Food and faith

zoom

Till Martin, executive assistant manager in charge of F&B, Grand Hyatt Dubai.

Ramadan poses unique operational challenges for F&B outlets in Dubai.

What changes will you be making to the standard operating procedures of your outlets during the Holy Month?

Robin Thornton: Very little will actually change, other than the obvious - screening restaurant areas from public view and removing all alcohol - it's actually a very busy time of year for us as we normally conduct refurbishments as well.

Wally Jubran: Our operating procedures will be as normal. Only non-alcoholic beverages will be served prior to 8pm and the entrance to Spikes will be cloaked from sunrise to sunset.

Till Martin: The Market Café will operate as usual during Ramadan this year.

All other outlets remain closed during the day and open for dinner only.

Marcus Gregs: A great deal of changes are to be made.

Our all-day-dining restaurant, Fountain, is to be totally closed for the duration of Ramadan.

La Veranda will open in the evening as usual but will be closed for lunch.

Somerset is open in the day as the designated smoking area, but it will only serve tea, coffee and soft drinks.

Iftar will be in the Layali tent daily at sunset.

Khaldoun Shindi: All public areas will be free from F&B and there will be no alcoholic beverages on display - these will only be served after sunset.

Also, there will be no live entertainment in any of Raffles Dubai's outlets.

Carlo Cirone: Spirits and hard beverages will only be served from 7pm onwards in Flavours on Two, Teatro, Long's Bar and Wraps Lobby café. The operation will start after the breaking of the fast.

How do guests react to the limited F&B offerings during Ramadan?

Thornton: I think guests react favourably. We have a large choice and therefore get no negative feedback.

In fact, with the opportunity to take Iftar, I think it adds to the theatre of Arabia.

Jubran: We find that regular and first time guests to the club during the Holy Month, are extremely understanding and respectful of the beliefs and tradition of Ramadan.

We find that, on the whole, our guests genuinely enjoy the opportunity to experience this time and gain an insight into another culture.

Martin: Our guests usually know that there is a limited food and beverage offer during Ramadan throughout the day and respect local customs.

International visitors are well-informed by our employees and all our guests appreciate the additional F&B offers like the Iftar buffet and the Laylati tent, which allow them to experience the Ramadan atmosphere and a real taste of Arabia.

Gregs: From my experience, most are understanding and respectful of the Holy Month and, as we have alternative places for people to eat, they will not really be affected.

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

READERS' COMMENTS

View all comments (1)

Have your say

Ramadan
Posted by Khalid, Dubai, UAE on Monday 15 September 2008 at 16:07 UAE time


I enjoyed reading your feature on Ramadan. It was interesting to see this most important religious celebration from a business perspective.
I believe that it is most important to remember, however, that the month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends.
All physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use between dawn and sunset. However, that is merely the physical component of the fast; the spiritual aspects of the fast include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character.
All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of thought and action is paramount.
The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well.
Any business-related aspects of Ramadan are of course secondary to all this to any true Muslim. Nonetheless, I found it interesting to read about the operational challenges facing F&B outlets during this time as I think that this is a unique aspect for the hospitality industry in this region.

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM