How does eating a meal up in the air sound? Imagine yourself sitting on a suspended dining table, strapped to seats, while being served 5-star meals all the while hovering 40 to 50 meters in the air. Does it make you excited? If yes, then Dinner in the Sky experience is definitely for you!
Dinner in the Sky concept
Originating in Belgium, this one-of-a-kind dining experience has already been operating for more than 10 years in more than 45 countries around the world. It first came to Doha, Qatar in QIFF 2013 and then returned in QIFF 2017.
Other Dinner in the Sky locations include Australia, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, United States, China, Mexico, Canada, India, Austria, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Caribbean, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Georgia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, Netherlands, Taiwan, Thailand, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Spain, Slovenia, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Romania, Portugal, Poland, Philippines, Peru, Panama, and Pakistan.
Dinner in the Sky experience
Upon arriving at the location, we were greeted cordially by the staff. Refreshments soon followed while we wait for the pre-flight checks at the departure lounge.
As soon as everything was ready, we were all called for the pre-flight safety orientation. After this, we chose our seats and were strapped in by the staff. The seats can rotate on a 180 degree angle and are secured by a four point strap system.
There are two chefs along with two service staff in the middle of the deck. All the food to be served is already cooked. Only the garnishing and plating is left to be done during the course of the meals.
InterContinental Doha chefs garnishing the dessert plates.
Going up, it gave me that same feeling when I tried hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. You can hardly feel the table rising with only the views giving you an indication of how far up it already is.
As the flight went on, the wind got stronger so I got a bit nervous from that. But apart from that, once you’re already strapped in, you don’t need to worry about anything but enjoy.
Best to choose a dinner flight to view the sunset from above.
You don’t have to worry about choosing the wrong seat because the table will spin 360 degrees from time to time so that everyone can enjoy the views.
Where is Dinner in the Sky located?
This year, 2019, Dinner in the Sky is hosted by InterContinental Doha and it will be located on the space near La Mar.
The location will grant guests a view of Doha and the beach as well.
How high up is Dinner in the Sky?
The ‘flying dining table’ is hoisted up by a crane around 40 to 50 meters in the sky. The table also gets rotated 360 degrees during the meals so that everyone will be able to enjoy the panoramic views.
When it got windy, we can feel the table swaying a bit but nothing to be scared about.
Don’t forget to swivel your chair to fully enjoy the views.
Dinner in the Sky Doha Menu 2019
Menu will be released soon. Please watch this space.
Beetroot Carpaccio Salad with Wild Rocca Leaves, Beans, and Artichoke
Lamb Shank, Potato Dauphinoise, Sauteed Green Asparagus, Thyme Jus
Chocolate truffle cake infused with passion fruit
Pricing: How much does Dinner in the Sky cost?
Lunch: QAR 390 (3-course meal with soft beverages)
High Tea: QAR 225 (snacks and soft beverages)
Dinner: QAR 590 (3-course meal with soft beverages)
Flight Schedule
There will be one lunch flight, two high tea flights, and three dinner flights.
The dinner session can last up to an hour while the high tea session can last up to half an hour.
The Sky Table is lifted by a crane and suspended in the air around 40 to 50 meters high.
What do you need to know
- It is a non-smoking flight.
- There will be a short safety orientation before the flight so better make sure you come early.
- Personal belongings as much as possible should be kept in front of you while eating to prevent mishaps.
- There are no bathroom breaks so make sure to head to the toilet before the flight.
- There are 22 seats on every flight.
- If you are feeling more adventurous, sit on the corners.
- You can swivel the chair and even recline it. If you want to be able to recline it fully during the flight, let the staff know when they strap you in so your seatbelt will be adjusted accordingly.
- Make sure to not wear loose shoes if you don’t want to accidentally lose a shoe mid-flight. There is only a small steel square for the feet to rest on.
- What if you have foods you don’t eat? Kindly let them know your dietary restrictions or allergy upon your reservation.
- Is it safe? Staff is trained well, there is a safety supervisor on the flight, and the structure and equipment passed certification standards.
- Is it for everyone? Pregnant women and children below 13-14 years old are not allowed. No weight restrictions but there is a minimum height of 4 feet 5 inches.
- The ascent and descent each takes up to a minute.
- For more information or to contact the organizers directly, please feel free to click here: dinnerinthesky.qa
This square plate is the only space you have to rest your feet.
Is it worth it?
It may be expensive, but for me, the price is worth the whole experience. From the moment I arrived in the venue until I disembarked, I only experienced good customer service. The Sky Table staff especially made us feel like everything will be okay.
You will not just be paying for the price but for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Have you tried Dinner in the Sky? Will you try it?
*Disclosure: I was invited by InterContinental Doha to try this experience but as always, all opinions and comments are my own. Photos are my own unless otherwise stated.
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