Ramadan 2026: Emirates rolls out iftar boxes, prayer mats and Umrah support for passengers worldwide
New bukhoor fragrances launched for seasonal gifting
DUBAI – Reflecting the spirit of generosity and togetherness during the holy month of Ramadan, Emirates has introduced a wide range of special services for fasting passengers across its network.
The airline is offering thousands of complimentary iftar boxes both onboard and at boarding gates, alongside Ramadan meal boxes, prayer mats on request, religious entertainment, and traditional cuisine in its lounges. The seasonal programme is designed to support customers observing the fast while travelling.
The Ramadan initiative extends across cabins, airports, lounges and inflight entertainment, with additional arrangements for Umrah travellers and specialised staff training to ensure culturally aware service throughout the month.
Gate Iftar
At select boarding gates, fasting passengers are provided complimentary iftar boxes at sunset to help them break their fast comfortably before departure. Each box contains water, laban, a banana and dates, allowing travellers to observe iftar even during boarding procedures.
The distribution is timed to sunset at each location to maintain accuracy. Gate teams coordinate the service so customers who are fasting can break their fast without disruption to their travel schedule.
Onboard meals
Across all cabin classes on selected routes, passengers breaking their fast inflight receive specially prepared Ramadan meal boxes in addition to the regular hot meal service. The boxes are nutritionally balanced and presented in bespoke packaging inspired by geometric Islamic art.
The contents include dates and Arabic mezze such as hummus, moutabel or muhammara served with Arabic bread. Main items include a chicken mossakan sandwich or herbed chicken sandwich. Desserts and treats feature chocolate almonds, baklawa pistachio mamoul or baklawa with pine seed and cashew, along with laban.
To ensure precise fasting times, the airline uses a dedicated calculation tool based on the aircraft’s longitude, latitude and altitude. This system determines imsak and iftar timings according to the exact position of the aircraft relative to sunrise and sunset. When sunset occurs, the captain informs passengers so they can break their fast at the correct moment.
Complimentary keepsake prayer mats are also available onboard upon request from cabin crew for those wishing to perform prayers during the journey.
Lounge dishes
Ramadan offerings are also available across the seven airline lounges at Dubai International Airport, where guests can enjoy Arabic sweets, dates and coffee during the Holy Month. First and Business Class lounge menus include a wide selection of traditional dishes.
Hot and cold mezze, lentil soup, Arabic mixed grill with tahina, lamb kabsa, chicken machboos with cucumber yoghurt sauce, and lamb shanks ouzi with hashweh rice and dakous are among the featured items. Dessert selections include pistachio kunafa, kathayef with cream, basbousa saffron, cheese kunafa, walnut kathayef, kitta cheesecake and a range of Arabic pastries. Ice cream flavours include Arabic coffee and dates, as well as baklawa varieties. Traditional drinks such as jallab and laban are also served.
Outside the UAE, lounges in Cairo and Jeddah are also presenting Ramadan dishes for eligible passengers. All lounges provide dedicated prayer rooms and ablution facilities to support worship in a quiet setting.
Ramadan viewing
During Ramadan, the airline’s inflight entertainment system features a curated selection of religious and cultural programming. Arabic titles include Kheir Qodwa, Qalb Al Mo’men, Wa Yatoub Allah Alaykom, Al Huqooq Al Sharaeya and Nafhat. Urdu content includes Ramadan Mah e Rehmat and Hoshyarian. The Holy Quran is also available in the audio library.
Popular Arabic series and dramas are also part of the lineup, alongside the broader catalogue of more than 6,500 on demand channels. This includes up to 450 Arabic movie and television channels and around 400 Arabic music and podcast channels.
Umrah support
Additional arrangements are in place for Umrah groups travelling during Ramadan to Medina and Jeddah. Special Ramadan meal boxes are served onboard for these groups. Travellers are also permitted to check in one bottle of Zamzam holy water of up to five litres per person at Dubai International Airport and several airports across Saudi Arabia.
The airline has also introduced Ramadan awareness training for cabin crew and ground staff across its network. The programme covers cultural practices, service expectations and operational awareness linked to the holy month, aiming to ensure consistent and informed customer support.
Alongside travel services, a new range of seasonal bukhoor fragrances has been launched for home use and gifting. The collection includes Oud Rose, Dreamy Nights and Sacred Ember. Each 70g pot is priced at $52 and is available through the airline’s official store, presented in white and gold packaging featuring the Ghaf tree motif.