A shining star in Lusail City, the glittering Al Maha Island is another leisure hotspot in Qatar. Located across the Lusail Marina promenade and linked to the mainland by a causeway, Al Maha Island is a dream destination to visit, especially during the cooler months, as it comes alive with festivities. Starting with the Season 3 opening of Lusail Winter Wonderland in October, the festivities continue with the Roaming Circus in November, and in December, beautiful winter decorations & celebrations for Qatar National Day and New Year’s Eve.
Here is why Al Maha Island is worth visiting in Qatar:
- If you are a fan of seafront restaurants and walkways, Al Maha Island should be on your list.
- World-famous high-end restaurants are housed on Al Maha Island with equally amazing indoor and outdoor seating with glittering views of Lusail City.
- For casual dining and coffee with sea views & city views, Al Maha Island would be one of the best destinations to pick in Qatar.
- Lusail Winter Wonderland in Al Maha Island is a must-visit for those seeking entertainment and thrilling rides, open during Qatar’s cooler months from around October to April.
Al Maha Drive
Did you know? Al Maha Island has a driveway only dedicated to supercars and vintage vehicles. This driveway is called Al Maha Drive which is an exclusive driveway at Al Maha Island. All the casual and high-end dining restaurants are positioned along Al Maha Drive.
Casual eateries at Al Maha Island
Lined along the beginning of ‘’Al Maha Drive’’ a set of local and international restaurants & cafes will welcome visitors with their beautiful indoors and equally amazing outdoors. All the outdoor seating of the eateries has an outdoor cooling system. All of the eateries boast fabulous seafront surroundings and a view of the magnificent Lusail City. Below is a little introduction to the eateries:
Rossopomodoro: This is an Italian pizza restaurant chain offering an authentic taste of southern Italy to Qatar.
Viva La Vida Doha: An exceptional cafe, popular for breakfast, but is preferred for all-day dining too. The interior is magical with calming elements. A fresh and serene spot to have food.
Karaki Lounge: This exquisite traditional tea lounge is super cozy and with a cup of their delicious Karak and a wide selection of pastries, you are sure to have a good time.
Moka Caffe: This is one of Qatar’s favorite places for serious coffee connoisseurs.
High-end dining at Al Maha Island
Zuma: Take advantage of Zuma’s famous modern Japanese cuisine and unique casual izakaya dining concept The main dining space, lounge, and bar, as well as the gorgeous outdoor seating and private dining room, all overlook the Qatari Sea.
Instagram: @zumadohaofficial
Tatel: Another world-famous dining destination that offers a unique experience of Spanish haute cuisine. It is a fine & fun dining destination with cuisine excellence, happy times, and good company.
Instagram: @tatel.doha
Billionaire: Famously hailed as the master of extravaganza, Billionaire Doha is an Italian & New-Asian restaurant to enjoy dinner with special themed shows.
Em Sherif Restaurant: This restaurant offers a traditional, elegant, and unique version of the diverse Lebanese cuisine that brings back pleasant memories of home cooking.
Instagram: @emsherifrestaurant.qa
Carbone: The restaurant is a nod to an old-fashioned Italian realm. It offers a fine-dining Italian-American experience in Doha.
Instagram: @carbonedoha
LPM: LPM Restaurant and Bar is a contemporary dining restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the yacht club on Al Maha Island.
Instagram: @lpmdoha
Beefbar: Beefbar offers an appealing menu divided into three main categories: street food inspired by some of the world’s most well-known meals, superb meat cuts sourced from Australia, Japan, and the United States, as well as classic dishes, including sides, main courses, and desserts.
Instagram: @beefbar_doha
Entertainment at Al Maha Island
Lusail Winter Wonderland
Every winter, the renowned Winter Wonderland festival opens in Qatar. The ultimate celebration of entertainment and leisure, Lusail Winter Wonderland presented by Qatar Airways comes from the creators of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
This is a place of festive fun for the whole family and features more than 50 rides and attractions, delectable food and drink, live entertainment, and more.
The rides and attractions in Lusail Winter Wonderland are distributed under the following categories:
Thrill rides presenting 8 exciting rides including the Ooredoo 5G a high-octane rollercoaster.
Family rides presenting16 amazing rides including the Ain QNB, a 53m, Qatar’s tallest Ferris wheel.
Kids rides presenting 15 kid-friendly options
The arcade games booths at Lusail Winter Wonderland offer hours of fun, from the classics to exciting new games. Lusail Winter Wonderland also features 12 skill game spots where guests can win the famously cute soft toys.
At Lusail Winter Wonderland there are also pre-booked attractions (booking through the website) that guests can enjoy.
Tazaloj Al Rayan: The park also features a huge outdoor ice-skating rink by Qatari bank, Masraf Al Rayan for ages 7 and above.
Note: Lusail Winter Wonderland is currently closed and will reopen for Season 3 this October 2024.
Bagatelle Beach Club Doha
Bagatelle Beach Club Doha is a beachside destination in Al Maha Island of Lusail inviting guests to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has a stunning poolside terrace and a touch of luxury reminiscent of the South of France. From day to night, guests can sip refreshing beverages while savoring a generous French Mediterranean menu, expertly crafted with exceptional ingredients.
Timings: from 11 AM to 1 AM (Pool until 6:30 PM)
Prices: QAR 250 for men, including one beverage of choice, and QAR 150 for women.
Contact: 51000077
Instagram: @bagatellebeachclubdoha
Caravan Bay
Caravan Bay is seasonal and opens during cooler and pleasant months (from October to May).
Caravan Bay at Al Maha Island allows visitors to drive through the food trucks, park and enjoy food in the car, or park their cars and select a food truck to sit in its outdoor seafront seating.
Caravan Bay is complemented by a great view of Lusail and is also provides a great place to have stroll by the sea. The destination is crowded during weekends where people are seen enjoying coffee, karak, burgers, desserts, and more.
Ministry of Burger, MokaCaffe, EL&N, Baladna Express, and 360 Pizza are a few must try restaurants to try in Caravan Bay.
Location: Al Maha Island, Lusail
Instagram: @caravanbay.doha
Key Information
Getting there: Visitors can take the Doha Metro to Legtaifiya station on the red line, then transfer to the Lusail Tram and stop at Esplanade station on the orange line. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Al Maha Island along the Lusail Marina.
Parking: For those traveling by car, the island offers ample parking.
Al Maha Island can be visited any time of the day or night.
For breakfast the earliest time for a restaurant to open is at 8:00 AM.
At night most restaurants are open till 1 AM.
Location: Lusail Marina Corniche, Lusail
Instagram: @almaha.island