An Unforgettable Iftar Experience for Business Travellers in Doha

The sun fades into the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Gulf. A warm breeze drifts inland, carrying the scent of cardamom and slow-cooked lamb. At the Rixos Gulf Hotel in Doha, business travellers gather in the Rixos Gulf Tent, an opulent sanctuary by the sea, ready to experience one of Ramadan’s most anticipated culinary traditions: Iftar.

An Iftar That Marries Tradition with Elegance

Business travel is often dictated by efficiency; airport lounges, boardrooms, and quick meals between meetings. But Ramadan in the Middle East offers an opportunity to pause. At Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, Iftar is not just a meal. It is a ritual, a moment of reflection, and a culinary showcase that blends Arabic tradition with international sophistication.

The Rixos Gulf Tent sets the scene. Soft lantern light flickers across intricately woven carpets, and the air hums with the low murmur of conversation. The sound of a live oud player fills the space, adding depth to the atmosphere. This is not a rushed dinner before another round of emails. This is an experience designed to be savoured.

A Spread That Speaks to the Global Palate

The buffet at Rixos is a masterclass in variety. Traditional Arabic staples such as lamb ouzi, spiced lentil soup, and freshly baked fatayer sit alongside international delicacies that cater to a well-travelled audience. Turkish grills, Italian antipasti, and Japanese sushi are carefully presented, ensuring that even those new to Middle Eastern cuisine find familiar comforts.

Desserts are no afterthought. There’s kunafa, delicate and golden, dripping with sweet syrup. There’s um ali, a warm and comforting bread pudding infused with nuts and raisins. And for those who prefer a contemporary twist, there’s a selection of French pastries that would not be out of place in a Parisian patisserie.

The Practicalities: Pricing, Offers, and Booking

For those who need to balance indulgence with cost-consciousness, the Iftar experience at Rixos is well-structured. At QAR 275 per person, it falls into the premium bracket, but offers significant discounts for children—those under five dine for free, while those aged six to eleven receive a 50% discount.

Business travellers with an eye for deals should note the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer in the final week of Ramadan, as well as the 25% discount in the second and third weeks available through select booking platforms. Those looking to extend their stay can opt for the Ramadan staycation package, which includes Iftar or Suhoor for two adults and two children, along with additional perks such as spa discounts.

Beyond the Buffet: A Holistic Ramadan Experience

Food may be the centrepiece, but the experience at Rixos goes beyond the plate. Traditional Arabic entertainment, from live music to cultural performances, immerses guests in the essence of Ramadan. The setting itself—a beachfront oasis—adds to the sense of occasion, offering a rare opportunity to unwind in a city that never truly slows down.

For business travellers, this is more than a meal. It is a chance to engage with local culture, to step away from the transactional nature of work, and to experience the region in a way that is both immersive and meaningful.

Final Thoughts

The Iftar at Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is a reminder that business travel need not be all function and no form. It is possible to find spaces that offer both refinement and warmth, where tradition meets modernity in a way that feels effortless. For those in Doha during Ramadan, it is an experience worth making time for—an evening where the conversation flows as freely as the Arabic coffee, and the sea whispers just beyond the tent walls.

For reservations, contact Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha at +974 4429 8888. Whether for business, pleasure, or a blend of both, this is an Iftar that lingers long after the last sip of mint tea.