During Ramadan, ayala troupes and Emirati dancers perform after iftar, never during the fasting day, and the sets are shorter: about 15 to 20 minutes, to fit around prayer and dinner. You can book a troupe for a hotel Ramadan tent, an iftar or suhoor gathering, a corporate iftar, a majlis evening or an Eid al Fitr celebration in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Hotel demand rises sharply in the holy month, so book at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
Price: an ayala troupe of 4 to 6 performers usually costs AED 3,500 to AED 6,000, and 8 to 12 performers AED 6,500 to AED 10,000. Ramadan carries a premium over these ranges. See all prices.
Ramadan 2027 dates
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, with Eid al Fitr at the end of the month. The exact dates follow the moon sighting. If you already know your evenings, send them now and adjust them later if the calendar moves. For several nights in a row, or the whole month in a hotel tent, list every date in your first message.
Ramadan events we book for
- Iftar gatherings. A short set once guests have broken the fast and dinner is served. Ayala adds a traditional, meaningful moment to the evening.
- Suhoor evenings. A later set in a relaxed tent or majlis.
- Hotel Ramadan tents. Repeat evenings across the month, after iftar service.
- Corporate iftars. A welcome or a short set for staff and clients, from a boardroom iftar to a large hotel tent. See corporate events.
- Majlis gatherings. A smaller troupe of 4 to 6 for a family or community majlis.
- Eid al Fitr. Lunches and evening receptions once Ramadan ends.
Timing after Maghrib
The performance starts only after the call to Maghrib prayer and the iftar meal. Timing shifts later in the evening across the month, as the sunset moves. Agree the start time, the load-in time and where the troupe waits with your venue. Keep each set short, about 15 to 20 minutes, so guests can eat, rest and pray without the evening feeling rushed.
The right dance for the month
Choose a calm, dignified style for Ramadan evenings. Ayala with its chanted poetry, or the slow and formal Al Razfa, suits the mood of the holy month. Many hosts keep the faster, louder sets, such as yola rifle spinning, for Eid. Agree the volume of the drums with your venue, especially in a tent close to other guests. Live musicians such as an oud or qanun player can follow the dance with soft music for the rest of the evening.
Ramadan in Abu Dhabi
The same troupes perform at iftars and Ramadan tents in Abu Dhabi. Travel time is added to the quote. See ayala dancers in Abu Dhabi.
Book early
Ramadan is one of the busiest periods for Emirati folklore troupes in the UAE, together with National Day week. Send your dates as soon as you know them: the date, the venue, the guest count, the time iftar ends and when you want the set. Message the team on WhatsApp or use the quote form.
