Juan Valdez Opens Third Café at City Center Doha

Juan Valdez officially celebrated the grand opening of its third café in Qatar with the launch of its newest location at City Center Doha, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the local market.

The official opening ceremony took place on July 28, 2026 at City Center Doha and welcomed VIP guests, representatives from Ali Bin Ali Hospitality, the Embassy of Colombia, and members of the press. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by the Ambassador of Colombia to Qatar, H.E. Odette Yidi David, and the Group General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Hospitality, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar.

At the launch event guests enjoyed an immersive coffee experience featuring Juan Valdez’s signature 100% premium Colombian coffee alongside a selection of specialty beverages and freshly prepared food offerings.

Remarking on the occasion, Mr. Ammar, who oversees the Juan Valdez brand, noted, “The opening of our third Juan Valdez location in Qatar is another important milestone in our growth journey. City Center Doha is a strategic destination that allows us to introduce the authentic Colombian coffee experience to even more guests.”

H.E. David added, “Juan Valdez is a symbol of Colombian heritage and a source of pride for every Colombian. I would like to thank Ali Bin Ali Hospitality for its continued commitment to expanding the Juan Valdez brand in Qatar. Every new café strengthens the ties between our two countries, and I believe this remarkable journey is only just beginning.”

The opening of the City Center Doha branch reflects Juan Valdez‘s dedication to bringing the finest Colombian coffee closer to customers. Through its partnership with Ali Bin Ali Hospitality, the brand continues to expand its footprint while offering coffee enthusiasts exceptional café experiences inspired by Colombia’s rich coffee tradition.

Café Pouchkine Crowned Favorite Café at FACT Dining Awards Qatar 2026

Café Pouchkine at Galeries Lafayette Doha has been named Favorite Café at the FACT Dining Awards Qatar 2026, adding another distinguished accolade to its growing legacy of excellence and reaffirming its status as one of Qatar’s premier café destinations.

The award was presented during the FACT Dining Awards Qatar 2026 ceremony, held in Doha on 23 June 2026, bringing together leading names from the country’s hospitality and dining sectors to celebrate outstanding achievements across the industry.

Inspired by the elegance and charm of Parisian café culture, Café Pouchkine has become synonymous with sophisticated dining experiences, exquisite French pastries, artisanal desserts, premium beverages, and exceptional hospitality. This latest recognition reflects the café’s unwavering commitment to quality and its ability to consistently deliver memorable guest experiences.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar, Group General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Hospitality, said:

“This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our team to delivering an exceptional guest experience every day. We sincerely thank our guests for their continued trust and support, and we remain committed to setting new standards of excellence within Qatar’s hospitality industry.”

More than an award, this recognition highlights the enduring connection Café Pouchkine has built with its guests through its distinctive blend of French artistry, refined hospitality, and attention to detail. As the brand continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to creating elevated café experiences that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

Widely recognized as one of the region’s most influential hospitality awards, the FACT Dining Awards celebrate venues that excel in delivering exceptional culinary and guest experiences. Café Pouchkine’s win is a testament to the passion and dedication of its team and further reinforces Ali Bin Ali Hospitality’s commitment to delivering world-class concepts and supporting Qatar’s position as a leading destination for hospitality and dining excellence.

Innovative Match-Day Menu and Outdoor Screens at the Heart of Katara

Joe’s Café at 21 High Street: The Ultimate Destination to Experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™

  • An exclusive match-day menu designed to deliver an exceptional experience that blends excitement with refined hospitality.

Coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Joe’s Café, a leading destination for premium hospitality, is introducing a range of exclusive offers and entertainment experiences tailored for football fans and match viewers at its location in 21 High Street within Katara Cultural Village; Qatar’s first
air-conditioned open-air street. The unique setting provides guests with the perfect opportunity to cheer on their favorite teams in an atmosphere defined by comfort, energy, and excitement.

  • Giant Outdoor Screens

Throughout the tournament, Joe’s Café welcomes guests daily to enjoy selected FIFA World Cup matches live on its giant outdoor screen, creating an immersive viewing experience that seamlessly combines the thrill of live football with an exceptional culinary journey.

This initiative caters to football enthusiasts across Qatar, including residents and visitors eager to experience the excitement of the tournament. Thanks to the advanced outdoor cooling technology at 21 High Street, guests can enjoy every moment of the matches in ideal temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere that recreates the excitement of being in the stadium.

  • Innovative Match-Day Menu

To elevate the match-day experience, Joe’s Café has curated a selection of exclusive sharing dishes thoughtfully crafted for friends and families to enjoy together.

Among the highlights is the Double Treat Combo, a sharing menu designed especially for football fans. Guests can choose any two gourmet burgers or signature sandwiches, paired with one appetizer from a selection that includes crispy nachos, calamari, Volcano Fries, or crispy Volcano Chicken, complemented by a full pitcher of refreshing mocktails.

  • Home Delivery Packages

As part of its commitment to providing maximum convenience, Joe’s Café also offers its Game Night Essentials package for football fans who prefer watching the matches from the comfort of their homes. The package is available for immediate delivery through Qatar’s leading delivery platforms, including Snoonu, Talabat, and Keeta.

Designed for two people and priced at QAR 180, the package features a premium selection of Joe’s Café’s best-selling dishes, including the signature Joe’s Café Mixed Appetizer Platter, the Queen Smash Burger, the café’s renowned Chicken Risotto, and two soft drinks—bringing the premium café experience directly to customers’ homes.

  • Premium Hospitality

Completing the experience is Joe’s Café’s dedicated team of hospitality professionals, delivering exceptional service that reflects the prestige and excitement of the world’s biggest football tournament. Whether celebrating every goal or every victory, Joe’s Café offers the perfect setting to enjoy every match throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

ABA Hospitality Elevates Qatar Tennis Tournament 2026

Ali Bin Ali Hospitality played a prominent role in the Qatar Tennis Tournament (QTT) 2026, delivering a series of high-quality catering and brand experiences through its leading brands.

During the tournament, held in February 2026 in Doha, Wahaj Catering and Juan Valdez provided catering services at the Media Center, serving food and specialty coffee to media representatives, organizers, and official guests.

At the same time, 974 Delights participated in the VIP Lounge, offering a selection of its signature desserts for VIP guests and attendees.

The tournament attracted international tennis players, media personalities, VIP guests, sponsors, partners, and sports enthusiasts from Qatar and abroad, positioning it as one of Qatar’s key sporting events.

Commenting on the participation, ABA Hospitality’s Group General Manager, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar, noted his delight in supporting the QTT 2026. “Our teams worked diligently to deliver quality, consistency, and professional service throughout the tournament. Participating in such a prestigious sporting event reflects our continued input to Qatar’s dynamic events and hospitality scene,” he said.

Ali Bin Ali Hospitality continues to deliver premium catering solutions and elevated brand experiences aligned with the country’s world-class sporting platforms.

 

Ali Bin Ali Hospitality Participates in Web Summit Qatar 2026

 

Ali Bin Ali Hospitality participated in the third edition of Web Summit Qatar 2026, reinforcing its commitment to hospitality excellence at one of the region’s most prominent technology and innovation gatherings.

ABA Hospitality participated from February 1-4, 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), where its portfolio of five brands, Juan Valdez, Café Pouchkine, 974 Delights, Cioccolatitaliani, Joe’s Cafe and Wahaj Catering, operated dedicated kiosks serving a wide selection of food and beverage offerings throughout the event.

Across the four-day summit, the brands collectively catered to thousands of local and international visitors, contributing to the overall guest experience and supporting the dynamic atmosphere of the event. Attendees were able to enjoy diverse concepts ranging from premium coffee and refined patisserie to Italian desserts and tailored catering services.

Commenting on the participation, The General Manager of ABA Hospitality, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar said “We were proud to be part of Web Summit Qatar, supporting this landmark event through its food and beverage offerings and reinforcing its role as a trusted hospitality partner for large-scale international events in Qatar.”

Web Summit Qatar 2026 welcomed more than 30,000 attendees from over 120 countries, bringing together global founders, investors, policymakers, media representatives, technology leaders, and startup teams. The event featured keynote talks, panel discussions, startup pitches, networking sessions, and exhibitions, positioning Qatar as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ali Bin Ali Hospitality’s participation at Web Summit Qatar underscored the group’s dedication to delivering high- quality dining experiences at large-scale international events. Through its diverse brand portfolio, the group successfully created memorable culinary moments that complemented the summit’s forward-looking and global spirit.

A Review of ABA Hospitality’s Contribution in Ramadan

At the peak of this year’s Ramadan, Ali Bin Ali Hospitality introduced a curated Ramadan collection across its leading food and beverage brands, offering a range of seasonal products for the holy month in Doha.

Across its portfolio, each brand presented specially developed offerings tailored for gatherings, gifting, and everyday moments. The collections reflect a blend of tradition and contemporary flavors, with a focus on quality, presentation, and accessibility. All the offerings were also available on major delivery platforms including Talabat, Snoonu, Rafeeq, and Keeta..

Remarking on the occasion, the Group General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Hospitality, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar shared that the enterprise wanted to contribute to the holy month in a meaningful way by creating exceptional food and thoughtful experiences. “This year, our brands had curated Ramadan collections that celebrate tradition while introducing new flavors and premium gifting concepts. Our aim was to ensure that every Ramadan moment felt special and memorable,” he reminisced.

The hospitality offerings ran across the month of Ramadan as Ali Bin Ali Hospitality showcased its exquisite dining and gifting experiences across its diverse portfolio.

ABA Hospitality Qatar National Day Seasonal Creations 2025 ABA Hospitality Unveils Limited-Edition Qatar National Day Creations Across Its F&B Brands

ABA Hospitality introduced a curated range of limited-edition desserts, beverages, and gifting items across its portfolio of brands to celebrate Qatar National Day. Each brand presented exclusive creations inspired by Qatar’s national colors, cultural symbolism, and festive spirit, combining craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and elegant presentation. The campaign highlighted ABA Hospitality’s commitment to honoring national occasions through thoughtful, brand-led culinary experiences.
The Qatar National Day seasonal creations were launched during the Qatar National Day period, December 2025
The campaign was implemented across selected ABA Hospitality outlets in Qatar, including:

  • 974 Delights
  • Café Pouchkine
  • Cioccolati Italiani
  • Joe’s Café

The creations were available in-stor, delivery apps, , through takeaway and gifting packages

Brand highlights included:

  • 974 Delights:
    Coupole Chocolate Cake with Qatar National Day greeting, Tiramisu tray, a branded special latte drink in Qatar flag colors, Sand Rose chocolate box in QND colors, and branded chocolate trays.
  • Café Pouchkine:
    Branded Medovik cake with “Happy Qatar National Day” greeting, Coupole cheesecake featuring Qatar flag colors, and a branded chocolate tray and branded macarons as well
  • Cioccolati Italiani:
    Chunky chocolate bars inspired by Qatar flag colors
  • Neuhaus chocolate trays from Belgium, along with curated hampers and gift boxes for the occasion.
  • Joe’s Café:
    Crunchy chocolate mousse tray designed with Qatar flag color accents.

Through its Qatar National Day seasonal creations, ABA Hospitality celebrated the nation’s heritage while showcasing the diversity and creativity of its brands. The campaign reflected a unified yet brand-specific approach to national celebrations, offering guests memorable flavors, elegant gifting options, and meaningful culinary expressions inspired by Qatar.

Café Pouchkine Unveils Festive Seasonal Creations for End-of-Year Celebrations

Café Pouchkine introduced a refined selection of festive seasonal creations to celebrate the end-of-year period and festive gatherings. The limited-edition collection showcased the brand’s signature craftsmanship and French patisserie heritage through elegant desserts designed for sharing and gifting. The festive lineup featured a striking golden macaron pyramid alongside classic seasonal bûches and bûchettes, combining premium ingredients, timeless flavors, and festive presentation to elevate holiday moments.

The festive seasonal offerings were launched during the festive period in December 2025.

The festive collection was available across Café Pouchkine outlets in Qatar, including in-store experiences, takeaway options, and through delivery platforms, catering to both intimate celebrations and larger festive gatherings

Festive highlights included:
• Golden Macaron Pyramid – an elegant centerpiece designed for festive tables and celebrations
• Chocolate Hazelnut Bûche & Bûchette – rich, indulgent creations blending chocolate and hazelnut
• Vanilla Chestnut Bûche & Bûchette – a seasonal favorite combining delicate vanilla with chestnut notes
• All creations were crafted to suit festive gatherings, gifting, and celebratory moments, reflecting Café Pouchkine’s attention to detail and premium presentation

Through its festive seasonal offerings, Café Pouchkine brought the spirit of the holidays to life with refined patisserie creations designed for sharing and celebration. The collection reinforced the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, elegance, and memorable festive experiences, making Café Pouchkine a destination for elevated end-of-year gatherings.

Wagamama revamps kids menu with fun, nutritious dishes

On July 15, 2025, Wagamama Qatar proudly unveiled its refreshed and reimagined kids’ menu, now available at both Place Vendôme and Doha Festival City locations, as well as through popular delivery platforms including Talabat, Snoonu, Rafeeq, and Deliveroo. This new offering brings together playful dining, wholesome ingredients, and creative presentation—designed especially with young diners and their families in mind.

At the heart of the new menu are dishes that blend flavor, nutrition, and fun. Highlights include the all-new Mini Pad Thai—available with chicken, tofu, or prawn—and the interactive “Build Your Own Mini Donburi,” which invites children to explore their food in a hands-on, personalized way. Complemented by healthy sides and juice options, the menu supports Wagamama’s commitment to offering food that fuels both body and imagination.

The initiative also includes the introduction of engaging activity placemats, turning each dining experience into a chance for learning and play. This added focus on creativity and interaction helps Wagamama stand out in Qatar’s casual dining scene, further reinforcing its family-friendly atmosphere.

Commenting on the milestone, the General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Hospitality, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar, stated:

“Our new kids’ menu goes beyond just food—it’s a chance for families to bond over nutritious meals in a fun, welcoming space. We’re proud to provide an experience that’s both wholesome and memorable for our youngest guests.”

With this thoughtful revamp, Wagamama reaffirms its role as a destination where families can share joyful, nourishing meals together—whether dining in or enjoying the experience from home.

July 2025 | DOHA

MACH & MACH unveils ‘Moon Lounge’ at Galeries Lafayette Doha

Doha, Qatar — 7 October 2025 — Following its debut in Milan during the Fall/Winter 2025 presentation, Georgian luxury brand MACH & MACH brought its cosmic activation to Doha with Moon Lounge — a bold, multi-sensory takeover of Galeries Lafayette Doha’s flagship store and café. Developed in collaboration with OBJECTS ARE BY, the creative duo Jenny Pham and Phil America, the installation transforms the store into an immersive constellation, merging fashion, space, and architecture into one surreal environment.

 

Moon Chair

At the center of the takeover is a disruptive installation of inflatable silver chairs printed with moon patterns. Suspended in clusters, the chairs form a sculptural lounge before appearing to “take off” — flying through the store and cascading dramatically out of the Galeries Lafayette Doha entrance. Crafted from recycled materials, the chairs are modular and collectible. They appear throughout Galeries Lafayette Doha — orbiting MACH & MACH products in window displays, clustering inside the store, and creating continuity in the 974 Delights Café. More than furniture, they act as design objects.

 

Moon Lounge

The takeover extends into the 974 Delights Café, restyled in chrome and pink accents. A custom menu enhances the cosmic universe, headlined by the signature “MACH & MATCHA” — a vibrant pink matcha sprinkled dried rose petals. Other offerings feature stencil art of MACH & MACH’s double bow and the Moon Lounge insignia, turning every dish and drink into a collectible experience.

 

As part of the collaboration, the 974 & MACH & MACH Afternoon Tea, conceived by Executive Chef Sylvain Thuilliez, offers a curated experience of both sweet and savoury delicacies. The sweet selection features vanilla caramel choux, hazelnut dacquoise, strawberry tart, vanilla macaron, and chocolate moon, while the savoury assortment includes bresaola crescent canapés, truffle croquette canapés, and smoked salmon crescent canapés. Guests may complement their tea with a refreshing choice of cold matcha beverages — raspberry matcha with fresh raspberries, blackberry matcha with milk and Japanese matcha cloud, rose matcha with dried rose petals, or a matcha cloud latte of iced milk layered with coffee — all available at 300 QAR for two.

 

At the café’s MACH & MATCHA Live Station, guests can watch cosmic drinks prepared to order — from Mixed Berries Matcha to Rose Matcha or Coffee Matcha — each crowned with delicate matcha foam and served in specially designed takeaway cups. With Moon Lounge, MACH & MACH continues to push luxury into new dimensions. While other brands build worlds, MACH & MACH explores galaxies — inviting visitors to slow down, look up, and step inside the cosmos.

 

About MACH & MACH

Established in 2012 by sisters Nina and Gvantsa Macharashvili, MACH & MACH is a luxury brand specializing in crystal-embellished footwear, accessories, and ready-to-wear. The brand rose to global recognition in 2020 with its Double Bow heels, defining the brand’s playful approach to femininity. Produced in Italy with headquarters in Tbilisi and Milan, MACH & MACH continues to merge high-impact Georgian creativity with expert Italian craftsmanship.

 

About Objects Are By

OBJECTS ARE BY is a Milan-based design brand and studio redefining the creative process through collaboration, materials, and innovation. Founded by life and business partners Phil America and Jenny D. Pham, it operates as a platform for cross-disciplinary expression, pushing boundaries through physical moments and objects. Rooted in a future-conscious philosophy, the studio actively seeks ethical, lower-impact production methods to shape a more sustainable future.

 

About Galeries Lafayette Doha

Galeries Lafayette Doha, the prestigious French department store, continues to redefine the retail landscape in Qatar with its unparalleled shopping experience. Located in the heart of Doha, the store brings together more than 130 years of fashion expertise with a forward-looking approach tailored to today’s passionate customers.

 

Renowned worldwide for its Parisian heritage and commitment to excellence, Galeries Lafayette offers a carefully curated portfolio of brands, ranging from accessible fashion to luxury, across categories including fashion, beauty, fine jewelry, accessories, home décor, and gourmet food. This unique diversity positions the Doha store as a premier destination for both local and international shoppers.

 

With its headquarters in Paris and a network of 65 stores across France and abroad — including the iconic flagship on Boulevard Haussmann — Galeries Lafayette Doha exemplifies the brand’s global spirit while embodying Qatar’s dynamic retail scene. A hub of innovation, diversity, and elegance, it stands as a beacon for style and sophistication in the region.

 

About 974 Delights

974 Delights is Qatar’s vibrant gateway to authentic flavors and heartfelt hospitality. The exquisite French inspired restaurant brings together a curated selection of premium local and regional treats, celebrating Qatar’s rich culinary heritage with a fresh, modern twist.

 

Dedicated to quality and genuine experiences, 974 Delights invites you to savor the taste of tradition, crafted with care and shared with warmth. Proudly rooted in Qatar, 974 Delights is here to amuse your senses and connect communities—one bite at a time.

 

About Chef Sylvain Thuilliez

Executive Chef of Ali Bin Ali Hospitality and 974 Delights, Sylvain Thuilliez brings Michelin-starred expertise and refined French gastronomy to Qatar. Having trained with legendary chefs such as Alain Ducasse, Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, and Yannick Alléno, Chef Sylvain blends tradition with innovation to create elevated dining experiences that define the culinary identity of 974 Delights.