THE ARCHITECT: Ali Mohammadioun, founder of Eplus Atelier
“For me, Ramadan is a reset spiritually and personally. It brings clarity, discipline and a stronger sense of connection to family and community. It’s a time I cherish because of the atmosphere. There’s a calm during the day and a beautiful energy at night that feels collective and grounding. During Ramadan, I prefer keeping it to intimate, quiet days, meaningful evenings and Iftar shared with close family or friends. As for my work, I become more sensitive to light, space and mood. I enjoy visiting galleries and reflecting on how design shapes gathering and emotion.”
Advice for Ramdan: Protect your energy. Be intentional with your time and generous with your presence.
Where to enjoy Iftar: Gerbou.
Hopes for 2026: That we carry the patience, empathy and discipline of Ramadan into the rest of the year.
Favourite Ramadan activity: Evening gallery visits, quiet acts of giving, evenings in the desert, and spending time writing.
THE ENTREPRENEUR: Nisreen Bajlis, founder of Mysk
“Ramadan means slowing down, taking a step back from the chaos and frivolity of life to reflect on what matters. I spend it with family and friends, in prayer and trying to be consistent in worship. It’s also about preparing food and decorating our home, something my daughter is very involved with, as I explain the tenets of the Holy Month to her. The sounds of Ramadan are the most special: hearing the Qur’an come from the speakers of shops in old Abu Dhabi; the sound of the Adhan over the mosque speakers; the call to prayer; the Iftar canon… At Mysk, we create memorable and meaningful moments, especially during Ramadan. This year, we’ve created a humble majlis to encourage guests to break fast in a communal manner on the floor, with a design to espouse nostalgia, memory, and encourage togetherness.”
Where to enjoy Iftar: Usually at home, but also at Beit Al Khetyar in Abu Dhabi. I love its simplicity and authenticity, and the late-night buzz during Ramadan is truly special.
Hopes for 2026: That suffering in all forms and for all of humanity ends, and that my children will grow up in a safer, more compassionate world.
Favourite Ramadan activity: Taraweeh prayer at Sheikh Zayed Mosque with family and friends.
THE CHEF: Salam Daqqaq, founder of Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam
“Ramadan feels like home to me. Faith, family and being grateful for what you already have. Growing up, it was when the house felt fullest; food cooking all day, coming in and out, long evenings around the table. That feeling never really left me. Now, we spend Ramadan in the kitchen or around the table. It’s where I felt most present. The moment just before Maghrib, when everything pauses for a second, is my favourite part of Ramadan. Iftar doesn’t need to be complicated. I like starting slow. Dates, soup, something warm after a long day. Then the rest follows naturally. What matters is that people feel comfortable enough to stay, talk and be themselves. Ramadan is about hospitality before anything else. At Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam, we try to make people feel like they’re coming into someone’s home. During Ramadan, many dishes we serve come straight from my mother’s kitchen. They carry more than technique.”
Advice for hosting: Do not overdo it. Keep the food honest and comforting. Ramadan tables are not about how full they look, but how calm they feel.
Where to enjoy Iftar: At home with my granddaughter. It is very special to see her enjoy this month with us.
Hopes for 2026: That we keep choosing kindness. More time around the table, more respect for traditions that connect us. And to keep sharing our Levantine food and stories with the next generation.
Favourite Ramadan activity: Simple evenings at home – eating, talking and letting the night unfold naturally.
THE DESIGNER: Maha Abdul Rasheed, founder of Bambah
“Ramadan is a reset button and a beautiful opportunity to slow down and become more connected with my time, thoughts and energy. Spiritually, it’s very grounding, and I love the spirit of giving and collective kindness that feels unique to Ramadan. Dressing for Ramadan is about grace and ease, such as kaftans that move beautifully and feel comfortable from Iftar to Suhoor, with thoughtful details and subtle embellishments. Hosting iftar at home feels very special, as there’s something so meaningful about opening your doors and bringing people together. I enjoy creating a warm, beautiful setting in the garden with candles, flowers and a thoughtfully set table. Nothing too overwhelming, just inviting, cosy and intimate.”
Ramadan dressing: It should feel natural, not forced. Lean into comfort without losing elegance or personality, with soft layering, statement earrings or a tailored kaftan.
Where to enjoy Iftar: My house!
Hopes for 2026: To carry some of Ramadan’s spirit into the rest of the year, with more presence, meaningful moments, compassion and understanding in the world.
Favourite Ramadan activity: I enjoy walking on the beach right before sunset and right after sunrise.
