Iftar, the breaking of the fast after sunset, is observed throughout Ramadan, and the way Iftar is celebrated can vary across each region. Here are some of the Itfar traditions across the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

UAE: A blend of tradition and modernity

In the UAE, Ramadan is a month filled with social gatherings, especially when it comes to Iftar. Iftar is traditionally broken with dates, water, and Arabic coffee, followed by a lavish buffet that includes dishes like lamb machboos, harees (a wheat and meat dish), and samboosas (fried pastries filled with meat or vegetables).

Sweets and dessert options like kunafa (a cheesy dessert soaked in syrup) and luqaimat (fried dumplings) are often enjoyed in abundance. Community Iftars, often held in large tents or outdoor venues, are a hallmark of Ramadan in the UAE, emphasising hospitality and generosity.

Egypt: A family-centred tradition

In Egypt, Ramadan is predominantly a family affair, and the Iftar meal is one of the most significant events of the day. Egyptians break their fast with dates, followed by a bowl of lentil soup, a staple at Iftar. This is often followed by dishes like stuffed grape leaves (warak enab) and grilled meats.

Egyptian sweets, particularly qatayef (stuffed pancakes with nuts or cream) and basbousa (semolina cake), are enjoyed throughout the evening. The call to prayer at sunset is met with families and friends gathering around the table to enjoy a meal together, a tradition that reflects the warmth and unity of Egyptian culture.

Lebanon: A feast for the senses

Lebanese Iftar is a vibrant celebration of flavours, often beginning with a spread of mezze, small, shareable dishes that include hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and tabbouleh. The Lebanese pride themselves on their use of fresh ingredients, so Iftar dishes are often light yet bursting with flavour.

Main dishes such as grilled kebabs or lamb with rice are common, followed by sweet treats like atayef (sweet stuffed pancakes) or maamoul (shortbread cookies filled with dates or nuts). Lebanese Iftar gatherings are not only about the food but also the lively conversations and the strong sense of family and community.

Morocco: A spicy, flavourful Iftar

In Morocco, Iftar is a grand affair, typically starting with dates, water, and a glass of refreshing milk. A signature dish of Moroccan Iftar is harira, a lentil, lamb, and chickpea soup. Another favourite is briouats, fried pastries filled with meat or cheese. 

Moroccan Iftar also often includes chebakia, a sweet sesame pastry drenched in honey, and sellou, a flour-based sweet that’s eaten as a snack. Iftar in Morocco is often enjoyed with family, followed by prayers and socialising with friends and neighbours, making it a deeply communal experience.

Saudi Arabia: Traditional and rich flavours

Saudi Arabian Iftar is a blend of traditional and modern dishes, reflecting the nation’s long history and diverse culinary influences. Like many other countries, the meal typically starts with dates and water. Popular dishes include kabsa, a spiced rice dish with meat or chicken, and jareesh, a wheat-based dish with lamb. The dessert table often includes a variety of cakes, sweet pastries, and traditional delights such as mutabbaq, a stuffed flatbread. Families come together for Iftar, creating a warm atmosphere where guests are invited to partake in the meal, sharing in the blessings of Ramadan.

Though Iftar traditions differ across the Middle East, one thing remains constant, the spirit of generosity and unity. Whether in the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, or Saudi Arabia, Iftar is a time to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and celebrate the blessings of Ramadan. These regional differences only add to the richness and diversity of the Ramadan experience, making it an incredibly special time of year for Muslims across the Middle East.