With the excitement of Ramadan engulfing the city, we sit down for a five-minute chat with the man behind the iconic Hilton Doha. Elias J. Moukarzel gives us the lowdown on the exciting things to look forward to this month.

The pandemic is still dominating all our minds, what can you tell us about the precautions your team is taking and how you have handled this situation this past year?
Navigating the past year has been challenging for everyone. At Hilton Doha, our main priority has always been the safety of our guests, colleagues, and partners; hence the development of the Hilton Clean Stay initiative. Building on our already rigorous cleaning standards, Hilton collaborated with Reckitt, the producer of health and hygiene brands Lysol and Dettol, to ensure immaculate measures of cleanliness and disinfection within our properties. Across our food and beverage outlets, we are constantly adapting to follow the measures in place to ensure the safety of our guests. The Qatar Clean Program launched by the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) became the drive behind maintaining safety protocols at the highest standards.

The Hilton Doha has become a renowned destination, what’s the secret to its success?
At Hilton Doha, we encompass all aspects of entertainment that a five-star hotel should deliver. Our property features immaculate suites with floor-to-ceiling views of the Arabian Gulf, a beautiful private beach, pool facilities, and a tranquil spa, coupled with vibrant recreational activities. Combined with our warm and friendly team, we ensure your stay is as pleasurable as can be. We also deliver an extensive range of food and beverage outlets, constantly evolving to cater to every interest of our guests with varied cuisines and ambiance. 2020 saw the launch of two new food and beverage outlets at Hilton Doha, the contemporary sushi bar, Sushi On! featuring modern Japanese cuisine, as well as the Bab Al Bahr seaside lounge, a trendy, sunset beachside retreat, offering Mediterranean tapas, Oriental shawarma, and unique signature cocktails. We also have Polynesian restaurant and bar Trader Vic’s and Tahitian Village, infamous destinations for fusion cuisine, enhanced drinks, and everyone’s favourite brunch locations. Sports fans can enjoy a brew while watching a game on our extensive screens at Shots, or chill with friends on the outdoor terrace. Those looking for a more energetic experience have the option of our on-site, award-winning nightclub Society Lounge, which sees global A-list artists and performances. We are eagerly awaiting nightlife to return to host some great new surprises.

Ramadan is always a grand occasion in Qatar, how do you think you’re owning this celebratory month?
This year we are owning Ramadan with offerings across our outlets. Ramadan is right here at Hilton Doha with a beachside iftar and suhoor at Bab Al Bahr, offering Ramadan like never before with an immersive dining experience by the ocean. Enjoy traditional Arabic dishes as well as modern Mediterranean tapas, and delightful pairing mocktails. Those looking for an alternative iftar experience can also enjoy a sharing-style menu from Sushi On! offering modern Japanese cuisine with specially prepared Ramadan pairing sips. Complete your Ramadan celebrations and find a place to rest your head in our beautiful suites, and wake up to the floor-toceiling views with our room package options.

Bab Al Bahr Doha is a favourite for al fresco and seaside dining, what can we expect there during Ramadan?
There is nothing quite like being situated on the beach at sunset, with the sound of the ocean, surrounded by loved ones, and a feast of delectable cuisine. This Ramadan, we make it a special occasion where one can relax with friends and family, while enjoying an extensive iftar under the stars. We have beautiful lounge set ups, where your feet can touch the sand, lit by candlelight lanterns for a truly extraordinary experience. Our culinary team has developed an extravagant seated menu of delicacies, from cold mezze to warm signatures and traditional mains; finished with a range of tempting authentic sweets and refreshing mocktails.

You’ve held positions at various Hilton properties in Jordan, as well as Egypt. What’s unique about your experience in Qatar?
I am happy I was granted the chance to travel with Hilton and discover different countries, cultures, and experiences. I joined Hilton Doha two years ago and have been enjoying the journey both on a personal and professional level. Doha and Qatar are at the epicentre of the hospitality industry in the Middle East, driven by the many events to come and following Qatar’s National Vision 2030. In my time here, I have seen the city expand and develop at a rapid pace, it is a constant motivation to ensure you deliver your best every day, and consistently convey excellence in everything you do. I am eager to see the progression towards the World Cup 2022, and everything that we at Hilton Doha can offer during this exciting time. We are all working to ensure that this is the most memorable World Cup ever experienced. I am proud to lead a genuinely passionate team of professionals here at Hilton Doha. We are constantly working toward elevating the offering from our property, and with the support of Hilton and our owners, I am very excited to see what more we can offer in the coming years. ✤