Beverages UAE families have cherished for generations—and still can’t resist.
Dubai: When the call to prayer marks the end of a long day of fasting, the first thing many people in the UAE reach for isn’t food—it’s a drink. Ramadan in the UAE is as much defined by its iconic beverages as it is by prayer, reflection, and togetherness.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting the UAE for the first time, these drinks capture the true spirit of iftar, appearing on tables in homes, mosques, and restaurants throughout the holy month. Grocery stores begin stocking up weeks in advance, and retailers report double-digit sales growth in beverages compared with regular months. Here’s a look at the most popular Ramadan drinks across the UAE.
1. Vimto: The undisputed star of Ramadan
No drink is more closely associated with Ramadan in the UAE and the wider Gulf than Vimto. Introduced to the Middle East in 1927 by the Aujan Group, Vimto has been a staple of the Khaleeji iftar table for nearly a century. Made from a unique blend of fruit flavours and spices, its deep purple cordial is enjoyed by families across generations.
For Asif Jamadar, experiencing his first Ramadan in Dubai, Vimto was an unexpected delight. “I had never tried it before, but I love it,” he said with a smile. “I’m definitely taking a few bottles home to India.”
What began as a cordial has now expanded into a full Ready-To-Drink (RTD) range, including fruit drinks, sparkling variants, and Vimto Slush—all made from the original recipe and enjoyed year-round.
At Al Maya Supermarkets, Vimto is among the top beverages prominently stocked ahead of Ramadan. “We begin stocking seasonal drinks several weeks in advance to ensure strong availability ahead of peak demand,” said Kamal Vachani, Deputy CEO, Group Director, and Partner at Al Maya Group, noting that the retailer sees strong double-digit growth in beverage sales during Ramadan compared with regular months.
2. Rooh Afza: Nostalgia in every sip
For South Asian communities, who make up a significant part of the UAE’s expat population, Rooh Afza rose syrup embodies pure Ramadan nostalgia. The vivid red syrup, typically mixed with milk or water, evokes memories of childhood iftars back home.
“Doodh wala Rooh Afza (Rooh Afza with milk) is my childhood favourite,” said Asif Jamadar. “I tried it here, especially with milk, and I love it.”
LuLu Hypermarket stocks Rooh Afza alongside a wide range of syrups and cordials during Ramadan. “We also offer Vimto Fruit Cordial, Rooh Afza syrup, Monin Fruit Syrups, and Robinson Squash in flavours like saffron, chocolate, and passion fruit,” said Manusankar Muralidharan Nair of LuLu Group International, noting a growing demand for sugar-free and healthier options alongside traditional favourites.
3. Tamar Hindi: The classic date-tamarind cooler
Tamar Hindi, or tamarind water, is one of the oldest and most beloved Ramadan drinks across the Arab world. Made by soaking dried tamarind in water and sweetening it with sugar, this tangy, refreshing beverage is a popular choice for breaking the fast, helping to rehydrate the body after a long day.
4. Laban Up: The gut-friendly iftar essential
For those prioritising health and hydration, Laban Up—a salted or flavoured drinking yoghurt—is a go-to Ramadan beverage. Rich in probiotics and calcium, it helps the body recover after long hours of fasting.
“As Ramadan falls during summer, Laban Up is comforting and helps your body cool down much faster,” said Razia Khan, a Bangladeshi expat who has lived in Dubai for 11 years.
LuLu Hypermarket stocks Laban Up in both full-fat and fat-free variants to cater to a range of dietary preferences.
5. Jallab: The sweet grape and rose elixir
A popular Levantine and Gulf drink, Jallab is made from grape juice, rose water, and grenadine, served over ice and often garnished with pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet, floral flavour makes it a festive centrepiece at iftar spreads. Al Maya Supermarkets lists Jallab among its top-stocked traditional Ramadan beverages.
6. Qamar Al Din: Liquid sunshine from apricot
Qamar Al Din is a thick, intensely flavoured apricot juice made by dissolving dried apricot paste in water. Deeply associated with Ramadan across Egypt, the Levant, and the UAE, it is rich in vitamins and energy—exactly what the body needs after a day of fasting. Al Maya Supermarkets notes it as a seasonal staple that draws consistent demand each Ramadan.
7. Badam Sharbat: The almond milk dream
Badam Sharbat, or almond milk drink, is a creamy, lightly spiced beverage popular among South Asian communities and increasingly embraced across the UAE. Made with ground almonds, milk, sugar, and sometimes saffron or cardamom, it is both nourishing and indulgent.
8. Lemon Mint: The UAE iftar staple
A local restaurant favourite, lemon mint juice is one of the most ordered drinks at iftar buffets across the UAE. The combination of fresh lemon, mint, and sugar over crushed ice is supremely refreshing and a Ramadan table essential. Retailers across the UAE note lemon mint as one of the strongest-selling beverages of the season. Whether freshly squeezed or bottled, its crisp, cooling flavour often outsells other flavoured and ready-to-drink options during the holy month.
What retailers are saying
The Ramadan beverage surge is well documented by UAE retailers. Abdullah Abdullatif, Vice President Commercial at GMG, noted that grocery sales during Ramadan see a minimum uplift of 20 per cent, with juices and flavoured drinks among the standout categories as consumers prioritise hydration after fasting. “Shopper behaviour shifts toward more planned, value-led, and purpose-driven purchasing,” he said.
LuLu Hypermarket sources seasonal beverages from over 40 countries to ensure uninterrupted supply, offering discounts of up to 65 per cent during the holy month, while Al Maya Supermarkets sees demand spike, particularly during late-night shopping hours. “We are confident this Ramadan will witness a substantial surge in beverage sales, especially during midnight hours,” said Kamal Vachani.
From a British cordial that quietly conquered the Gulf nearly a century ago to ancient tamarind coolers still gracing modern iftar tables, the beloved beverages of Ramadan in the UAE are far more than just drinks. They are threads of tradition, nostalgia, and quiet reminders of home.
