During the holy month of Ramadan, UAE airlines Emirates and Etihad delight travelers with an impressive array of traditional Arabic dishes, making their in-flight and lounge experiences truly special. As Muslims around the world observe fasting, these airlines not only offer a range of iftar meals but also ensure that the significance of Ramadan is reflected in their services. With the aim of fostering community and connection, Emirates and Etihad serve Ramadan dishes that emphasize culinary heritage and hospitality.
Emirates is committed to enhancing the travel experience for its fasting customers by providing thousands of meal boxes both onboard and at boarding gates, featuring a variety of traditional Ramadan dishes available in their lounges.
At the Emirates Lounges in Dubai International Airport (DXB), guests can indulge in an assortment of Arabic sweets, dates, and aromatic coffee, creating a festive atmosphere during Ramadan.
Highlighting Emirates and Etihad Ramadan Dishes
The menus in the First and Business Class lounges display a rich selection of classic dishes that cater to the tastes of the season:
- A selection of hot and cold Arabic mezze
- Lentil soup
- Arabic mixed grill with tahina
- Lamb mandi served with dakous and coriander mint raita
- Chicken machboos with cucumber yogurt sauce
- Pistachio kunafa
- Halawet al jibn
- Esh bulbul with lotus
- Basboussa ashta
- Cheese kunafa
- Walnut kathayef
- Chocolate baklava
Additionally, Emirates lounges in Cairo and Jeddah are also celebrating Ramadan with a variety of widely cherished iftar dishes. The lounges offer dedicated prayer rooms and ablution facilities, ensuring a serene environment for worshippers observing the fast.
To ensure guests have a seamless iftar experience, Emirates has initiated complimentary iftar boxes at select boarding gates. These boxes contain essentials like water, laban, a banana, and dates, helping to break the fast comfortably.
For precise scheduling of iftar and imsak timings while in-flight, Emirates employs an innovative tool that determines the correct time based on the aircraft’s location relative to sunrise and sunset, enhancing the observance of fasting for Muslim passengers.
As the sun sets, the announcement of iftar time comes from the captain, ensuring passengers are mindful of their fasting commitments.
For those breaking their fast, Emirates provides nutritionally balanced Ramadan meal boxes across all cabin classes on select routes. These thoughtfully designed boxes showcase geometric patterns characteristic of traditional Islamic art and include an array of delicious treats alongside substantial options like wraps filled with chicken zaatar, lamb shawarma, and halloumi cheese.
Etihad Airways, on the other hand, brings the essence of Emirati traditions onboard for guests across the globe during this Ramadan. The airline warmly invites travelers to partake in the festivities, ensuring a taste of Emirati culture right at their seats.
According to Turky Al Hammadi, Director of Product and Hospitality at Etihad Airways, “Each year, Ramadan gifts us the opportunity to share beloved traditions and flavors inspired by the Emirati hospitality we embody, bringing a sense of community to our guests around the world.” He elaborated on how the airline has aligned its offerings with the UAE’s Year of Community to foster connection and togetherness, essential qualities of this sacred month.
“We are honored to offer our guests an exclusive and thoughtful experience this Ramadan. Etihad Airways understands the significance of this sacred time, and our carefully curated Ramadan menus are designed to provide comfort, tradition, and elevate our food and beverage experience,” Al Hammadi remarked. The airline is dedicated to serving guests a culturally rich culinary journey showcasing authentic Emirati flavors and Ramadan favorites made from fresh, regional ingredients, reflecting its commitment to quality and sustainability.