- What You Need to Know About Ramadan Street Food Festival
- A Closer Look at the Ramadan Street Food Festival
- Dates, Times, and Locations for the 2026 Dubai Ramadan Festival
- How to Get to Dubai Ramadan Street Food Festival
- The RTA Ramadan Parking Shift System
- Ramadan Street Food Festival vs Other Dubai Events
- Estimated Price Guide for the 2026 Ramadan Street Food Festival
- Make Your Ramadan Festival Visit Stress-Free
- FAQ About Ramadan Street Food Festival
The Ramadan Street Food Festival in Dubai is a month-long event celebrating Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, reflection, and community in Islam. The festival is held every evening at Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama, from Iftar (sunset) until late at night, offering a vibrant, budget-friendly, and genuine alternative to the luxury Ramadan tents found in other parts of Dubai.
| Feature | Details |
| 📍 Location | Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama, Dubai |
| 🕒 Time | From Sunset (Iftar) until approximately 2:00 AM |
| 💰 Entry | Free admission for all |
| 🚗 Parking | Highly limited RTA street parking; free after midnight |
| 🚇 Metro | ADCB Metro Station or BurJuman Metro Station (9–13 min walk) |
| 🥘 Cuisines | South Asian (Indian/Pakistani), Middle Eastern, and Asian fusion |
What You Need to Know About Ramadan Street Food Festival
This section addresses the four strategic questions that define the 2026 visitor experience for the Ramadan Street Food Festival.
The festival literally transforms the streets of Al Karama into a colorful, vibrant, open-air food market, which showcases local eateries and pop-up stalls.
In 2026, it runs from Feb 19 to Mar 18 at Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama, from sunset until around midnight, aligning with Ramadan evenings.
Over 50 restaurants serve traditional Ramadan dishes like biryani, samosas, and kebabs. The atmosphere is lively, with thematic lighting, performances, and carnival-style entertainment starting March 1st.
Metro is cheap but involves walking; taxis are convenient but slow due to congestion. Driving a rental or personal car is flexible, especially for families, but parking requires planning.
A Closer Look at the Ramadan Street Food Festival
Ramadan is the month of fasting for Muslims worldwide. People observing the fast, besides not eating or drinking until evening (Iftar time). Iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast. In fact, the Ramadan Street Food Festival is open to all: not only Muslims but also non-Muslims.
Every evening during the festival in the Sheikh Hamdan Colony district of Al Karama, the streets transform into a lively open-air food bazaar from Iftar until late at night, and many visitors choose to rent a car in Al Karama to explore the diverse street food, live music, and vibrant community atmosphere with ease.
Dates, Times, and Locations for the 2026 Dubai Ramadan Festival
The 2026 festival falls during “Winter Ramadan”, starting around February 18–19, offering some of the most pleasant weather in Dubai for an outdoor event. This makes visiting much more enjoyable compared to summer Ramadans.
Dates:
- Start: February 19, 2026
- End: March 18, 2026
Time:
- Daily Hours: Sunset (~7:00 PM) to 2:00 AM
Location:
- Primary: Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama
- Alternative Venue: Al Karama Park (for stage programs)
Sheikh Hamdan Colony is a grid of residential streets between ADCB Metro Station (Exit 1) and BurJuman Mall. Festival stalls are mainly along Street 8B, 13B, and nearby avenues, forming a walkable loop. For GPS, search “Sheikh Hamdan Colony” or “Al Karama Park” to reach the festival easily.
Peak and Off-Peak Times at the Festival
Understanding the festival’s “rhythm” is essential for optimizing the visit. The crowds follow a predictable pattern based on prayer times and the standard working day during Ramadan.
| Time Window | Crowd Level | Notes |
| 6:30–7:30 PM | Low–Medium | Iftar; good for quick bites |
| 8:00–9:00 PM | Medium | Post-prayer rush |
| 9:00–11:00 PM | Peak | Lively; long queues |
| 11:30 PM–1:30 AM | High | Late-night (Suhoor) vibes |
| After 1:30 AM | Low | Stalls winding down |
How to Get to Dubai Ramadan Street Food Festival
Getting to Al Karama during the festival can be tricky, so here we help to choose your transport based on how many people are in your group and how long you plan to stay.
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Car Rental (Chauffeur) | Families, late-night visitors | Comfortable, flexible, stress-free parking | Higher cost |
| Dubai Metro | Solo travelers, small groups | Cheap, avoids traffic | Walking, crowded |
| Taxi / Ride-Hailing | Couples, short visits | Door-to-door, convenient | Traffic, surge pricing |
Option 1: Car Rental (Best for Families & Comfort)
A Dubai car rental is your perfect choice if you are going out with your family or you plan to stay late. You can get there before Iftar or after midnight, bring the food without any trouble, and later even attend other Ramadan events, all without worrying about traffic or changing metro lines. With a chauffeur car rental, you do not have to worry about parking or busy streets.
Requirements for Tourist Drivers (2026)
- Approved Countries: US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations require a valid home license
- IDP Needed: Visitors from non-approved countries must carry an International Driving Permit
- Minimum Age: 18 to drive; 21+ to rent a car
Option 2: Dubai Metro (Budget-Friendly Option)
The Metro is sustainable and predictable, bypassing heavy road traffic during peak festival hours.
- Stations: ADCB (Exit 1) or BurJuman Metro Station
- Walking: About 9–13 minutes from BurJuman; paths are well-lit but busy during the festival
- Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, or small adult groups
- Drawbacks: Walking and standing can be tiring for families with kids or the elderly
Option 3: Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Quick, Door-to-Door Access)
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber, Careem, or Hala Taxi offer door-to-door service but can face traffic congestion and surge pricing in peak evening hours. They’re often faster to stop at BurJuman Mall or Zabeel Park and walk the rest of the way. Taxis are good for couples or small groups who want convenience without driving
The RTA Ramadan Parking Shift System
During Ramadan 2026, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will implement a two-shift paid parking system to accommodate the change in urban activity.
- Morning Paid Shift: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday to Saturday).
- Iftar Break (FREE): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. This two-hour window is free across all public on-street zones in Dubai, making access easier for those attending Iftar gatherings.
- Evening Paid Shift: 8:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight.
- Overnight (FREE): 12:00 Midnight – 8:00 AM. This is a critical insight for festival-goers; if one arrives for Suhoor after midnight, parking is entirely free.
Parking Availability in Al Karama
| Parking Type | Availability | Strategic Tip |
| On-Street (Zone C) | Extremely Low | Only viable if arriving before 5:00 PM or after 1:00 AM |
| Zabeel Park Lots | Moderate | A short walk from the food street; more likely to have spots |
| BurJuman Mall | High | Paid parking after initial free period; safe and convenient |
| Multi-Storey Lots | Constant | Always paid (24/7); no free Iftar window applies here |
Ramadan Street Food Festival vs Other Dubai Events
If you only have a few nights to explore, it helps to compare the Karama festival with other popular Ramadan markets in the city.
| Market | Entry | Food | Highlight | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karama Street Food | Free | South Asian & Middle Eastern | Community vibe | Hard (limited parking) |
| Global Village | ~Dhs 30 | International (250+ outlets) | Weekend fireworks | Easy (large parking) |
| Hai Ramadan (Expo) | ~Dhs 150 | Iftar & Suhoor buffets | Dome projections & storytelling | Moderate |
| Al Seef Markets | Free | Arabic & fusion | Creek fireworks & drones | Very hard (congested) |
| Moonlight Market | Free | Trendy pop-ups | Modern vibe & local vendors | Moderate |
If you’re after authentic flavors and a wallet-friendly experience, the Karama festival takes the crown. While Global Village is all about spectacle, Al Seef showcases traditional architecture, and Karama gives you a real glimpse of how Dubai residents celebrate Ramadan.
Estimated Price Guide for the 2026 Ramadan Street Food Festival
Here’s a simple snapshot of what you can expect to pay for food while exploring the festival. It’s very affordable compared with regular sit‑down meals in the city. At this festival, you’ll find tiny snacks starting at AED 1 and full meals around AED 20, which are much cheaper than full iftar buffets at hotels.
| Item Type | Typical Price (AED) |
| Snacks & small bites | AED 1 – 15 |
| Full plate meals (e.g., biryani, grills) | AED 12 – 20 |
| Traditional drinks (tea, fresh juices) | AED 1 – 10 |
| Desserts & sweet treats | AED 5 – 15 |
Tip: Carry small cash bills (AED 5, 10, 20), many smaller stalls prefer cash to speed up orders, even though larger spots might accept cards.
Make Your Ramadan Festival Visit Stress-Free
The Ramadan Street Food Festival is one of Dubai’s most authentic and lively cultural experiences. It’s a chance to see the city’s multicultural spirit up close, all within the charm of its historic neighborhoods. If you want to explore Dubai’s Ramadan nights without the stress, a little planning goes a long way. Traffic, parking, and crowded streets can easily turn an exciting evening into a frustrating one.
Renting a car during Ramadan gives you flexibility and peace of mind. Arrive before Iftar, hop between festivals, and leave late without worrying about taxis or crowded Metro rides. Check out Saadatrent AE for family-friendly cars, SUVs, or chauffeur services that make your festival nights smooth and fun.
FAQ About Ramadan Street Food Festival
Yes! Admission to the Ramadan Street Food Festival in Al Karama is completely free for everyone.
Absolutely. The festival is family-friendly, with a dedicated Carnival Zone, games, and arts & crafts pavilions for kids.
No. Festival stalls only open at sunset for Iftar. Eating in public during daylight hours is generally not allowed in Dubai, so the event follows local Ramadan rules.
Take the Metro to ADCB Station and enjoy a 10-minute walk. Driving with a car rental can be a good option because you can arrive before 5:30 PM for easier parking or after midnight when charges end and crowds thin.
Yes. Since the festival takes place during Ramadan in an Islamic country, all vendors serve 100% halal-certified ingredients.
Limited public street parking exists, but spaces fill up fast. Peripheral lots near Zabeel Park or BurJuman Mall are good alternatives.
