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!

Turkish tea, anyone?

Louqmat

Dates aplenty – take your pick

Poppadom

(non-alcoholic) Drinks, anyone?

Poppadom cones

The fruit, salad and sushi bar

A selection of picked middle-eastern delicacies

Date and nut truffles

Dinner’s served

Enjoying their meal

Banana chocolate cake

Happy diners

Grilled vegetables galore

Traditional lanterns

Meringue with berries

Chefs preparing the buffet

An authentic Arabic Iftaar experience

The beautiful Turkish tea stall

Pistachio cookies

Mamool

Trifle

Refreshing watermelon nectar

Up-close and personal with spinach and pine nut samosas

The Indian Bazar

A little surprise on every table

A mouth-watering assortment of sweets

Appetizers, appetizers

Last-minute prep

Meringue with berries

Chocolate mousse

Berries and cream

Unknown drink in adorable milk bottles

Sesame seed crackers

Hand-crafted chocolates

Fruitilicious selections