In the Gulf, Christmas is less a matter of frost or snow than of light, atmosphere, and the art of curated celebration. From the gilded interiors of Jeddah to Doha’s glittering corniche, and Muscat’s serene seaside elegance, the festive season reveals itself as a masterclass in refined hospitality. Here, conviviality, culinary artistry, and understated luxury converge, creating moments that are as indulgent as they are memorably local.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Strawfire by Ross Shonhan
Strawfire welcomes the festive season with a Christmas Day experience designed for wholesome yet glamorous gatherings. Open from midday to mid-afternoon, the restaurant invites guests to savour a specially curated celebratory menu alongside its à la carte offerings, encouraging a gently paced, unhurried holiday meal.
The culinary journey begins with sharing starters, including a delicate Tuna Tartare with monaka, spring onion, and wasabi mayonnaise. Guests then move on to mains such as Spicy Miso Chilean Seabass with pickled cucumber and the indulgent Westholme Wagyu Striploin MB 4-5 with Japanese BBQ sauce. The experience concludes on a sweet note, rounding out a festive menu that balances elegance, creativity, and the joy of seasonal celebration. Book here
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Rosewood Jeddah – Habsburg Restaurant
Christmas Eve in Jeddah takes on a distinctly European-inspired elegance at Habsburg. Live music floats through the gilded interiors as seasonal dishes are presented with meticulous artistry. The evening’s highlight, Roasted Duck with raspberry and chestnuts, accompanied by a delicate non-alcoholic red wine sauce, exemplifies the restaurant’s sophisticated approach to festive dining. A welcoming Mimosa sets the tone for an evening where indulgence is effortless and every detail exudes refinement. Book here
Doha, Qatar
Nobu
Perched on its own peninsula at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Nobu Doha is one of the city’s most acclaimed luxury restaurants, celebrated for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine and striking architectural design. For Christmas Day 2025, Nobu Doha will host a festive brunch, blending the restaurant’s signature dishes – from delicately prepared sashimi and sushi to inventive seafood and Wagyu creations – with seasonal touches designed to evoke the holiday spirit. Set against panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Doha skyline, the experience promises a refined, immersive Christmas celebration, combining Nobu’s iconic flavours with the elegance and sophistication expected of one of Doha’s premier fine-dining destinations. Book here
Kuwait City
Pepper Steakhouse at Jumeirah Messilah Beach
For Christmas 2025 in Kuwait City, Pepper – the award‑winning steakhouse at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa — presents one of the most distinguished festive dining experiences in the country. Regularly celebrated as one of Kuwait’s best hotel restaurants with glowing reviews and a reputation for prime cuts and impeccable service, Pepper will host a special festive five‑course Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December, thoughtfully crafted to elevate the holiday into an occasion worth savouring.
Within its elegant, two‑level setting – at once refined and convivial – guests can expect a sequence of curated courses designed to showcase the depth and precision of the kitchen’s technique, layers of seasonal flavour, and the restaurant’s signature hospitality. Festive décor and an atmosphere attuned to celebration lend the evening a sense of occasion that feels both luxurious and warmly convivial, making Pepper one of Kuwait’s premier choices for a refined holiday night out. Book now
Muscat, Oman
The Restaurant, The Chedi Muscat
For a Christmas celebration that combines refined luxury with seasonal warmth, The Chedi Muscat delivers an experience that is both sophisticated and inviting. On Christmas Eve, guests are treated to a meticulously curated four‑course dinner in The Restaurant, where each dish reflects the season’s finest flavours, set against soft piano melodies and elegant interiors. On Christmas Day, the festive spirit continues with a lavish Christmas lunch buffet on The Chedi Lawn, featuring classic holiday offerings from roasted turkey and chestnut soup to Beef Wellington and traditional desserts, all complemented by live music and a serene seaside backdrop. Thoughtful touches, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of understated grandeur make The Chedi Muscat the definitive choice for those seeking a luxurious and memorable Christmas in Oman’s capital. Book here
