Movenpick Al-Khobar serves up exclusive iftar buffet

As Ramadan is warmly welcomed amid much celebration, Movenpick Hotel Al-Khobar now offers local residents the perfect iftar experience at its lobby restaurant, The Blue.
Recreating an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere resplendent with traditional tapestries, intricately ornamented tents and extravagant spreads of Arabian culinary delights, guests are indulged in a sensory feast that is at once both familiar and unique.
At the hotel, as the sun goes down and the bustling lobby is serenaded with the wafting aroma of freshly cooked treats, visitors can be seen mingling with the hospitable team of chefs serving them, reminiscent of traditional family Iftars that are so often associated with this blessed month.
Sara Chaudhry, a regular at the Movenpick Iftar buffet, highlights this point: “The one thing that keeps me coming back here is definitely the atmosphere. In a strange way it reminds me of the lavish iftar parties we would have back home. Entire families can be seen enjoying their food together and I love that.”
From live cooking stations serving scrumptious shawarmas, delicious kebabs, mouthwatering kunafa and savory desserts to tantalizing continental and Indian cuisines adding to the diversity of flavors, Executive Chef Alexander Reilly ensures the menu satisfies the whims and urges of all food lovers. Furthermore, speaking about the importance of Ramadan and the need to make iftar special for their guests, Markus Marti, Movenpick Al-Khobar general manager, comments: “Ramadan is a very special season for us and we pay special attention to it. It is the month when all Saudis who are abroad usually come back to their families and return to the Kingdom which is why we go out of our way to provide top-notch service.”
He said: “In preparation, we emptied our swimming pool and set up a large tent to accommodate an additional 200-250 guests during this time. Since in Ramadan, everyone comes at the same time, by increasing our capacity, we like to give as many people as we can the opportunity to enjoy the iftar.”
The general manager said: “Also, we tried several of our live cooking stations earlier at our Friday brunch which proved to be a big hit which is why we decided to include them this year in the Iftar menu.”
He said: “Overall, Ramadan is a time of festive celebration and spirituality and we try and provide the best experience for all our guests in line with the spirit of this month.”
Emphasizing the other facilities provided during the month, he added: “We also have a beautiful banquet hall of 1,600 square meters which is one of the biggest banquet halls in the Eastern province. It can host 1,000-1,200 people easily for iftar and it is a great option for customers looking to have huge events or parties. Similarly, Al-Massah Hall, which can accommodate up to 130 people, is more suitable for more intimate Ramadan gatherings.”
The iftar buffet continues until 8:45 pm.