Newcomers to the Gulf are often baffled by how seriously everyone takes brunch. Back home it might mean eggs and a coffee. Here it's a four-hour, all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink weekend institution that people plan their Saturdays around — and sometimes book weeks in advance.
What "brunch" actually means here
Gulf brunch is a fixed-price feast, usually served in a hotel or a destination restaurant, running for several hours on a Friday or Saturday. You'll typically choose between packages:
- Soft — food plus soft drinks, juices and mocktails
- House — food plus house beverages (where alcohol is served)
- Premium / bubbly — the top tier, with sparkling wine and premium pours
The spread ranges from lavish international buffets to à-la-carte sharing menus at the higher-end venues, often with live music, a DJ later on, and enough dessert to end you.
How to do it right
Book ahead — the best brunches sell out, especially in peak season. Go hungry and pace yourself; four hours is a marathon, not a sprint. Bring a group, because brunch is social by design. And check the package details when you reserve, since what's included varies a lot between venues.
Which cities do it best
Dubai is the undisputed capital of the format — you could brunch somewhere different every weekend for a year. Abu Dhabi runs it a close second with a slightly more relaxed feel. In Doha, Manama and across Saudi Arabia the scene leans toward spectacular hotel buffets and family-friendly feasts. Wherever you are, there's a table with your name on it.
Find and book the weekend's best tables on Millionaire.ad — browse brunches by city and message the venue directly to reserve.
