Iftar with A Giraffe? This UAE Staycation Is Ramadan’s Wildest Experience Yet

Ramadan in the UAE is always a sight to behold. Excessively elaborate Iftar buffets, glittering night souks, and midnight suhoors that last till the wee hours—have you ever considered breaking your fast with a lion watching over you?

At Emirates Park Zoo & Resort, that's what they're serving. This special Ramadan staycation is the chance to put the glass towers of the city behind and indulge in wildlife, nature, and an Iftar accompanied by some very exotic dinner guests.

Forget stuffy banquet rooms and five-star buffets that break the bank. This is Iftar with a twist—where the soft hum of the oud is replaced by the distant roar of a big cat, and your post-Iftar stroll might involve feeding a giraffe instead of walking around a mall in circles.

Welcome to Ramadan's Most Unexpected Staycation

Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is an indulgence-adventure-conservation haven. This isn't just some ordinary family resort—this is a sanctuary where you'll rise to see the sight of an elephant walking across the horizon or take your morning coffee as a peacock sways by.

From AED 395 staycation packages, you are not having a just plush room. What is excellent is the genuine article: up-close, engaging you with over 1,125 animals. And if you splurge for the premium package, you have Iftar against the night sky while enjoying an animal presentation, i.e., fasting-breaking among some of the world's best creatures.

Ramadan Nights at the Zoo

If a night's stay is not in the cards, then Ramadan Nights at the Zoo is an experience that turns a regular evening into a night to cherish. For AED 320 per adult and AED 190 for kids, guests enjoy an all-inclusive Ramadan experience like no other.

Imagine having Iftar at a lavish buffet, only to be interrupted by the arrival of a giraffe graciously hovering above the dining area. Live acts keep the night alive—picture captivating Tanoura dancers, oud performances, hair-raising fire acts, and the pulsating rhythms of African drummers.

For families, this is where the magic of Ramadan happens. Kids get to try out bouncy castles, horse riding, and all-you-can-watch animal shows, while the adults soak up the atmosphere, a great mix of faith, celebration, and unadulterated natural beauty.

More Than Just a Staycation—This is Ramadan, Reimagined

Ramadan doesn't have to be about fasting alone—it's about connection, reflection, and making memories. And what better way to do that than sharing the evening with animals that remind us of the beauty of the world beyond our city walls?

For those in need of a break from the drudgery, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is not an option but an experience that lingers long after the last Iftar plate has been cleared.

And as seats are scarce, you might wish to pre-book a place before others get to enjoy the Iftar-sharing experience with a giraffe.