CHOOSING THE IDEAL LOCATION CRAFTING A MEMORABLE EVENT WITH ALL FUNCTIONS AND CATERING OPTIONS
SPRING/SUMMER 2025 guide
Founder & Managing Editor
Hilar y Bainbridge
Editorial
Sarah Palmer (Editor)
Ola Diab (Deputy Editor)
Terr y Sutcliffe
Adver tising
Howard Bainbridge
Marrian Magtira
Retail Sales
Ayen Molina
Online/Digital
Weslee Dizon
Patrisha Manzon
Char lotte Wright
Juggy Gill
Khaled Emad
Design and Ar twor k
Dick Tamayo
Mar Principe
Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the company accepts no responsibility or liability for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information presented, whether in print, on the website, or on social media channels.
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Ballroom
A Timeless Setting for Grand Occasions
Host your wedding, gala, or corporate event in our sophisticated ballroom, where elegance meets seamless service. With customizable setups, exquisite catering, and expert event planning, your vision becomes reality in a space designed to impress.
Ladies Majlis at Opal Spa
A Private Retreat for Special Moments
For exclusive ladies-only gatherings, the Ladies Majlis offers privacy and luxury in an intimate setting. With a dedicated pool, re ned ambiance, and personalized service, it’s the ideal space for bridal showers, birthdays, and private celebrations.
Outside Catering
Bringing Five-Star Flavors to You
From corporate functions to private gatherings, our outside catering service brings the signature avors of Steigenberger to your chosen venue. Our chefs craft customized menus, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience, wherever you are.
Steigenberger Residence Doha | Airport Road, Doha City, Qatar E info.steigenbergerdoha@steigenberger.com | Steigenberger.com
T +974 4020 1666
Raffles Doha
Dusit Doha Hotel
Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott
Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Doha Dusit Hotel
Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott
Four Seasons Doha
Catering to Your Event
Qatar is the perfect place for dedicated foodlovers, where you can linger over a five-star meal or pop into a simple roadside eatery for a snack. Wherever your tastes fall on the gastronomic spectrum, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
And this is also true for your special event, whether this be a formal business function, a birthday get-together, or inviting friends and family to help you celebrate your wedding.
Location and atmosphere always add that extra touch to any dining experience and Qatar offers an exciting range of venues. Many of the hotels have dedicated function rooms, banqueting halls or private dining areas in their restaurants. As well as these indoor venues, some hotels offer open-air spaces, allowing for guests to enjoy themselves while overlooking the Arabian Gulf or beautiful landscaping.
Don’t forget that you can also have your gatherings fully catered in the comfort of your own home! Sit back and relax, as the outside catering team will provide all the necessary food and beverages, tables, chairs, chinaware, stemware, audiovisual equipment, and anything else you require to make your event just the very best.
See our list of preferred hotels for details about guest capacities, cuisines on offer, equipment availability, and much more.
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
Marriott
Marriott Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
Fairmont Doha
At InterContinental Doha The City, we bring our signature luxury and impeccable service to your events with our tailored outside catering packages. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, a social celebration, or a grand wedding, each package is designed to elevate your experience.
Tailor-made
Meeting & Events
Elevate your business meetings at The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort with spacious, tech-equipped meeting rooms and a private Board Room. Enjoy bespoke menus and a cosy break-out space designed to foster collaboration and productivity.
Banqueting, Conference, Catering
Abesq Doha Hotel & Residences 4492 3333 ihg.com/abesqdoha
Aleph Doha Residences – Curio Collection by Hilton 4004 7400 alephdoharesidences.curiocollection.com Al Najada Doha Hotel 4470 4444 tivolihotels.com/en/al-najada-tivoli
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Al Sadd
Dusit Doha Hotel 4004 4316 dusit.com
Dusit Hotel & Suites - Doha 4004 4316 dusit.com
Fairmont Doha 4030 7200 fairmont.com/doha
Four Seasons Hotel Doha 4494 8888 fourseasons.com/doha
Golden Tulip Doha 4419 8888 goldentulipdoha.com/en-us
Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel 4419 5015 marriott.com
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha 4035 5555 kempinski.com/marsamalaz
Al Mirqab Ballroom at Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Berlin Ballroom at Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Catering by Mandarin Oriental, Doha
Katara Hall at Raffles Doha
SANAD DOHA: A HIDDEN GEM OF ARABIC ELEGANCE IN MSHEIREB DOWNTOWN
Nestled in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Sanad is more than just a dining destination—it is a luxurious escape where Arabic heritage meets modern sophistication. Whether seeking a moment of relaxation, an unforgettable dining experience, or a refined gathering, Sanad offers an ambiance of indulgence and excellence.
A PRIVATE MEMBERS' CLUB WITH EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
Sanad Doha is a private members' club, offering exclusive spaces and packages for its esteemed esteemed members. With meticulously designed private areas, members can explore tailored experiences in an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance. For inquiries, contact +974 7771 0015.
A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH SANAD DOHA
Sanad Doha is home to a collection of extraordinary dining and lounge experiences, each offering a unique blend of flavors, artistry, and ambiance.
BUSINESS LUNCH SET MENU
Explore the newly curated business lunch offerings, designed for a refined yet efficient dining experience.
MIRAGE AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE
Indulge in an opulent afternoon tea from 4 PM to 7 PM, accompanied by live piano entertainment. Prior reservations are required for this exclusive experience.
Dinner LEVANTINE
SAWA BY SANAD - A MICHELIN-RECOGNIZED CULINARY DESTINATION
Proudly featured in the Michelin Guide Doha’s inaugural Qatar edition, Sawa by Sanad redefines Levantine cuisine with a modern, artistic twist. Inspired by the culinary traditions of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, Sawa elevates classic Eastern Mediterranean flavors into contemporary masterpieces.
FAMILY WEEKEND BRUNCH
Every Friday and Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM, enjoy an indulgent brunch with an array of flavors in a warm, family-friendly setting.
LEVANTINE FINE DINING DINNER EXPERIENCE
Available daily from 7 PM to 11 PM, featuring both à la carte and set menu options.
ALL-DAY DINING MENU
Experience an exquisite new menu launching in April, offering a refined journey through Levantine flavors.
CARAT BY SANAD THE ART OF LUXURY CHOCOLATE Carat by Sanad embodies elegance and craftsmanship, inspired by the richness of Arab heritage. Offering exquisite artisanal chocolate bonbons, Carat blends culinary artistry with the allure of precious gems.
For inquiries, contact +974 4142 7000
A CULTURAL
Located
and modern elegance. More than just a café, it is a space for creativity, connection, and cultural expression.
Open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM, Fai Café invites guests to immerse themselves in a carefully curated selection of coffee, delicacies, and artistic ambiance.
FAI CAFÉ BY SANAD
HUB OF CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION
in Msheireb’s Sikkat Al Wadi, Fai Café by Sanad is a fusion of Qatari heritage
Experience Sanad Doha
Sanad Doha extends beyond dining—it is an invitation to immerse in refined elegance, rich heritage, and exquisite flavors. Whether for intimate gatherings, private events, or a culinary exploration, Sanad promises an unforgettable journey of taste and luxury.
Address: Mohammad Bin Jassim Street, Msheireb Downtown Doha, opposite Al Wadi Hotel
Banqueting, Conference, Catering
Mondrian Doha 4045 5555 mondriandoha.com
Park Hyatt Doha 4009 1234 parkhyattdoha.com
Pullman Doha West Bay 4009 4000 pullman-doha-westbay.com
Qabila Westbay Hotel 3100 6466 qabilawestbayhotel.com
Say 'I do' in timeless elegance at Al Thuraya Ballroom. Let us curate your dream wedding with unparalleled luxury and attention to detail. Your perfect day awaits at Pullman Doha West
Al Shatt St., West Bay, Doha, Qatar www.pullman-doha-westbay.com @pullmandoha
Whether a lavish celebration or a more intimate affair, Marriott Marquis has the flexible spaces, world-class amenities and expert planners to seamlessly bring every detail of your wedding plan to life.
To book your dream wedding, please call +97466826315.
ballrooms and dedicated wedding specialists will cra an unforgettable celebration, tailored to your every desire. From intimate vows to grand, dazzling celebrations, we bring your vision to life.
Let us turn your love story into a breathtaking fairytale. Call us at +974 4040 2222 for more details.
Exquisite Luxury Weddings at Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, offers a luxurious wedding experience with stunning venues along the Arabian Gulf. Choose from beachside ceremonies, lush gardens, or grand ballrooms, all with exceptional service and dining for an unforgettable celebration.
Scan the QR Code to Discover More | +974 4425 6666
Festive Events
Qatar’s hotels provide the perfect venue to celebrate any occasion. With a flash of colour, music, culture and, of course, delicious food, they bring a festive ambience to Qatar National Day (18 December), Christmas and New Year, and Ramadan and Eid.
Contact one of the hotels in our exclusive listings for more details, visit marhaba.qa for news and events calendars, and follow us on our social media channels.
Festive brunches and events for all ages!
Qatar National Day cakes and hampers
Take it easy over the festive season and have your special day fully catered at home! There are turkey packages ‘to go’, as well as wait staff, tables, chairs, silverware, glassware, and much more readily available – see our listings!
Ring in the New Year in style!
Celebrate Ramadan and Eid, with a variety of options from corporate gatherings to sumptuous tents to enjoy with friends and family.
Special Gifts for the Event
Sweet treats
In Qatar, people traditionally give out sweets to relatives and friends to celebrate a joyful occasion, such as the birth of a child.
While these sweet creations have now become pieces of art, they were originally quite simple concoctions, including mulabis (sugared chickpeas) and boiled sweets. Wealthier families might buy sugared almonds, or halkoum
Many shops now design speciality confections for births and weddings. The idea is not just to give a sweet treat, but also a permanent memento. The chocolates are beautifully decorated and wrapped in delicate tulle and they lie in containers as varied as their confections.
Like births, weddings are celebrated with an equal amount of joy and chocolates. Wedding favours, traditionally just sugared almonds, are given to female guests during the bride’s celebrations. Many will have the name of the couple incorporated in the design and are sure to match the colour scheme of the wedding decorations and flowers.
During Eid celebrations, every visitor is given something sweet – not just chocolates but also dates and dried fruit – and since one is required to pay respects to all family members and friends, this can be a daunting task even for the most ardent sweet tooth!
Feel-good gifts
Walk in to any Qatari home and you will be greeted with burning incense, a traditional sign of welcome. Mabkhara (incense burners) are passed from guest to guest so that they can waft the smoke through their headdresses and clothes.
The design of the mabkhara has evolved from a simple, clay, goblet-like dish to an often elaborate and expensive item – even electrically heated mabkharas are now available alongside charcoal ones.
Bakoor (incense) comes in a variety of fragrances from an assortment of prized plants, and is often a mixture of gums and resins combined with aromatic spices, traditionally burnt over hot charcoal. Popular incense in Qatar are frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood and oud, favoured by the women of the Gulf and obtained from the Agar tree. The scent is similar to sandalwood and is long-lasting, although it can break easily. Due to its widespread use in Arabia, the price for one kilogramme of oud in the form of oil or wood has risen as high as USD10,000 and is therefore a prized gift.
Incense and its accessories can be found in modern shopping malls as well as traditional souqs, like the Omani Souq at Al Sailiya Central Market. Freshly laundered clothes are still aired on small wooden racks that are placed over burning oud to catch its fragrance.
In the Gulf region, there is little distinction between men’s and women’s fragrances, with most traditional fragrances being used equally by both. Fragrances are oil-based and can be individually blended by the traditional perfume sellers found in the souqs. Qatari ladies are skilled at mixing western perfumes with oils to create their own unique blend.
Trays of perfumes including rose attar, sandalwood, jasmine and ambergris are passed around among female guests in Qatari homes at the end of a gathering, together with long-necked brass or silver sprinklers (marash) filled with rosewater.
As well as sweet treats at weddings and Eid, guests may also be given incense and perfume to take home, and equally are a wonderful item to give your host.
Hotels offer a range of services to clients looking to optimise their special day, whether this is a birthday celebration, business event or wedding. Their planners will be able to walk you through every step of the way, easing your stress levels!
Those guests looking for last-minute gifts will find a wonderful selection from stores around town – or why not see what is on offer at the hotel itself? Many have their own gift shop, florist, bakery, chocolatier, and even the spa offering pre-packaged items suitable for the occasion, and may even gift wrap it for you.
Fabulous Folds
Dining at a special event is always a feast for the eye as well as the palate. Glasses and silverware shine, floral arrangements are spectacular and what is now a rather rare item for daily dining, the table napkin, can be found in many graceful shapes adorning the overall setting.
It is fortunate that your host is not an ancient Spartan otherwise you would be wiping your hands on a piece of dough or bread instead of the finest linen: you have the Romans to thank for this innovation. A small handkerchiefsized napkin was provided by the host to wipe the brow in the warm climate, but guests took their own mappa, a larger piece of fabric spread over their clothes on the edge of the couch as they reclined to dine. It was also used to blot the lips and had the added function of being an early ‘doggy bag’ as guests took favourite left-overs home within its folds.
After an absence of several
hundred years, the Middle Ages saw a return to the table napkin in Europe. The city of Rheims, noted for its fine cloth, presented King Charles VII with a set at his coronation in 1422.
Napkins were either on the table or, accompanied with a finger bowl, offered to highly esteemed guests by a servant. The maitre d’hotel in charge of the feasts draped a napkin from his left shoulder as a symbol of office, while lesser servants folded a napkin over their left arms. Napkins in Europe are today placed on the right of the cover and in the US on the left.
The use of a napkin as an essential accompaniment for dining was widespread in the 16th century, and various sizes to suit different occasions were common. The serviette was a large napkin used at the table. By the 17th century the standard napkin was almost one metre by one and a quarter metres, its size reflecting the uncertainty of eating by hand.
The introduction of the fork at the courts of Europe changed the napkin’s fortunes again, as people endeavoured to eat as neatly as possible without it. However, the discovery that there was still ‘many a slip between the cup and the lip’ allowed napkins to regain their status, and towards the end of the century napkins were safely tied around men’s necks to protect their large ruffled collars. When shirts with lace fronts came into vogue, napkins were tucked into the neck or buttonhole.
Table-cloths and napkins became a common sight in the 18th century and table decoration continued to become more elaborate and coordinated until the First World War. Sizes were then reduced, and today a standard dinner napkin is between 56 and 70 cm square. Earlier table covers were made of linen and later the use of cotton and silk became popular. Napkins were often decorated with fine embroidery or drawn-thread work and as early as the Renaissance expensive materials such as damask were used.
The development of wash-proof chemical dyes in the latter half of the 19th century provided the perfect medium for a new form of decoration. Matching cloths and napkins in a whole range of new prints and colours quickly became popular and by the 1930s paper napkins were being produced in America. Printing and paper have allowed napkins and table-cloths to take on a life of their own, following the changes in fashion on a yearly basis. Cartoons, birthdays and sports have all made their mark, not to mention enormous advertising potential of this simple square of paper.
Folded napkins have long been admired and with shapes such as fans, water lilies, fleur de lis, peacocks and even ships, there is something to grace every occasion and every level of dexterity. From the finest linens and damasks to bright and bold paper, napkins add a touch of something special to any table as this most utilitarian commodity is magically transformed into a work of art.
Crafting unforgettable moments.
Your wedding day memories will last forever. These timeless moments deserve a magnificent setting and meticulous attention to detail. Located on its exclusive island resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is the perfect venue for your dream day.
For reservations, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/doha or call +974 4484 8000.
A CHOICE OF A TAILOR-MADE DINNER BUFFET, A THREE-COURSE PLATED SET MENU, OR A SILVER SERVICE MENU
COMPLIMENTARY DAY USE OF LUXURIOUS BRIDAL SUITE FOR EVENT PREPARATION
ONE COMPLIMENTARY NIGHT IN A DELUXE SUITE WITH BREAKFAST
COMPLIMENTARY MENU TASTING FOR A MAXIMUM OF 4 GUESTS
DEDICATED EVENT MANAGER
ALL-DAY BUTLER SERVICE
SOFT BEVERAGE SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE EVENING
PERSONALIZED MENU CARDS AND SIGNAGE
COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING SERVICE FOR ALL GUESTS
COMPLIMENTARY ABAYA SERVICE
FOR
Hospitality and Etiquette
Arab hospitality
First-time visitors to the Middle East are often overwhelmed by the friendly and generous welcome of the Arabs, for whom hospitality lies at the very core of their identity. Among the most highly admired of virtues, hospitality is a trait necessitated to a certain extent by the harshness of the desert landscape; to refuse a man refreshment in such a place was to let him die and hospitality became a necessity enshrined in religion.
Menus are carefully planned by the hostess and tradition plays an important role in the selection of food. Meals usually consist of some foods that have been prepared and stored well in advance to help increase the variety on offer for unexpected guests.
The fine lamb and mutton raised in the Middle East is a traditional favourite meal. Many varieties of fish are also available along with beef and chicken. Milk from cows or goats is usually converted into yogurt or made into cream cheese. Olives, nuts, raisins, salted chickpeas and toasted pumpkin seeds are among the many items on hand as appetisers.
Eating habits vary with the lifestyle and the nature of the occasion. Informally, Gulf Arabs traditionally eat sitting on the floor using their right hand to fold food into khubz (the local flat bread).
At the hotels, you will find sumptuous furniture and cushions, ambient lighting, and soft music. During festive occasions such as Qatar National Day and Ramadan, the hotels will furnish elegant tents and provide a vast array of Arabic foods and beverages to delight all palates.
Etiquette
It takes more than spices to conjure up Middle Eastern cuisine – add in good manners, wit, hospitality and a very specific type of etiquette.
The presentation of particular dishes expresses subtle social distinctions and the amount of food offered is both a compliment to the guest and an indication of his importance.
Traditionally, a whole lamb is cooked for invited guests and the specific portion and in what order it is served is directly related to status. At the table the host puts himself fully at the disposal of his guests and it is considered uncouth to ask whether they would like food or drink. Refreshments come automatically and refusals are usually met with repeated entreaties.
In addition to the meal, the host is traditionally required to provide entertainment, conversation and music. Only when the guest has stopped eating will the plate no longer be refilled. A platter of fresh fruits usually signals the end of a sumptuous meal followed by the traditional Arabic coffee, qahwa, and tea.
Tradition also determines how long or short a visit should be and it is considered normal for Arabs to leave almost as soon as their meal is finished. A guest should leave blessing the host, thanking the host and his family for their hospitality, and keep in mind he is now under obligation to speak well of him to others.
Many functions and events in the Middle East will have no definite start or end time, and no itinerary or set plans, as this is considered rude to guests. You can expect to party on late into the night at weddings and other special occasions! And of course, the hotel staff will find be on hand to tend to everyone’s needs, freeing up the hosts to mingle with their guests.
