Thursday 06 / March / 2025
Muscat: The holy month of Ramadan has ushered in a renewed enthusiasm for communal dining, with hotels and restaurants across Oman witnessing an unprecedented surge in bookings for Iftar and Suhoor meals.
From luxury resorts to mid-range establishments, the demand for Ramadan dining experiences has exceeded expectations, driven by early reservations and a growing appetite for unique culinary
offerings.
The Chedi Muscat has reported a significant increase in bookings, particularly from corporate groups looking to host team Iftars.
“Bookings have been even better than usual,” said Karim Bizid, General Manager of The Chedi Muscat.
“People have decided to plan even more ahead. In the past two years, we saw very last-minute bookings, but this year, guests are securing their tables well in advance.”
A similar trend has been observed at dusitD2 Naseem Resort in Jabal Akhdar, where both room sales and Iftar bookings have surpassed last year’s numbers.
General Manager Jagdeep Thakral attributes this to an increase in corporate travel and the resort’s distinctive Bedouin-themed Ramadan experience.
“Our Bedouin concept, combined with live music, has been a major draw this year, attracting guests looking for something beyond the traditional buffet,” he said.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, marking 20 years of heartfelt hospitality, has established itself as a central hub for Ramadan festivities.
This year, the resort has elevated its offerings with carefully curated Iftar and Suhoor experiences, including lavish buffets and an exclusive Suhoor setup at the SiO2 Beach Lounge, allowing guests to dine under the stars by the sea.
“Ramadan at Shangri-La has always been a favourite among Muscat residents. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we have introduced unique experiences like the ‘Iftar To Go’ box and special gift hampers for Ramadan and Eid,” said Philippe Kronberg, General Manager of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Shangri-La Al Husn.
Beyond Muscat, cities like Salalah, Sohar, and Sur have also embraced the Ramadan spirit, with restaurants and hotels rolling out special menus and atmospheric dining setups.
Several venues have incorporated Arabic music and live performances, enhancing the overall experience and creating a festive ambiance.
Social media platforms have also played a key role in amplifying Ramadan offerings.
W Muscat has been actively promoting its Iftar experience, highlighting live grills and global flavours in an engaging Instagram reel.
The surge in Iftar and Suhoor bookings reflects a collective eagerness to embrace the spiritual and communal aspects of Ramadan.
With hospitality establishments across Oman offering diverse and elevated experiences, this year’s Ramadan is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant in recent memory.
Whether through traditional buffets, beachfront Suhoors, or intimate corporate gatherings, the joy of breaking fast together continues to define the essence of the holy month in Oman.
