AL DAWAAR & THE HYATT REGENCY DUBAI
Let me begin by saying that I absolutely love Dubai and would eagerly go back in a heartbeat again. On this particular trip, I had the pleasure of traveling with my mother, and it was an exciting first-time experience for both of us.
We arrived at Al Dawaar later than planned, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Nestled on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Dubai, this one-of-a-kind restaurant slowly revolves, taking you on a ninety-minute journey of the city without ever leaving your seat. By the time we sat down, the lights of Dubai had already come alive. Truly spectaclar! From one side of the restaurant we could see the Arabian Gulf stretching into darkness, while on the other side the bright outline of Burj Khalifa glowed in the distance.
The restaurant itself has a relaxed but elegant charm. It is designed with colonial-inspired touches—rattan chairs, green velvet upholstery, warm wood, and tropical plants—that make you feel both at ease and a little spoiled. The views, of course, are the star of the show, but the interiors create a cozy backdrop for enjoying them. Because of the late hour, the atmosphere felt quieter and more intimate, which only amplified the drama of the nightscape unfolding outside.
The buffet at Al Dawaar is known for its generous international spread, featuring everything from sushi and seafood towers to tandoor specialties, fresh salads, and an indulgent dessert section. While arriving late meant a few stations were winding down, there was still plenty to enjoy, and the unhurried service allowed us to linger over plates without feeling rushed. Watching the city rotate slowly as we ate made the entire meal feel less about the food itself and more about savoring the moment.
Tips for Dinner at Al Dawaar
If you’re planning to dine at Al Dawaar, it helps to know a few things in advance, especially if your schedule has you arriving later in the evening. First, don’t worry if you miss the start of service. The rotation of the restaurant means you’ll still enjoy the full panorama of Dubai, and the nighttime views are arguably the most magical. I’m so happy we got the chance to spend our time there dining in the evening. Second, take your time with the experience. The rotation is slow, almost meditative, so allow yourself to relax and let the views unfold. Finally, consider pairing your meal with a drink from the revolving bar. Watching the lights of Dubai swirl around while you sip a cocktail makes for a memory that lingers long after the evening ends.
Dining at Al Dawaar is about more than food. It is about watching Dubai tell its story in lights and shadows as the city slowly turns around you. Arriving late may not give you the fullest buffet (although quite a lot), but it gifts you something better—the rare chance to see Dubai sparkle at its quietest, most cinematic hour.
The Hyatt Regency Dubai
Part of what makes dining at Al Dawaar so special is the setting. The Hyatt Regency Dubai is one of the city’s established landmarks, located in Deira along the Corniche. Having stayed here felt different from the glitzy hotels of Downtown Dubai or the Marina; instead, you get a taste of old Dubai with its bustling souks, historic creek, and vibrant markets just a short stroll away. The hotel has been a part of Dubai’s story since the 1980s and continues to attract guests who appreciate its balance of history, location, and luxury.
Inside, the Hyatt Regency offers a variety of dining options beyond Al Dawaar, including Miyako, a Japanese favorite, and Shahrzad, which specializes in Persian cuisine. We also had access to an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and expansive event spaces but we didn’t get the chance to experience any of them. Although, I would have LOVED to take advantage of the spa.
Rooms are spacious with sweeping views of the Gulf or the skyline, making the hotel not just a convenient stop for dinner but a comfortable base for exploring the city. I would highly recommend staying here if you get the chance. The service from when we checked-in to when we checked-out was impeccable.
Between the views, the food, and the sense of history that comes with staying in one of Dubai’s classic hotels, our dinner at Al Dawaar and our stay at the Hyatt felt like two parts of the same experience—one revolving high above the city and the other rooted firmly in its timeless charm. It was the perfect blend of indulgence and discovery, and a memory we’ll happily carry with us long after checkout. Really wonderful & memorable experiences.
