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!

Happy diners

Turkish tea, anyone?

Fruitilicious selections

Refreshing watermelon nectar

Mamool

Hand-crafted chocolates

Dinner’s served

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

Meringue with berries

Last-minute prep

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

Date and nut truffles

Chocolate mousse

Appetizers, appetizers

Poppadom cones

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

Louqmat

Enjoying their meal

A little surprise on every table

Chefs preparing the buffet

The Indian Bazar

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

Grilled vegetables galore

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

Meringue with berries

Banana chocolate cake

Berries and cream

Sesame seed crackers

Traditional lanterns

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

Trifle

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

Poppadom

Pistachio cookies