In its third and most ambitious edition yet, Hai Ramadan 2025 at Expo City Dubai solidified its reputation as one of the UAE’s most cherished seasonal cultural events.  

Against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Al Wasl Plaza’s iconic dome, this month-long celebration welcomed over 50,000 visitors, embracing the true spirit of Ramadan—uniting faith, community, and culture through a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences.    

Over the years Hai Ramadan has evolved into a beloved tradition deeply embedded in the rhythm of Dubai’s cultural calendar with the 2025 edition offering an inclusive platform where residents, tourists, and families could immerse themselves in Ramadan’s essence.  

From communal iftars and nostalgic Emirati souks to theatrical performances and hands-on activities, Hai Ramadan offered a multi-sensory experience that honoured tradition while creating new memories for all ages.  

The Concept   

The name Hai Ramadan, derived from the Arabic word “Hai” meaning neighbourhood or welcome, captures the event’s core purpose: creating a shared space filled with warmth, belonging, and togetherness.  

Bringing this vision to life, Expo City Dubai was transformed into a vibrant Ramadan neighbourhood.

Traditional architecture, glowing lanterns, and inviting majlis seating set the tone for an environment designed to foster connection, reflection, and hospitality for all. 

As visitors explored the space, culture and tradition were thoughtfully embedded at every turn. The ceremonial firing of the Iftar cannon offered a powerful symbol of unity, marking the moment families gathered to break their fast. Meanwhile, interactive zones and live storytelling sessions across the venue brought the spirit of Ramadan to life—offering immersive, accessible experiences for all ages. 

This layered programming allowed guests to move fluidly through a range of moments, from enjoying Iftar beneath Al Wasl Plaza’s illuminated dome, to listening to tales at Dukan Yado, and browsing a bustling souk filled with handmade crafts and regional delicacies. Together, these elements created a rich, multi-sensory journey that celebrated the holy month in all its dimensions. 

At the heart of Hai Ramadan is a strong commitment to inclusivity. Children were invited to explore through creative workshops, games, and a unique token-based system that rewarded curiosity and engagement. Families found space to come together meaningfully, while visitors from all backgrounds shared in a welcoming atmosphere of generosity, learning, and celebration. 

In blending tradition with contemporary experience design, the event succeeded in reimagining heritage—not as something static or distant, but as something vibrant, relevant, and deeply resonant with today’s diverse audience. 

Highlights

The crown jewel of Hai Ramadan was undoubtedly “Iftar Under the Dome” — a one-of-a-kind communal dining experience at Al Wasl Plaza, curated by TGP Catering.   

Each evening, up to 1,000 guests gathered beneath the dome’s illuminated canopy to break their fast, surrounded by panoramic projections and the resonant call to prayer.   

Chefs Meera Al Naqbi and Michell Nassar led the culinary direction, blending cherished regional dishes with contemporary flair. Alongside the public Iftar service, TGP also delivered 93 private and corporate bookings for government entities and high-profile clients including MBC and TikTok. Later in the evening, Suhoor offered a more relaxed format, featuring elegantly served mezze and grilled selections under the stars. 
 
As the event’s F&B lead, TGP Catering also oversaw a broader event strategy that catered to a wide range of preferences.

From premium dome dining and private bookings to a lively outdoor food market featuring over 20 kiosks and carts, the offering was both diverse and accessible.

Crowd favourites like Salt drew consistent queues with their signature sliders, while traditional vendors served Emirati staples such as luqaimat and regag, bridging generational tastes. 

A playful in-event currency, Floos, added an interactive layer for families, making purchases seamless while enhancing guest engagement. TGP Catering further enriched the offering through its own branded carts, including a Cheesy Pasta Wheel Station, Luqaimat cart, and Dolma station — each proving popular throughout the month. 

Complementing the culinary journey was a robust line-up of cultural programming. Families gathered for “The Quest to Find the Moon,” a captivating stage show featuring Rashid and Latifa. The Firdaus Ensemble brought the dome to life with orchestral renditions of Arabic classics, while visitors explored vibrant souks, paused for Ayallah dance performances, or listened to storytelling sessions under the stars — all contributing to a rich, community-focused atmosphere. 

Despite peak weekend attendance exceeding 5,000 guests, the event remained well-coordinated and accessible. Clear signage, stroller-friendly pathways, and coordinated zoning ensured smooth navigation across Expo City Dubai’s expansive site. Programming was also paced in consideration of prayer timings, allowing for a thoughtful rhythm between activity and reflection.  

A strategic marketing approach, supported by editorial features across regional and international titles, helped maintain visibility and engagement throughout the month. Outlets such as Condé Nast Traveller, Time Out Dubai, What’s On, Cosmopolitan Middle East, and Architectural Digest highlighted Hai Ramadan as a notable addition to Dubai’s seasonal calendar, helping the event achieve key commercial outcomes:  

- Over 15,000 covers served throughout the event 

- AED 390,000 in F&B revenue generated 

- Consistently high footfall across TGP’s branded activations 

- Steady corporate group bookings, reflecting ongoing trust in service delivery