How to Keep Your Restaurant Busy During Ramadan in Dubai

Running a restaurant in Dubai during Ramadan is like preparing for a grand feast every evening. The city transforms, streets are quieter during the day, but come sunset, the energy shifts. Families, friends, and colleagues gather for Iftar, looking for a place to share a meal and make memories. For restaurant owners, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Yes, the daytime crowd thins out, but with the right strategy, you can make Ramadan one of your most profitable months of the year. With the right menu, smart marketing, and operational efficiency, you can turn this holy month into a period of unprecedented success.

The key is understanding the shift in dining habits and catering to them with precision. Here’s how you can make the most of it.

1. Crafting menus that matter

Ramadan isn’t just about eating, it’s about breaking the fast with nourishing, fulfilling meals. Diners are looking for comforting dishes that replenish energy and keep them going for the long fast ahead. They seek flavors that evoke nostalgia, meals that balance indulgence and nutrition, and offerings that reflect the spirit of the season.

Think of Iftar as a grand welcome back to food. Offer set menus featuring both Middle Eastern favorites and international dishes. A good mix of protein, fiber, and hydration-focused foods ensures your guests leave satisfied. Consider adding traditional Emirati dishes as limited-time specialties to create excitement and nostalgia. And since many people dine in groups, family-style platters can encourage larger orders while creating a warm communal atmosphere. The more you cater to the cultural and emotional aspects of dining during Ramadan, the stronger your connection with customers will be.

For Suhoor, it’s a different story. Many diners prefer lighter meals that are easy to digest before the fast begins again. Smoothies, oatmeal, protein-packed wraps, and yogurt parfaits are great additions to your menu. The goal is to offer something for every type of diner. Customizable options, such as build-your-own Suhoor bowls or protein-rich platters, allow customers to tailor their meals according to their preferences.

2. Managing the Iftar rush

If you’ve been in the restaurant business in Dubai during Ramadan, you know the chaos that can unfold at sunset. Everyone arrives at the same time, expecting their meal to be ready instantly. To keep things smooth, reservations and pre-orders can be game-changers.

Encourage customers to book their tables in advance by offering perks like early-bird discounts or complimentary appetizers. Letting customers pre-order their meals not only helps with kitchen efficiency but also ensures a seamless dining experience. Another smart move is to stagger seating times, this prevents the kitchen from being overwhelmed and keeps the dining experience enjoyable for all. Implementing a well-structured table turnover strategy can maximize revenue without compromising service quality.

Staff preparedness is crucial. Train your team to handle the influx of guests with efficiency and warmth. Having a well-planned workflow, pre-arranged Iftar platters, and a fast yet personalized service approach can make all the difference. Additionally, providing customers with small touches, like prayer spaces or designated areas for families, can enhance their experience and encourage loyalty.

3. Boosting delivery and takeaway services

Not everyone wants to eat out, especially families who prefer a cozy Iftar at home. This is where takeaway and delivery services come in. A strong delivery strategy can help capture a significant portion of the market that prioritizes convenience.

Consider offering pre-packed Iftar and Suhoor meal kits with easy reheating instructions. Weekly or monthly meal plans can attract customers looking for a hassle-free Ramadan dining experience. Partnering with popular delivery platforms like Talabat, Zomato, and Deliveroo can expand your reach, and ensuring on-time deliveries, especially for Iftar, will build trust and loyalty. Offering exclusive Ramadan discounts and bundling meal packages can further entice customers to order frequently.

Additionally, introducing contactless delivery options and pre-scheduled meal deliveries can make your restaurant a go-to choice for those who prefer planning ahead. With personalized packaging, branding elements, and a seamless ordering process, you can turn a simple delivery into a memorable dining experience at home.

4. Smart marketing that stands out

With so many restaurants competing for attention, a strong marketing strategy is essential. Visual storytelling works wonders during Ramadan. Share behind-the-scenes kitchen preparations, showcase your Iftar spread, and highlight customer experiences on social media. Engaging with food bloggers and influencers can amplify your reach, giving potential customers a real feel of what to expect. Collaborations with influencers who share their personal Iftar experiences at your restaurant can create a strong buzz.

Email and SMS campaigns are also effective. Send personalized Ramadan offers, menu highlights, and booking reminders to your existing customer base. To encourage repeat visits, introduce limited-time loyalty programs, maybe a free dessert on their third visit or a discount on bulk Iftar orders. Running a Ramadan contest or giveaway on social media can also drive engagement and attract more diners.

5. Creating an unforgettable experience

A restaurant’s ambiance plays a big role in drawing customers in. During Ramadan, a warm, welcoming atmosphere can make all the difference. Soft lighting, Arabic décor, and traditional music can create a cozy setting that diners appreciate. Adding a unique cultural touch, like live Oud performances or themed dining experiences, can make your restaurant stand out.

Offering complimentary dates and water at the table is a small gesture that goes a long way in enhancing the customer experience. And since service speed is critical at Iftar, training your staff to handle the rush efficiently ensures happy customers who are more likely to return. Thoughtful details, like personalizing customer greetings or providing Ramadan-themed souvenirs, can leave a lasting impression.

6. Tapping into corporate catering

Ramadan isn’t just about family gatherings, businesses also host Iftar events for their employees and clients. Corporate catering can be a lucrative opportunity if you position yourself right.

Offering tailored Iftar packages for businesses, providing bulk order discounts, and even arranging on-site catering services can significantly boost revenue. Many companies look for reliable partners who can deliver exceptional service, so ensuring quality and timely delivery is key. Personalized corporate catering solutions, such as branded packaging or custom menu options, can help you secure long-term partnerships with businesses.

7. Adapting to Ramadan hours

Shifting your operational hours to align with Ramadan dining habits can make a big difference. Staying open later for Suhoor diners and adjusting staff schedules to accommodate peak hours ensures a smoother operation. Preparing popular dishes in advance can help manage the dinner rush without compromising on quality. Offering a late-night menu with exclusive Suhoor specials can attract a niche crowd looking for unique dining experiences.

8. Giving back to the community

Ramadan is a time of giving, and customers appreciate brands that contribute to the community. Partnering with local charities to donate meals, offering discounts for frontline workers, or sponsoring community Iftars are meaningful ways to give back while strengthening your brand’s reputation. Hosting a “Pay It Forward” initiative, where customers can buy a meal for someone in need, can create goodwill and reinforce your restaurant’s commitment to social responsibility.

9. Analyzing performance and making adjustments

No strategy is perfect from day one. Throughout Ramadan, track sales, monitor peak hours, and gather customer feedback. Identify your best-selling dishes and optimize your menu accordingly. If something isn’t working, whether it’s a particular menu item or a delivery strategy, be agile and adjust as needed. Reviewing customer reviews and making real-time improvements will enhance your restaurant’s reputation.

Setting Up for Success

Ramadan is a time of reflection, gathering, and generosity, but for restaurant owners in Dubai, it’s also a time of immense business potential. By offering the right menu, optimizing operations, and engaging with the community, you can turn this holy month into one of your most successful seasons.

At RAG, we specialize in helping businesses navigate Dubai’s dynamic market. Whether you’re launching a new restaurant or looking to refine your strategy, our in-depth market research and business setup services ensure you make informed decisions that drive growth. Let’s turn the challenges of Ramadan into opportunities—together.