to the hungry or even inviting strangers to share a meal.
Join The Spirit of Giving! Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel are proud participants in the ShareTheMeal initiative during Ramadan, in efforts to fight for a world without hunger. For every Iftar meal consumed, two children will be fed. What an excellent way to embrace the month of giving! About ShareTheMeal ShareTheMeal is the world’s first app against global hunger, an initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger. Each year, WFP reaches 80 million people with food assistance in around 80 countries. WFP is 100% voluntarily funded, so every donation counts.
Where to Wander? With over 10 million** visitors to the capital in the past year, Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of activities and facilities to cater to all families and needs. While it is prohibited by law to eat, drink (with the exception of children) or smoke in public during daytime in Ramadan, there are several restaurants across the town open for either take-away or dine-in services, with Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri being of them! **figure released by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Where to Eat? Sofra bld Indulge in a relaxed dining experience in the midst of an authentic souk ambience, where guests can relish the best of Middle Eastern and International cuisines. Breakfast: 6 to 11 a.m. - AED142 per person Lunch: 12 to 3 p.m. - AED150 per person Iftar: Sunset to 8 p.m. - AED250 per person Dinner: 8:45 to 11 p.m.
Shang Palace Relish in an unforgettable Chinese culinary experience with authentic Cantonese cuisine at Shang Palace. Lunch (Friday and Saturday only): 12 to 3 p.m. Dinner: Sunset to 11:30 p.m.
Hoi An Savour the colourful flavours of Vietnam with a vibrant menu offering the best of traditional and modern dishes. Dinner: Sunset to 11:30 p.m.
Prices are in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charge, local fees and tax.
Pool Bar Relax and unwind by the pool with various snacks and drinks along with a breathtaking view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner: 9 to 2 a.m. Last order: 1:30 a.m.
Bord Eau Experience the taste of France in Abu Dhabi at Bord Eau, featuring a unique approach to cooking whereby exceptional ingredients and traditional recipes are presented with a contemporary twist. Dinner: Sunset to 11:30 p.m. Closed on Saturdays
Lobby Lounge Travel through time with old age dĂŠcor meeting a new age concept at the Lobby Lounge; a place to meet friends and to be seen. An ideal setting to take in breathtaking views from the balcony. Dinner: Sunset to 2 a.m. (1.30 a.m last order)
Afyä The urban-chic Afyä restaurant offers a great food in a casual environment showcasing flavours from all over the world amid modern surroundings. Breakfast: 6 to 10:30 a.m. Lunch: 12 to 3 p.m. Iftar: Sunset to 8 p.m.- AED125 per person. Dinner: 8 to 11 p.m. Price is in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charge, local fees and tax.
Master of Lebanese Cuisine, Joe Barza Experience redefined Lebanese cuisine as Celebrity Chef Joe Barza takes Sofra bld restaurant to the next level, with his exclusive live station showcasing authentic favourites with a modern twist. With more than 30 years of professional cooking and kitchen management experience, Chef Joe proudly positions himself as the Lebanese Terroir Culinary Artist. For Joe Barza, each project is a challenge and a quest to seek new boundaries and to introduce new signature culinary trends; this is why his portfolio is home to over 30 brands of consultancy and endorsement, 100 local and international events participation in 27 countries, and 25 Lebanese Cuisine promotion events in international hotels and culinary establishments. Thanks to Joe Barza, the Lebanese Cuisine today competes on an international scale and is ahead of many world-class kitchens when it comes to taste and quality. Date: 3-8 May 2019 | dinner time only
Ramadan Villa Staycation Discover the joys of the month with your loved ones inside the privacy of one of our villas along with a spectacular Iftar at Sofra bld for up-to 8 guests, 2 shisha in the villa, 15% savings on food and beverage consumption in the villa and an overnight stay for AED4,444.
Stay and Dine Want to enjoy the beauty of Abu Dhabi in Ramadan? Book a deluxe room at Shangri-La Hotel starting from AED850 and enjoy a complimentary Iftar for 2 people at Sofra bld. Or book your Ramadan experience in an urban haven with a stay in a superior room at Traders Hotel starting from AED439 and enjoy a complimentary Iftar for 2 people at Afyä restaurant.
For bookings, please contact 02 509 8888 or email reservations.slad@shangri-la.com. Price is in UAE Dirham and subject to10% service charge, 5% VAT calculated on room rate and service charge, 3.5% tourism fee, 2% municipality fee and AED10 per room per night.
How to Stay Fit and Healthy? During the month of Ramadan, it is almost impossible to turn a blind eye to the delectable array of Arabic sweets conquering every table in town. From sweet Loqaimat, crumbling Basboosa and a flavoursome Oum Ali that simply melts in one’s mouth, to late eating habits accompanying large meals; staying in shape stands as a challenge to many throughout the month. While fasting during Ramadan can improve one’s health, the opposite is also true based on types of food consumed, exercise levels, and maintaining a balanced diet. The key to maintaining and improving health during the fasting period is to remember the essence of the holy month; purification of the body and soul, reaping rewards, increasing spiritual connection, and remembering the suffering of those that are less fortunate. Iftar and Suhoor need to be both wholesome and balanced to replenish the body while providing enough energy to last during the long hours of fasting. To help out, here is a list of suggested do’s and don’ts for the month!
Do’s: • Eat foods high in potassium such as: beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yogurt, avocados, mushrooms, and bananas. • Break your fast with dates as they are considered to be nutrient powerhouses. It is also known to hydrate and rejuvenate the body. • Drink as much water or fresh juices as possible in between Iftar and bedtime to avoid dehydration. • Eat raw nuts as they are rich in essential fats. • Eat hydrating vegetables such as cucumbers and lettuce to help hydrate and cool the body. • Have a protein-rich, fiber-rich and vitamin-rich foods for Suhoor such as eggs, oatmeal, yoghurt and honey.
Don’ts: • Have carbonated drinks; they are high in sugar, increasing risk of obesity along with indigestion. • Have high-sugar foods as they are high in calories with a lack of nutritional value. • Consume fried foods; eating fatty foods after long hours of fasting causes acidity and indigestion. • Consume salty food or caffeinated drinks for Suhoor as they cause dehydration.
Boost Your Health at the Health Club! Exercising during the month of Ramadan is essential to keep the body in healthy shape, maintain/improve stamina, and even weight-loss for those seeking it! While experts have various opinions on when is considered to be the “optimum” time of exercise during the holy month, a “trial and error” is highly recommended for those seeking to hit the gym. As each body operates in a different manner, for some they have seen great results when exercising right before Iftar time in order to ensure hydration and muscle recovery immediately after the workout. Others have seen better results by breaking fast with some dates and water for the body to obtain necessary nutrition prior to the session. A few hours post-Iftar is also a common time for a workout; as the body had time to digest the meal and gain the necessary energy and nutrition. The true guide to your Ramadan workout is your own body; listen to what it has to say and don’t push yourself too hard!
Wondering where to sign up to maintain a healthy body and mind during the holy month? Check out the special Ramadan packages and class schedule at the Health Club, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi!
Six months membership: • Single Membership | AED6,715 • Couple Membership | AED10,875 • Family Membership | AED16,310
Twelve months membership: • Single Membership | AED8,700 • Couple Membership | AED16,310 • Family Membership | AED27,180
Membership benefits: • Full use of Health Club Facilities. • Full use of North beach, North pool, infinity pool and lap pool (for adults only). • Exclusive members rate for personal training, swimming lessons and group fitness. • Discounted rate on family and friends single beach and pool day passes.
Prices are in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charge, local fees and tax.
Relax and Revitalise at Chi, The Spa! The key to beautiful skin and body is taking care from the inside out with consumption of healthy food and ample water to provide enough nutrients and maintain hydration; especially during the warmer summer months. Late nights and fasting can have an adverse effect on your skin and energy level but a little pampering can go a long way towards making you feel more like yourself. To keep your skin healthy, refreshed and rejuvenated enjoy a special “Arabian Cleansing Ritual� package offering a 45-minute Moroccan Hammam followed by a 60-minute signature Asian Blend massage for AED800 during the month of Ramadan. Terms and conditions apply.
Price is in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charge, local fees and tax.
Ramadan’s Etiquette While there are several attractions and activities to do throughout the day, it is necessary to be well informed about a list of common courtesies and rules being observed and implemented throughout Ramadan. • Do accept invitations to Iftar, it is a wonderful way to experience the culture. • Do use Ramadan greetings such as Ramadan Kareem and Ramadan Mubarak. • Do enjoy the traditions of the month, explore the cuisine and especially the desserts! • Do explore the city at night. The city’s vibrant Ramadan spirit is mesmerising after Iftar hours. • Do dress and act modestly. • Don’t eat or drink in public during daylight hours (it is, however, accepted in the hotel’s designated areas and rooms. It is also accepted for children to eat/drink in public). • Do bring dates to an Iftar; it is a wonderful and handy gift!
Abu Dhabi Ramadan Prayer Times Hijri 1440
2019
Day
Fajr AM
Dhuhur PM
Asr PM
Magrib PM
Isha PM
01, Ramadan
6
Monday
4:37
12:19
3:45
6:54
8:01
02, Ramadan
7
Tuesday
4:36
12:19
3:45
6:55
8:02
03, Ramadan
8
Wednesday
4:36
12:19
3:45
6:55
8:03
04, Ramadan
9
Thursday
4:35
12:19
3:45
6:56
8:03
05, Ramadan
10
Friday
4:34
12:19
3:44
6:56
8:04
06, Ramadan
11
Saturday
4:33
12:19
3:44
6:57
8:05
07, Ramadan
12
Sunday
4:33
12:19
3:45
6:57
8:05
08, Ramadan
13
Monday
4:32
12:19
3:44
6:58
8:06
09, Ramadan
14
Tuesday
4:31
12:19
3:44
6:58
8:07
10, Ramadan
15
Wednesday
4:31
12:19
3:43
6:59
8:07
11, Ramadan
16
Thursday
4:30
12:19
3:43
6:59
8:08
12, Ramadan
17
Friday
4:29
12:19
3:43
7:00
8:09
13, Ramadan
18
Saturday
4:29
12:19
3:43
7:00
8:09
14, Ramadan
19
Sunday
4:28
12:19
3:43
7:01
8:10
15, Ramadan
20
Monday
4:28
12:19
3:43
7:01
8:11
16, Ramadan
21
Tuesday
4:27
12:19
3:43
7:02
8:11
17, Ramadan
22
Wednesday
4:27
12:20
3:42
7:02
8:12
18, Ramadan
23
Thursday
4:26
12:19
3:42
7:03
8:13
19, Ramadan
24
Friday
4:26
12:19
3:42
7:03
8:13
20, Ramadan
25
Saturday
4:25
12:19
3:42
7:04
8:14
21, Ramadan
26
Sunday
4:25
12:19
3:42
7:05
8:14
22, Ramadan
27
Monday
4:24
12:20
3:42
7:05
8:15
23, Ramadan
28
Tuesday
4:24
12:20
3:42
7:05
8:16
24, Ramadan
29
Wednesday
4:24
12:20
3:42
7:05
8:16
25, Ramadan
30
Thursday
4:23
12:20
3:42
7:06
8:17
26, Ramadan
31
Friday
4:23
12:20
3:42
7:06
8:17
27, Ramadan
1
Saturday
4:23
12:20
3:42
7:07
8:18
28, Ramadan
2
Sunday
4:23
12:20
3:42
7:07
8:19
29, Ramadan
3
Monday
4:22
12:21
3:42
7:08
8:19
30, Ramadan 4 Tuesday 4:22 12:21 3:42 7:08 8:20 The specific Abu Dhabi prayer times can change daily, depending on the position of the sun.
Eid Mubarak Eid Al Fitr, meaning “festival of breaking fast� falls on the first three days of the month of Shawwal, which varies in date from year to year as it is based on the lunar calendar. The celebrations kick off with early morning prayers, followed by family gatherings and feasts, gift-exchange, buying new clothes, alms-giving and Eidiya; a tradition where the elders of the family give money to children in goodwill.
Celebrate Eid With Us Looking for the perfect family staycation on Eid Al Fitr holidays? Book a suite at Shangri-La Hotel for a family of two adults and up to three children to enjoy an additional complimentary room, including daily buffet breakfast with a starting rate of AED1750, or book your experience at Traders Hotel with a starting rate of AED1075. For bookings, please contact 02 509 8888 or email reservations.slad@shangri-la.com. Price is in UAE Dirham and subject to10% service charge, 5% VAT calculated on room rate and service charge, 3.5% tourism fee, 2% municipality fee and AED10 per room per night.
Celebrate Eid at Sofra bld! Commemorate the happiest of times with your friends and family at Sofra bld with a scrumptious Eid Brunch featuring a joyous activities for children and flavours from around the world starting from AED215 per person!
Concierge, at Your Service! Want to create a booking, have further inquiries, or want to learn more about the spirit of the holy month? Our wonderful concierge team is available to assist you around the clock to help with your every question and need! Call us on 02 509 8888 or email the team at
concierge.slad@shangri-la.com.
Price is in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charge, local fees and tax.
Ramadan Kareem