Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha is delighted to announce the appointment of Patrick Cyril Baptist as its new General Manager. With over three decades of global leadership experience in premium, luxury, and upscale hospitality, Patrick brings a proven track record of driving financial success, operational excellence, and transformative guest experiences.
A visionary leader, Patrick has spearheaded high-profile transformations across Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. Most recently at Aloft Abu Dhabi (Marriott International), he drove 28% revenue growth, achieved 44% GOP growth, and elevated the property to #14 on TripAdvisor (from #92) in his six years on property through initiatives like introducing new food & beverage concepts and driving a 119 index points on RevPar growth. His prior leadership of iconic hotels including London’s Strand Palace Hotel (where he executed a £60M refurbishment) and Ireland’s Carton House Golf Resort showcases his expertise in financial turnaround, brand repositioning, and team development.
Patrick Cyril Baptist, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, said, “It’s a privilege to lead Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha at this exciting juncture. My career has been built on a simple philosophy: extraordinary hospitality begins with empowered teams and ends with delighted guests. And, together with the talented team, we’ll elevate guest experiences, embrace challenges, and unlock new opportunities for excellence.”
This property has all the assets to become the preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers in Doha, he further added.”
With deep roots in Food & Beverage, beginning as a Commis Chef at Shangri-La Singapore and rising to Area Director of F&B for UK & Ireland, Patrick uniquely blends operational excellence with innovative commercial strategies. Recognized as 2021 Global GM of the Year (Aloft Brands – Marriott International) and Chair of Marriott UAE’s NextGen Business Council, he is renowned for mentoring future leaders while driving profitability.
Celebrating recent awards that reflect the hotel’s growing presence in Doha’s dining and hospitality scene
InterContinental Doha The City is pleased to share its latest recognitions during the second quarter of 2025, highlighting the hotel’s continued efforts in delivering exceptional dining and lifestyle experiences. These awards, received through both guest voting and industry evaluation, serve to strengthen the hotel’s reputation within Qatar’s dynamic hospitality landscape.
InterContinental Doha The City
At the FACT Dining Awards 2025, two of the hotel’s most popular venues were honoured by the public for their distinctive concepts and memorable guest offerings:
La Parisienne Doha – Favourite Afternoon Tea in Doha Celebrated for its Parisian charm and its signature Eiffel Tower Afternoon Tea, La Parisienne remains a standout spot for those seeking elegance, comfort, and authentic flavours in the heart of the city.
HIDE – Best Night Out in Doha Building on last year’s success, HIDE was recognized as the Best Nightlife Destination in Doha— a vibrant venue celebrated for its bold atmosphere, curated music, and its growing influence on the city’s nightlife scene.
La Parisienne Doha – Eiffel Tower Afternoon Tea,
In addition to its recognition in dining, the hotel’s culinary team also earned high praise at the Qatar Chef Challenge 2025, Bringing home a total of five medals and two trophies for creativity, precision, and skill across several competitive categories:
Chef Viraj Premachandra Hittaragedara
Gold Medal – Bread Showpiece
Gold Medal & Trophy – Live Freestyle Ice Carving
Gold Medal & Trophy – Live Fruit & Vegetable Carving
Chef Tamer Mosad Ahmed Mohamed Elsadany
Bronze Medal – Pastry Showpiece
Chef Dilum Prabhashana Panawaladon
Bronze Medal – Creative Appetizer
Read Rabie, General Manager of InterContinental Doha The City, commented:
“These achievements reflect the ongoing dedication and creativity of our team. It’s rewarding to see our efforts resonate with both our guests and the wider industry as we continue shaping meaningful experiences across the hotel.”
With these awards, InterContinental Doha The City reaffirms its position as a contributor to Doha’s evolving hospitality scene—delivering thoughtful service, distinctive dining, and engaging social spaces that reflect the spirit of the city.
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Build Your House and Inspire Exhibitions to Kick off Today at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)
The much-anticipated 2025 editions of the Build Your House (BYH) and Inspire Exhibitions are commencing today at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), and will be highlighted by a prestigious inauguration ceremony led by high-level government officials.
The presence of local dignitaries underscores the exhibitions’ significance as pivotal platforms for Qatar’s construction, interior design, and architectural sectors. NeXTfairs, the organizers of the co-located events, expects record-breaking attendance this year, with the addition of Inspire Exhibition, offering countless invaluable opportunities for homeowners planning to build, renovate, or redecorate their homes. Additionally, the exhibitions also provide resources to consultants and industry professionals seeking the latest insights and knowledge.
The exhibitions will run till May 1, 2025, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is completely free, with visitors encouraged to register online in advance, through Build Your House’s website, www.buildyourhouseqatar.com, to avoid queues.
The exhibition’s Mostashary service aims to connect homeowners with qualified industry experts who will offer complimentary one-on-one consultations. This streamlined consultation program addresses crucial aspects of home construction including architectural design, material selection, permitting processes, and budget optimization.
Regarding the Ministry of Social Development and Family’s participation, Mrs. Fatima Al-Nuaimi, Director of the Family Empowerment Department, stated, “We are proud of the level shown by the Home-Grown Projects at the Build Your House (BYH) exhibition.” She emphasized that this participation embodies the fruition of efforts made in empowering productive families and local entrepreneurs, pointing out that the national product is capable of competition and excellence, and that the participation of productive families in such exhibitions contributes to their local and regional spread.
The exhibitions will host more than 30 speakers covering 25 topics, with topics ranging from sustainable and smart home building solutions to the future of homebuilding in the Gulf region.
Distinguished speakers include leading architects, engineers, designers, and academic experts who will share their knowledge on engineering innovations, smart technologies for homes, and energy-efficient housing. These sessions will take place at the Conference Area, Hall 7 of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) alongside the Build Your House Exhibition and Inspire Exhibition, from 28 April to 1 May 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Continuing its legacy of success and its role as a trusted provider of premium materials and solutions for residential and commercial projects, Tadmur Trading is proud to be a Founding Sponsor of the 6th edition of the Build Your House Exhibition 2025 — a landmark event celebrating the fusion of traditional heritage and forward-looking innovation in home construction and design.
Recognized as one of Qatar’s leading exhibitions, Build Your House returns this year with renewed energy as part of the Third Gulf Housing Week, reinforcing its mission to foster a culture of innovation and excellence within the housing sector.
In this edition, Tadmur Trading will unveil a selection of cutting-edge products and smart solutions, many making their debut in the local market — a testament to the company’s continuous commitment to advancing the construction and home improvement industry.
Commenting on the event, Mr. Morhaf El Homsi, Director of Retail and Wholesale Sector at Tadmur, said “We are proud to contribute to this interactive platform that connects decision-makers, developers, and citizens, offering a space to exchange best practices and explore the latest trends in building and interior design.
At Build Your House 2025, we anticipate an outstanding edition marked by unprecedented engagement and collaboration, believing that strong public-private partnerships are key to building a brighter, more sustainable future for Qatar — and to cementing the exhibition’s role as a vital hub for innovation and opportunity.”
NeXTfairs will also be hosting a Raffle draw during the event. Winners will be announced on the May 1 at 7:00 p.m. Raffle winners will get the chance to win extraordinary prizes that will enhance their home-building experience, such as Home Center gift vouchers and GREE air- conditioning units. Participants can enter by scanning the QR code and registering their details at the designated registration counter throughout the four days of the Build Your House Exhibition.
The addition of Inspire Exhibition to the already-established Build Your House Exhibition, promises a bigger and more comprehensive industry event for the home building and construction sector in Qatar.
At outdoor lounge Iris, photos next to the mirror wall are practically required. This is another location you must have seen on Instagram. Make sure you look your best because the Beirut-export, which has locations in countries including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is known for drawing the cool crowd. Expect mixed beverages, energetic music, and a menu with dishes like the burrata flatbread, poke bowl, and sushi that you simply must try.
Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Monday through Thursday, 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. to midnight Irisdoha.com, The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village, Al Khulaifat (5515 1339).
Makani
The new Makani beach club, which opened its doors last month, was also transformed from Pool Grill by the Four Seasons Doha. Mediterranean dishes and mixed drinks will be available, and a live DJ will play every day from 5 o’clock.
daily from noon to 10.30 p.m. Doha, Qatar’s Four Seasons Hotel, The Corniche (4494 8888).
Manko
If you’re heading out for dinner and drinks, we can’t think of a greater pairing than La Mar’s food (served, of course, on the outside terrace) and Manko’s house drinks (also in the outdoor bar area). This bar, the first Manko in the Middle East, has mixed drinks, Japanese food, and a Parisian atmosphere.
Open from Tuesday to Friday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Al Qassar InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa (4484 4099).
Nobu
Nobu has won several honors throughout the years, and we’ve been admirers for a long time. We’ll use any justification to go there. If sushi isn’t what you’re in the mood for, head to the rooftop lounge for amazing city views and even better mixed drinks with a Japanese twist.
Open 6 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday. Doha’s The Corniche Four Seasons Hotel (4494 8500).
SHOTS
The outside space of the sports bar SHOTS was rebuilt last year, and the area now has palette seating and tables divided into booths, each with its own TV, ensuring that you never miss a second of the action. Everything on the menu is traditional pub fare like mozzarella sticks and fries—the more bland the cuisine, the better.
Open every day from 1 p.m. until 2 a.m. Doha Hilton, West Bay (4423 3222).
The Backyard
The Backyard, which was established in 2015, is currently based in the Doha Golf Club. There, while dancing on the grass and sipping on house drinks, you may enjoy live music. You’ll be able to enjoy the weekends.
Open Weekends from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m at. Golf Club of Doha
Our favorite bar in Doha is this not-so-secret spot because of the breathtaking views it offers of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski and Lusail. Eat pizza, pasta, wings, and other foods while taking a ton of pictures.
Mon–Thu 6–midnight; Fri–Sat 5–midnight. The Pearl-Marsa Qatar’s Malaz Kempinski hotel (4035 5011).
From the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum to the National Museum of Qatar
It can quickly become uncomfortable when friends come to visit when they seem to know more about the city than you do.
Oh, I see, you haven’t visited Qatar’s National Museum. Furthermore, you were unaware that the Khalifa International Stadium is home to a brand-new museum. You don’t reside here.
At these outstanding museums in Doha, brush up on your knowledge of Qatar.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which just just debuted in late March, is the biggest museum of its kind in the entire globe and unquestionably among Doha’s top attractions. There are seven galleries inside, with topics ranging from the Olympics and history to topics much closer to home, such sporting events hosted by Qatar (so far) and the growth of sports in the nation.
Currently airing: At 3-2-1, the World of Football began. Start of October saw the opening of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. A two-part book, The Road to Doha will take you on a journey from the first FIFA World Cup matches in 1930 through the final at the Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. Football for All, All for Football will investigate the universal attraction of football. Throughout the competition, artifacts like tickets or souvenirs will be added to a final area called FIFA Making Memories.
Free, adult-only QR100 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Fri. 1.30pm–7pm; Sat. 9am–7pm. Aspire Zone, Khalifa International Stadium, 321QOSM.org.qa (4452 5200).
Al Thuraya Planetarium
All astronomers should visit the museum inside the Al Thuraya Planetarium, which is named for the Seven Sisters star cluster. There are historical artifacts like hand lenses and telescopes that demonstrate the development of scientific tools on exhibit, as well as interactive screens where you can learn about notable Arab astronomers like Al-Battani.
The movie screenings in the dome are without a doubt the primary reason to visit this museum in Doha. You may see the complete schedule by visiting althuraya.katara.net. There are a variety of shows, including ones that are dedicated to the stars, the universe, and the milky way. The shows are first-come, first-served, and registration is required in advance.
Free. Open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. katara.net/althuraya, Katara Cultural Village (4408 2067).
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
More than 9,000 pieces of art make up the collection at Mathaf, and the permanent exhibitions rotate frequently to give each work its turn in the spotlight (and every visit is different). The permanent collection is spread out over five different galleries in the upper floors, each one devoted to a different theme. These themes include women in society, portraits of changing societies, witnessing and reading histories, new vocabularies in post-independence contexts, mathematics, mosaics, and universal systems of perception, and the re-invention of materials. You can visit the magnificent Education City Mosque or the Qatar National Library while you’re there, both of which are in Education City.
There has never been a better time to visit this museum in Doha with four brand-new exhibitions currently on view. One Tiger or Another examines history as the result of both fact and fiction with a contemporary video installation from Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen and 18th century paintings and artifacts related to the legend of Tipu Sultan. Majaz: Contemporary Art Qatar features the work of former Fire Station artists-in-residence. VIRTUOUS LABORS In the Middle East, daydream therapy is Sophia Al-first Maria’s significant, multi-part museum exhibition, while Taysir Batniji: No Condition is Permanent includes Palestinian-focused pieces.
Free, adult-only QR50 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Sun.–Thu., 9 am–7 pm; Fri., 1 p.m.–7 pm. Mathaf.org.qa, Education City (4402 8855).
Msheireb Museums
Visit Msheireb Museums, which are really four museums in one, to make the most of your time. You can learn about slavery at Bin Jelmood House, the history of oil in Qatar at Company House, the metamorphosis of Msheireb at Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and traditional Qatari living at Radwani House. These lessons are spread among a number of heritage homes, each with a particular topic.
The intriguing exhibition DNA: Journey to the Heart of Life is also located at Bin Jelmood House. You can discover more about Qatar’s diverse ancestry through the exhibits by looking at its genetic heritage, prehistoric human migration, and the evolution of individualized treatment.
The Museum of Islamic Art last year closed for repairs, but on October 5 it reopened. The stunning museum in Doha stands alone on reclaimed ground and is equally iconic as the National Museum of Qatar (more on that in a bit). With the MIA appearing in the upcoming Jason Statham film Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, the building will certainly wow you, but the newly redesigned galleries will also enhance the tourist experience.
The ground floor of the museum in Doha now features a new exhibit that takes the place of the Majlis, where you can learn more about I.M. Pei and his design for the building.
Free, adult-only QR100 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Fri. 1.30pm–7pm; Sat. 9am–7pm. Corniche de Doha, mia.org.qa (4422 4444).
National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar must be your sole stop this winter if you only have time for one museum in Doha. Seeing the building, which was built by Jean Nouvel and resembles a desert rose, while traveling along the Corniche should be sufficient justification for you to want to stop inside. If not, the National Museum of Qatar provides you with a thorough overview of the history of the nation, including its geology, animals, and life in the desert and at sea. The original palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, which has been renovated, is also located in the center of the museum.
Here are two amazing current temporary exhibitions for you to see. Motorheads should check out Three historic automobiles are on show in A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum, which is pretty much what it says on the tin and will get a new home when the aforementioned museum opens. And Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You by Pipilotti Rist is an immersive light installation with 12,000 LED lights that will be housed in the Children’s Museum of Qatar when it opens.
Free, adult-only QR100 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Fri. 1.30pm–7pm; Sat. 9am–7pm. Nmoq.org.qa, Al Salata (4452 5555).
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, which houses the Sheikh Faisal own collection, is a true museum of wonders. There are more than 30,000 pieces on show at this Doha museum, so you could spend all day exploring it and yet not have enough time. From the Jurassic period to the present, there are 11 rooms dedicated to various subjects, including weapons, fossils, and carpets. In addition, there is a full Syrian home that was transported from Damascus in 2014 brick by brick.
Keep an eye on @fbqmuseum for the upcoming event. The museum frequently hosts special events like kid-friendly treasure hunts. For QR25 per person, you can also reserve tours to make the most of your trip.
Free, QR30 for students, and QR50 for adults (kids under 12). Mon–Thu, 9 am–5 pm; Fri, 2 pm–7 pm; and Sat, 10 am–6 pm. Alsamriyaestate.com, Al Samriya Estate, Al Shahaniya (4486 1444).
B-Lounge unquestionably deserves an A rating for everything from the amazing ambiance to the delectable food, but as our most recent visit shows, service still needs improvement before it reaches that level.
The environment will be the first thing to impress you, so let’s start there. The patio, which views out over the marina, will make a wonderful backdrop for any photograph, especially at dusk. Both spaces, which are divided into a restaurant on the ground floor and a lounge on the second floor that puts the lounge in B-Lounge, are chic and contemporary with copper tones, patterned wall tiles, and cloth that hangs from the ceiling to resemble sails.
We start our meal with the sushi that B-Lounge is famous for after shooting a gazillion pictures. Although the veggie rolls with asparagus and mushrooms and the spicy and crunchy tuna rolls live up to their names, those who want to overindulge can order a plate of either 20 or 36 pieces. Fans of dim sum should choose the tom yum-sauced lobster dumplings, which are also a great choice, and edamame is always a good choice.
With entrees like ceviche, miso black cod, and chicken kung pao, you can explore all of Asia. For those who have already overindulged on sushi, a smaller dish from the robata grill would be a terrific way to end the evening, especially if you choose the avocado flame. The Thai red shrimp curry is also excellent. Of course, you may always end the meal with a sweet treat like the miso cheesecake or mochi.
The B-Lounge is renowned for its cocktails as well. It has a wide selection of mixed drinks, some of which are unusual tea-infused drinks. We would have wanted to sample more mocktails, but the service is consistently exceedingly slow. We might tolerate a staff shortage, but unfortunately our server appears to forget about our table, so we end up waiting far longer than we would have wanted.
We believe B-Lounge will lead the pack if the service is raised to the customary five-star Ritz-Carlton level.
Sat. through Thurs. noon to midnight; Fri. 1pm to midnight. West Bay Lagoon, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, and loungedoha.com (5080 4421).
Doha offers so much to do that we frequently spend our weekends taking in the city’s top attractions.
However, there are many good reasons to leave the city, so we’ve gathered some of our top day trips from Doha for you to try.
As usual, we ask that you behave properly by cleaning up after yourself and taking your trash with you so that these locations can continue to be as stunning for future visitors.
Hot air balloons flood the sky every morning at the Qatar Balloon Festival, which also features a variety of other entertainment.
The Qatar Balloon Festival is making the once-in-a-lifetime experience more affordable by returning for a third year and offering discounted tickets.
You may reserve a seat in a hot air balloon for QR499 per person between now and Friday, March 10 by going to the Asfary website here.
You don’t want to pass up this opportunity, as airfares often cost QR999 per person.
The actual Qatar Balloon Festival will take place from Thursday, January 19 through Saturday, January 28.
At dawn during that time, a large number of hot air balloons will be launched. See it for yourself if you like? The precise launch locations won’t be made public until the evening before, so keep an eye on @qbfestival on Instagram.
At the Old Doha Port, the festival will feature tethered balloon flights, live music, food trucks, and the renowned nightglow presentation from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On the website for the Qatar Balloon Festival, you may discover more details.
Flights in hot air balloons: QR499. Mon Jan 2 – Fri Mar 10. Several places, asfary.com.
Qatar Balloon Festival: January 19th through January 28th, 4pm to 10pm. www.qatarballoonfestival.com, Old Doha Port.
Is running a marathon among your life goals? The Doha Marathon is something you might just want to register for.
You can also choose to run a half-marathon, 10k, or 5k if you don’t think you can complete the whole 42 kilometers this year.
More than 9,000 runners will participate in the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo on Friday, January 20, covering a course that includes the Corniche, West Bay, The Pearl-Qatar, and Lusail.
On the Ooredoo website, you can sign up right now by clicking here.
The admission cost for the marathon is QR250, while QR200 is required for participants in the half-marathon.
You’ll pay QR150 if the 10k or 5k courses are more your speed.
You want to involve your kids. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 can register for the 5k for QR100, while children under 13 can try the 1k for QR50.
Make sure to click here for some suggestions on places to go running in Doha if you’re in training and growing tired of your normal route.
