For someone who’s fasting during Ramadan, Iftaar is a special moment, and what makes it more special is the company of some new-found friends over a spectacular culinary experience. I was graciously invited to a bloggers’ Iftaar at Liwan, one of several restaurants at Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana, and I almost didn’t go before actually deciding to; turns out, it was a good decision.

Even though this is a photo-blog, not a restaurant review, I will not hesitate to mention that the tantalizing dessert selection is by far the best around.

Let the feast for the eyes begin!

Enjoying their meal

Chefs preparing the buffet

Mamool

Chocolate mousse

Louqmat

Pistachio cookies

A little surprise on every table

Dinner’s served

Refreshing watermelon nectar

Appetizers, appetizers

Poppadom cones

Poppadom

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

Trifle

Meringue with berries

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

Last-minute prep

Meringue with berries

Happy diners

Banana chocolate cake

Traditional lanterns

The Indian Bazar

Turkish tea, anyone?

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

Hand-crafted chocolates

Berries and cream

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Sesame seed crackers

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

Grilled vegetables galore

Fruitilicious selections

Date and nut truffles