As Ramadan draws to a close, there is still about a week to enjoy one of the many suhour tents around the city. If you haven’t tried it yet, the Emirates Palace Ramadan Pavilion is certainly one of the more opulent options.

Located on the Palace Terrace, you would never know that you were outside once you made your way down the two escalators and through the air-conditioned walk-way. The tent is enormous, which ensures lots of room for tables both large and small and a lovely airy feel – which can be difficult with shisha being a popular choice during suhour.

If you are a large party go for one of the big round tables that seat 10, more if you squeeze, or opt for one of the more intimate tables that line the walls.

Impeccable service will ease you into your evening. These guys know what they’re doing and can make recommendations if you aren’t sure what you fancy at that moment. But do take your time… suhour is an opportunity to sit back and relax with friends and family, to catch up with the news and indulge in a few treats after fasting the whole day through. So maybe start with a coffee, then a cool glass of Karkadeh – an infusion made with hibiscus flowers that can also be enjoyed hot. Sample some of the traditional Ramadan sweets such as kanefe – pastry vermicelli sandwiching a sweet and stringy cheese, sweetened with sugar syrup – or baklawe. Follow up with a pot of Moroccan tea and then perhaps the sahleb – a sweet and spiced milk-based dessert-drink with nuts, sultanas, coconut and sesame seeds. A Ramadan special, this will certainly ensure you get your calories in a most delicious manner.

If you are hungry, you may be tempted by one of the platters to share – either a mixed meat grill or seafood, both are perfectly cooked and in large amounts. If you have had iftar there are plenty smaller snacks and dishes to chose from, such as shish tawook and a variety of saj. For those who do, you can find popular shisha flavours represented, and very attentive coal-men make sure that it is always bubbling at it’s best.

This is certainly not one of the cheaper options for suhour in Abu Dhabi, but the elegant setting and fantastic service make it a night to linger over and enjoy. Arrive at around 9.30pm to avoid the last of the people enjoying iftar and do book to make sure they can accommodate all of you. For more information or to make a booking call 02 690 7999.

Anna McCormack