Restaurant Print Materials for Ramadan: Menus, Tent Cards & More

Last Ramadan, I watched a restaurant manager on Jumeirah Beach Road frantically ordering 300 Iftar menus on the third day of Ramadan. Rush printing, premium rates, stressed staff. The menus arrived on day 7. That's six days of lost revenue from an incomplete offering.

Here's what she told me: "I thought we could use last year's menus. But our chef changed the entire Iftar buffet, prices went up, and honestly, those old menus looked tired." Sound familiar?

Ramadan is the busiest season for Dubai restaurants. This year, with Ramadan expected to start around March 1st,, restaurants across JBR, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Deira are already planning their print materials. The question isn't whether you need new materials - it's what exactly you need and when to order it.

This guide covers everything restaurants actually print for Ramadan, with real pricing from our quotes and timing that won't leave you scrambling.

1. Iftar & Suhoor Menus: The Foundation

Your Ramadan menus aren't just informational - they're marketing. They set expectations, justify pricing, and help servers answer the same questions 50 times a night.

Iftar Menu Considerations

Most Dubai restaurants run buffet-style Iftar. Your menu needs to communicate:

• What's included in the buffet price (dates, soup, appetizers, mains, desserts, beverages)
• Pricing structure - adult price, children's pricing (usually 6-12 years), complimentary for under 6
• Timing - when the buffet starts and ends (usually sunset to 10pm)
• Special features - live cooking stations, traditional dishes, international options
• Booking requirements - whether reservations are needed (they should be)

The typical Iftar buffet in Dubai runs contact us for pricing per person depending on the venue. Your menu needs to justify that price point through presentation and content.

Suhoor Menu Strategy

Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is different from Iftar. It's usually a la carte, runs from 11pm until Fajr prayer (around 4:30-5am), and attracts a different crowd - younger, social, often staying until dawn.

Your Suhoor menu should reflect this:

• A la carte pricing with shareable plates
• Traditional Arabic breakfast items alongside international options
• Shisha flavors (if you offer it)
• Desserts and Ramadan drinks (Jallab, Qamar Al Din)
• Clear last-order timing (usually 30-45 minutes before Fajr)

Menu Material Recommendations

2. Table Tent Cards: Your Silent Salespeople

Table tents are those folded cards sitting on every table. During Ramadan, they work overtime promoting:

• Iftar/Suhoor packages and pricing
• Ramadan special drinks (Jallab, Tamar Hindi, fresh juices)
• Daily specials or featured dishes
• Reservation requirements
• Special events (like live Oud music or Quranic recitation)

Tent Card Best Practices

After printing tent cards for 60+ restaurants, here's what works:

Content Strategy for Tent Cards

Don't overwhelm the tent card. Pick one primary message per card:

• Card 1: Iftar buffet - Price, timing, what's included, booking number
• Card 2: Suhoor offering - Hours, special dishes, entertainment
• Card 3: Ramadan drinks - Traditional beverages with pricing
• Card 4: Special promotion - Family package, group discounts, etc.

You can rotate these throughout the month. Week 1-2 might push Iftar packages heavily. Week 3-4 shift focus to Suhoor and Eid bookings.

Tent Card Pricing

3. Window & Wall Posters: Stopping Foot Traffic

Your storefront needs to announce "We're doing Ramadan" before people even walk in. Especially important in malls and busy streets where competition is fierce.

What to Print

• Window clings - "Ramadan Kareem" greetings, Iftar/Suhoor timings, package pricing
• A3/A2 posters - Featured dishes, family packages, group bookings
• Outdoor banners - If you have external space, vinyl banners announcing Ramadan offerings

A restaurant in Dubai Marina told us their large window poster with "Iftar Buffet contact us for pricing" increased walk-in bookings by 40% compared to the previous year without signage.

Poster Printing Costs

4. Special Promotions & Vouchers

Ramadan is when restaurants run aggressive promotions. You'll need printed materials to support them:

Family Package Inserts

Many restaurants offer "Family of 4" or "Family of 6" packages at discounted rates. Print these as inserts that servers can hand to groups or include with the bill for return visits.

Group Booking Vouchers

For corporate Iftar bookings or large family gatherings, printed vouchers or confirmation cards add professionalism. It's the difference between "Yeah, we have your booking" and "Here's your confirmed reservation card for 15 guests on March 12th."

Loyalty Cards

Some cafes and restaurants run "Break your fast with us 10 times, get one free" promotions. You'll need loyalty cards printed and laminated.

5. Timeline: When to Order Everything

For, Ramadan is expected to begin around March 1st (pending moon sighting). Here's the ordering timeline that works:

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

From working with dozens of Dubai restaurants, these mistakes happen repeatedly:

• Ordering too late: Mid-February is panic time. Printers are slammed, rush fees kick in, and you compromise on quality.
• Forgetting Arabic text: Many of your Ramadan guests prefer reading Arabic. At minimum, have Arabic headers and pricing.
• Using cheap paper: Saving contact us for pricing on paper quality means replacing soggy, damaged menus after week one. False economy.
• Not ordering extras: Order 20-30% more than you think you need. Spills happen, items get damaged, business might be better than expected.
• Ignoring lamination: Unlaminated materials in a restaurant environment last days, not weeks. Lamination is essential.
• Overcomplicated designs: Your server needs to explain the menu quickly. Keep it clean, readable, and organized.

What goes into the price?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. A few things determine what you'll pay:

Key Pricing Factors

• Material Quality: Premium materials cost more but deliver superior results and durability
• Quantity: The more you order, the less each one costs plan ahead to maximize savings
• Finishing Options: Fancy finishes (lamination, spot UV, foil) look great but cost more
• Turnaround Time: Plan ahead to save. Need it tomorrow? That'll cost extra
• Design Complexity: More colors and complex designs = higher cost
• Size & Specifications: Bigger or custom sizes use more material

That's less than the revenue from 10 Iftar buffet covers. ROI is straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I order Ramadan menus for my restaurant?

Order at least 3-4 weeks before Ramadan starts. Rush orders are possible 1-2 weeks before, but you'll pay premium rates (30-50% more). For, with Ramadan expected early March, place orders by early February to avoid the rush and get the best pricing.

What's the best material for Ramadan table tent cards?

350 GSM paper with matte lamination. This weight stands upright without sagging, and lamination resists spills from dates, water, and soups. For outdoor majlis or terrace setups, use 400 GSM with full lamination for extra durability against humidity and temperature changes.

How much do Iftar menus cost to print in Dubai?

For 500 A4 menus (300 GSM, full color both sides, matte lamination), expect contact us for pricing depending on the printer and timing. Single-page menus are cheaper than multi-fold. Prices increase 20-30% during peak season (late February to early March) due to demand.

Do I need separate menus for Iftar and Suhoor?

Yes, in most cases. Iftar is usually buffet-style with package pricing, while Suhoor is a la carte with different dishes, pricing, and timing. Having separate menus reduces customer confusion and makes server explanations easier. Some restaurants use double-sided menus (Iftar on one side, Suhoor on the other) to save costs.

Should I include Arabic text on Ramadan menus?

Absolutely. During Ramadan, many of your customers will prefer Arabic. At minimum, include Arabic for: Ramadan greetings, section headers (appetizers, mains, desserts), pricing, and timing. Professional translation is essential - don't use Google Translate for customer-facing materials.

How many extra menus should I order?

Order 20-30% more than your calculated need. Spills and damage happen frequently in restaurant environments, especially during the busy Ramadan period. Having extras also allows you to give menus to potential catering clients or corporate booking inquiries without depleting your floor stock.