One of Dubai’s most popular neighbourhood Ramadan events is back. The Ramadan Street Food Festival Karama opens February 19 and runs nightly through March 18, 2026, bringing more than 100 restaurants and stalls to Sheikh Hamdan Colony. Dishes start from Dh5 and the festival stays open from iftar until about 2 am.
The festival offers a budget-friendly, community-first Ramadan option. It gives families, students and night-shift workers a late-night place to eat, socialise and enjoy local culture. The event also complements Dubai’s wider Ramadan calendar by spotlighting grassroots food culture.
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Festival Dates and Daily Timings
Venue: Sheikh Hamdan Colony
When: 19 Feb – 18 Mar 2026.
Daily hours: From sunset (iftar) until approx. 2:00 a.m..
Peak crowd: 9 pm–12 am.
Organisers split the run into two phases: a soft launch and stall setup from Feb 19–28, and a full entertainment programme from Mar 1–18. Entry is free; visitors pay only for food.
100+ Restaurants and Affordable Pricing
More than 100 eateries line the lanes. Expect strong South Indian, Pakistani, North Indian and Arabic street-food traditions. Popular items include biryani, parottas, kebabs, chaat, samosas, Ramadan sweets, fresh juices and Sulaimani tea.
Prices: signature items start at Dh5. Small snacks generally range from Dh1 to 15. Full meals like biryani or grill platters are typically Dh12–20+. Prices vary by stall, and many visitors share small plates to sample more.
Community Iftars and Shared Dining Initiatives
A highlight this year is the emphasis on shared dining. The festival hosts 18 scheduled community iftars and recurring long-table iftars on selected evenings. Seating is picnic style and works on a first-come basis. A family-friendly carnival zone offers games and activities for children.
Live Entertainment and Cultural Activations
From March 1, nightly entertainment steps up. Visitors will see:
- Live music and cultural acts (evening slots).
- Roaming performers, LED stilt walkers and traditional dancers.
- Henna booths, Arabic calligraphy and interactive craft stalls.
The programme is designed to enhance the food experience, not overshadow it.
Part of Dubai’s Ramadan Programme
The Karama festival runs alongside the city’s official Ramadan programme. It offers a grassroots, wallet-friendly alternative to hotel and mall iftars — a real street vibe many residents favour. For the official programme context, see Visit Dubai.
