Anticipation is mounting among Abu Dhabi residents ahead of the opening of the 11th highly popular and expansive Layali El Hilmiya Ramadan tent at the five-star Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi.
For the past decade, the fully air-conditioned tent – in reality a luxurious pavilion built partly over the hotel’s expansive swimming pool – has thrilled and delighted in equal measure as it etched out a reputation for Ramadan relaxation and reflection backed up by authentic cuisine, captivating art, stunning décor and enticing competitions.
“To call Layali El Hilmiya a tent is something of an understatement,” said Ashraf El Siessy, General Manager, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi. “It is a giant marquee designed to reflect the traditions of Arabia and summon up an atmosphere of ultimate hospitality where friends, family, colleagues and strangers mix in the most conducive of environments. Each year we set the bar higher and challenge ourselves to surpass our past successes,” said Ashraf. “This year is no different and we are quietly confident that when our guests arrive, they will find a place that is as relaxing as it is stimulating.”
The hotel’s endeavours are spurred on by input from Le Royal Meridien’s owner HE Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance who takes a keen interest in Layali El Hilmiya’s décor to encapsulate the finest in Arabian style and hospitality; is also a frequent visitor to the tent with many of his guests.
The décor this year will be nothing short of breathtaking. A compelling art exhibition produced by the Abu Dhabi Art Hub, the UAE’s first art community, dot the marquee’s walls with art by established and up-and-coming talent expressing their individual perspectives on the Holy Month. Gigantic TV screens are suspended from the roof over the pool making sure guests can take in all the popular Ramadan quizzes and programmes while there’ll be a special zone by Sony Play Station for tent goers to challenge each other in friendly games.
Capable of seating up to 1,000, Layali El Hilmiya guests are equally at home whether they are among a small group of friends and family or joining in a larger corporate celebration.
There’s à la carte menus as well as an Iftar buffet of traditional Arabian and international fare including hot and cold mezzes. Authentic Ramadan favourites make a welcome buffet appearance with chefs cooking the stuffed Fateeh savoury pastries and saj flatbreads right in front of diners. The hotel will also feature for the very first time their latest food trucks from which fresh falafel and sugar-soaked kunafa pastries will be served!
Seasonal sweets are also given prominence with the traditional achtaliyeh cream pudding and katayef sweet dumpling sharing star billing. Iftar is AED 170 net per person which includes Ramadan drinks while Suhoor is AED70 per person. There are also discounts for group bookings. Groups of 50-100 guests qualify for a 10% discount; 101 – 300 guests can obtain a 15% discount and above 300 come in with a 20% reduction.
Suhoor guests will find themselves mixing with the glamorous media celebrity radio and TV presenter Grace Koubily as Star FM broadcasts live from Layali El Hilmiya. The broadcast will also feature a lucky draw with a superb selection of prizes, including flights with Jordan’s national carrier, from the tent’s prestigious sponsor line-up of Royal Jordanian, Sony Play Station and Star FM. There’s also a treasure trove of raffle draw prizes for luxury staycations at Marriott sister properties across UAE.
Places at Layali El Hilmiya can be booked at restuarants.lrmad@lemeridien.
