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!

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

Last-minute prep

Chefs preparing the buffet

Louqmat

Chocolate mousse

Fruitilicious selections

Enjoying their meal

Meringue with berries

Traditional lanterns

Sesame seed crackers

Appetizers, appetizers

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

The Indian Bazar

Hand-crafted chocolates

Banana chocolate cake

Poppadom cones

Trifle

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

Poppadom

Turkish tea, anyone?

Meringue with berries

Refreshing watermelon nectar

Dinner’s served

Mamool

Berries and cream

Pistachio cookies

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Happy diners

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

Date and nut truffles

Grilled vegetables galore

A little surprise on every table