The festival will take place from February 19 to March 18 in 2026. This guide will explain to you what the festival is and we will also tell you what food is available, and what to look forward to when you visit this refreshing festival.
Overview of the Ramadan Street Food Festival
The Ramadan Street Food Festival is a seasonal market that is held in Karama, Dubai. It is supported by the city as part of the Ramadan programme of Dubai. The event brings together more than 50 food stalls and small restaurants right in one place. It is the prettiest place to experience the beauty of Ramadan while enjoying the most wholesome foods.
The food is mainly street food from South Asia and the Middle East. The vendors put up their pop-up stalls along the street. The people visit after iftar to eat and walk, and spend some time outdoors.
The festival is completely open to families, residents, and visitors. Furthermore, there is no entry fee.
Why The Festival Attracts Visitors During Ramadan
There are many people who choose this festival instead of eating outside or attending hotel iftar tents. The environment is informal. There is no fixed seating or set menu. The visitors can freely try food from different stalls and also stay for as long as they want.
The area is always busy late at night. People often visit when they are done with their taraweeh prayers. The festival basically reflects how Ramadan nights are usually spent in the older residential areas of Dubai.
Festival Dates, Location, and Daily Timings
The festival runs for around two and a half weeks during Ramadan and you will find it each year.
2026 dates
- February 19 to March 18, 2026.
- These dates fall within the first half of Ramadan.
- It is announced as part of the official Ramadan calendar of Dubai.
Location
- Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama.
- Karama is known for Indian and Pakistani food.
- The area is easy to reach by public transport.
Daily timings
- It opens after iftar.
- It closes at around 2:00 AM.
- The peak hours are usually between 9:00 PM and midnight.
| Time (PM–AM) | Estimated Rush |
| 7–8 PM | Low |
| 8–9 PM | Medium |
| 9–10 PM | High |
| 10–11 PM | Peak |
| 11–12 AM | High |
| 12–1 AM | Medium |
| 1–2 AM | Low |
How The Festival Fits Into Dubai’s Ramadan Events
The Ramadan Street Food Festival is listed under the Ramadan in Dubai programme. It runs alongside other city events which are also a part of this season, like the Ramadan at the Park and Hai Ramadan at the Expo City.
The Karama festival is simpler and not like the mall or Expo-based events you usually see. It focuses on the food and community rather than those curated dining experiences. The feeling you will get will likely be very homely and heartwarming here.
Food Options Available At The Festival
So basically the food is the main reason people visit this festival. The stalls represent cuisines that are commonly found in Karama.
- How many food stalls take part
- Over 50 food stalls and restaurants.
- Mostly local eateries.
- Includes dessert and drink vendors.Types of cuisine you will find
The festival mainly includes:
- South Indian food from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Pakistani grilled dishes and curries.
- North Indian snacks and chaat.
- Arabic shawarma and kebabs.
- Ramadan desserts and traditional drinks
| Cuisine Type | Number of stalls |
| South Indian | 15 |
| Pakistani | 10 |
| North Indian Chaat | 8 |
| Arabic | 12 |
| Desserts & Drinks | 5 |
This variety suits both residents and visitors and is mostly loved by everyone.
Food items commonly sold
There are some food items that are available every year.
Main food
- Biryani.
- Parotta with curry.
- Kebabs and grilled meats.
- Samosas and fried snacks.
Desserts and drinks
- Pazham pori.
- Payasam.
- Sulaimani tea.
- Fresh juices and ice lollies.
| Dish | Popularity Index |
| Biryani | 10 |
| Parotta with curry | 9 |
| Kebabs | 8 |
| Samosas / Chaat | 7 |
| Pazham pori | 6 |
Moreover, there are many visitors who come late at night for some light meals or just snacks.
| Item Type | Approx. Proportion |
| Snacks | 60% |
| Full Meals | 40% |
Typical food prices
The festival is known for affordable food.
| Item | Price range |
| Small snacks | 1 to 15 AED |
| Full meals | 12 to 20 AED |
These prices are lower than what you will usually see at the hotel iftar buffets.
What The Festival Atmosphere Is Like
The festival includes basic entertainment and decoration.
General setting and layout
- Ramadan lights across the street.
- Open walking areas.
- Best for families and children.
Entertainment and performances
Visitors can look forward to:
- Live music and small performances.
- Roaming entertainers.
- Art and craft stalls.
Art and cultural booths
- Henna artists.
- Calligraphy booths.
- Small gift vendors.
These are the little things that add to the market setting and brighten up the whole atmosphere without being overwhelming and people really love them.
How This Festival Compares To Other Ramadan Venues
Difference between the festival and hotel iftar tents
If we compare this festival to the hotel venues, this is what you will see:
- Costs less.
- It is more casual.
- The festival allows the visitors to choose food freely.
- It does not even require reservations.
Other Ramadan markets in the UAE
There are other emirates, such as Sharjah, that host Ramadan markets with a stronger focus on Emirati traditions. The Karama festival is more focused on street food and mixed communities.
Final Thoughts
The Ramadan Street Food Festival in Karama is a simple and accessible Ramadan event in Dubai. It runs every night after iftar until around 2:00 AM and it is free to enter. You will find more than 50 food stalls and low prices here. It is a really amazing and heartwarming alternative to the hotel and mall-based Ramadan dining.
The festival will run from February 19 to March 18 in 2026. And it is a regular part of the Ramadan calendar of Dubai that you will see happening every year.
