Tribune News Network
Doha
As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, Hilton Doha The Pearl is preparing to welcome guests with a refined and immersive experience titled “Layali Al Louloua.” Designed as more than a traditional Iftar and Suhoor offering, the concept transforms the hotel into a complete Ramadan destination that blends authenticity, elegance, and contemporary hospitality.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune, General Manager Ahmet Antepli shared insights into the preparations, culinary concepts, and the broader outlook on Qatar’s hospitality sector. Below are the excerpts:
What are the key preparations at Hilton Doha The Pearl to welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan?
Hilton Doha The Pearl is preparing for Ramadan through a fully integrated concept titled “Layali Al Louloua,” carefully curated to offer more than a conventional dining event. The goal is to create a true Ramadan destination where guests can gather, reflect, and celebrate the spirit of the Holy Month.
The experience will be hosted in the hotel’s open-air venue on the fifth floor, offering panoramic city views in a serene poolside setting. This outdoor space was intentionally selected to create a balance between openness and privacy, allowing guests to enjoy the evening breeze while maintaining a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. Live instrumental music during both Iftar and Suhoor enhances the ambiance, complementing the spiritual and communal essence of Ramadan.
What are the main offers and initiatives the hotel is presenting during Ramadan?
The “Layali Al Louloua” initiative is built around value, variety, and accessibility. Iftar is priced at QAR 295 per person, while Suhoor is offered at QAR 250, with special rates available for children. The hotel also provides preferential pricing for group bookings, making it an attractive choice for extended family gatherings, corporate functions, and social Ramadan events.
To further enhance value, the experience is featured throughout the month on The Entertainer, offering guests additional flexibility and savings. These initiatives reflect an understanding of guest preferences during Ramadan, when quality, comfort, and thoughtful pricing are key considerations.
What distinguishes the Ramadan Iftar and Suhoor experience at Hilton Doha The Pearl?
What sets “Layali Al Louloua” apart is its dynamic approach. Rather than presenting a static buffet menu, the hotel has introduced rotating selections that evolve throughout the month. This encourages guests to return and discover new dishes and flavors with each visit.
The buffet combines traditional Arabic cuisine with international specialties. Guests can enjoy a wide range of cold and hot mezze, freshly prepared salads, soups, sushi, seafood, and regional rice dishes, alongside expertly grilled meats and live cooking stations. Highlights include Lamb Ouzi carving, shawarma, saj, manakeesh, pasta, and crepes prepared to order.
Dessert stations feature an extensive variety of Arabic sweets as well as international favorites, creating a well-rounded culinary journey. Combined with the open-air setting and live instrumental performances, the experience becomes a sensory celebration that extends beyond dining to atmosphere and connection.
How do you ensure a Ramadan experience that blends authenticity with the contemporary touch that defines the Hilton brand?
This year’s concept is entirely new in its design and presentation. The fully open-air, poolside venue provides a calm and unobstructed environment that captures the authentic spirit of Ramadan evenings. Traditional cuisine, attentive hospitality, and subtle musical elements preserve cultural authenticity.
At the same time, the execution reflects Hilton’s modern standards of organization, guest engagement, and service excellence. The layout accommodates up to 450 guests while ensuring smooth flow and comfort. This balance between tradition and innovation embodies Hilton’s philosophy of delivering culturally respectful experiences through a contemporary lens.
Which segments does the hotel primarily target?
“Layali Al Louloua” is designed to appeal to a broad audience, with particular emphasis on families, friends, and larger gatherings. The spacious outdoor venue makes it ideal for group bookings, corporate Iftars, and community events, while still maintaining a welcoming and refined atmosphere.
The diversity of culinary offerings and the elegant yet relaxed setting attract both residents and visitors seeking a memorable Ramadan experience in a distinctive location.
How do you evaluate the growth and development of Qatar’s hospitality sector in recent years?
Qatar’s hospitality sector has experienced remarkable growth, driven by strategic investment in infrastructure, tourism development, and service excellence. This progress goes beyond increasing the number of hotels; it encompasses enhanced guest experiences, innovative concepts, and elevated standards across the industry.
The successful hosting of major global events has further positioned Qatar as a regional leader in hospitality. As expectations continue to rise, hotels are increasingly focused on personalization, creativity, and delivering unique experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
What factors have contributed to making the Qatari market attractive to global hotel brands?
Qatar offers stability, a clear tourism vision, and sustained investment in leisure and hospitality infrastructure. Its proven ability to host large-scale international events has strengthened its global reputation and increased demand for premium accommodations.
The growing appetite for high-quality hospitality experiences among both residents and visitors provides a strong foundation for international brands to introduce innovative concepts that align with evolving market expectations.
How does Hilton Doha The Pearl benefit from the momentum created by hosting major global events?
The hotel continuously adapts its services to meet the needs of business travelers, delegations, and tourists attending major events. Flexible offerings and integrated guest experiences ensure that expectations are consistently met.
Located in The Pearl, one of Qatar’s most vibrant destinations, the hotel offers convenient access to key venues while providing a resort-style retreat. Facilities include a private beach, swimming pool, eforea Spa & Health Club, and diverse dining outlets such as The Kitchen, Mulberry Tavern, Karma Lounge, and the Lobby Café. Two new venues — Sol Beach Restaurant and La Pergola Restaurant — are set to launch after Eid, further enriching the hotel’s portfolio.
To what extent do these events contribute to increasing demand for the hotel’s services?
Major events positively impact occupancy rates and significantly boost demand for dining and meeting spaces. Visitors often seek comprehensive hospitality experiences that combine comfort, convenience, and quality service. These occasions also provide opportunities to introduce new guests to the hotel, encouraging loyalty and repeat visits.
What message would you like to share with guests on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan?
Hilton Doha The Pearl invites guests to experience “Layali Al Louloua” as more than just Iftar or Suhoor. It is a space designed for meaningful gatherings, reflection, and shared moments in an ambiance that embodies warmth and elegance. Through thoughtful preparation and genuine hospitality, the hotel aims to make this Ramadan a season of connection and lasting memories.
