BY KHAMIS AL BALUSHI
This Ramadan, head over to Swissotel Al Ghurair in Dubai for a staycation full of delicious iftar and suhoor offerings. Bound to satiate each diner’s palate, Oman Magazine left the low-lying rooftops of Muscat for the shiny skyscrapers of Dubai.
Swissotel, as the name suggests, offers the epitome of fast and efficient service, paired with a local Emirati narrative. The interiors boast a several storey grandeur, with exaggerated high ceilings and warm wood detailing. Marbled floors and the feeling of ‘space’ are what welcome you on arrival and guide you to the check-in desk. After a long journey (by road, might I add) it was a welcome surprise to be taken to the fifteenth floor and shown to my suite. A spacious and breathtakingly situated room, with uninterrupted views of the iconic Dubai skyline. Despite my several attempts to capture the sight, it really is a view that cannot be captured, and one that must be experienced when staying in Dubai.
After a short rest and awaiting the sunset, it was time to explore the evening feasts on offer at Liwan restaurant, serving both traditional Arabic and International cuisine. Offering an all-you-can-eat Iftar, featuring a blend of Arabic, Mediterranean, Indian and International buffet selection, guests can indulge in a selection of Arabic cuisine featuring hot and cold mezze, salad, Dolma and a wide range of succulent meat cooked to perfection such as Lamb Ouzi. You can also enjoy a delicious sushi counter and an extensive dessert station, showcasing all-time favourites such as umm ali, basbusa, Mohalabia, dolma and assortments of swiss chocolates and pastries. There’s even an Arabic Luqaimat live station to satisfy your sweet tooth, of which, I have several. The evening flowed with soulful rhythms of live Oud players and copious refills of sweet hot tea.
Date: Daily, throughout the month of Ramadan
Time: Sunset to 9 pm
Price: AED 165, Children at between the ages of six (6) and twelve (12) dine at half price and children five (5) and below eat for free.
Having enjoyed a rather generous iftar, I decided to talk a walk and experience some of the local attractions, before heading back to the hotel to try out Shayan Restaurant for Suhoor…
This Iranian eatery is a heaven for meat lovers who are certainly in for a gastronomic treat. Our waiter recommended a selection of delicious and sumptuous dishes as Ash e reshte soup, mirza ghasemi, kashke bademnjan and many more. We understand why this popular Iranian restaurant is such a hit with locals and guests. Having dabbled with as many delicacies as possible, it was time to retire for the night, however we were told that we had missed out on the ‘Meter Kebab’ – precisely as the name suggests, a larger than life meter-long Persian grilled kebab. I will surely save that for next time.
Date: Daily, throughout the month of Ramadan
Time: Sunset to 9 pm
Price: AED 199. Children at between the ages of six (6) and twelve (12) dine at half price and children five (5) and below eat for free.
The following morning after a ridiculously comfortable long night’s sleep, it was time to head out and explore the local area. Packed full of trendy eateries and bazaar-style markets, Al Ghurair is an area for eating, shopping and soaking up the exciting atmosphere of history-rich Deira. With the newly developed Al Ghurair mall boasting high street fashion brands and fast-casual restaurants, it conveniently adjoins to the entrance of Swissotel, for the perfect combination of retail therapy and hotel relaxation.
With Dubai’s twinkling skyline on the perimeter, a staycation at Swissotel Al Ghurair presents the perfect spot to stay and unwind, whilst being ‘a mere stones throw away’ from the hustle and bustle of city life. As a writer, I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to experience Dubai, whilst having a spot of respite after long days uncovering the delights of this dazzling city.
Until the next time…
