Msheireb Downtown Doha gets first restaurant

DOHA: Msheireb Downtown Doha welcomed its first restaurant yesterday with the opening of Al Fai Restaurant at the Company House of the acclaimed Msheireb Museums.

Al Fai Restaurant, created by Savy Hospitality, provides guests exceptional fine dining experience with authentic Qatari cuisine, ambience and hospitality. 

Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO at Msheireb Properties, said: “The opening of Al Fai Restaurant is a landmark for Msheireb Downtown Doha, as the first of many fine-dining options to open soon at Qatar’s new regeneration project in the heart of Doha. This year we will be announcing a programme of new openings and milestones as new retail, residential and commercial opportunities become available.”

Al Fai specialises in authentic Qatari cuisine presented in a modern style – a Qatari fusion of food using contemporary design. Every dish served at Al Fai has an artistic flair, including a selection of continental dishes made with exciting techniques served in an elegant setting. 

Sheikh Abdul Rehman bin Saoud Al Thani of Savy Hospitality explained that the name Al Fai means ‘the shadow” and that the restaurant is housed at Company House which was the first technical office of the oil exploration initiatives in Qatar, thus it is a great privilege and honour to be a part of Qatari history and tradition. 

Famous Omani celebrity chef Issa Allemki is heading the restaurant, which will also offer signature dishes from renowned Qatari chef Noora Al Khulaifi, said Sheikh Abdul Rehman.

“We have presented this restaurant as a tribute to local talent and culture. Paintings were sourced from Qatari artists Tamador and Mariam Ahmad, and flower decorations from HINKS flowers, run by a group of Qatari creative entrepreneur,” Sheikh Abdul Rehman added.

Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums, said the newly opened Al Fai Restaurant will add a new dynamic to the rich, cultural offering already available at Msheireb Museums. 

“As we continue to move forward with plans to develop our programme of partnerships, workshops and exhibitions, it is fantastic we can now offer unique, authentic Qatari cuisine right on our doorstep. We look forward to welcoming visitors and residents of Qatar, and beyond,” said Ali.

It took months of research to come up with the unique concept of “a contemporary Qatari restaurant combining authenticity, tradition, fashion and a gastronomic fusion, said Yoonus Salim Vappattu, Managing Director, Savy Hospitality.

“Al Fai will be the place for experiencing warm Qatari hospitality and the tastes of Qatar, for residents and tourists at its strategic location in the heart of Doha, overlooking the symbol of Qatari culture - Souq Waqif,” added Vappattu.

Al Fai Restaurant is open Saturday to Thursday from 11am to 11.30pm and Friday from 12.30pm to 11.30pm.