Doha, Qatar: Doha’s F&B scene is to get a major boost with the opening of a seasonal Rüya Pop Up restaurant from the internationally renowned Dogus Restaurant Entertainment and Management group, at the luxury lifestyle W Doha.

The 98-seat Rüya Pop Up, on the hotel’s 29th floor, will have stunning views of West Bay and the beach, and give diners and football fans the chance to sample sophisticated, contemporary Anatolian dishes set to be a big draw when the permanent bold, bright, and beautiful Rüya opens at W Doha in Q1 next year.

Inspired by second generation restaurateur Umut Özkanca’s Istanbul heritage, Rüya, which means ‘dream’ in Turkish, gives lunch and dinner guests a taste of classics meet contemporary dishes from all seven Anatolian regions, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.

“We are truly excited to bring the warmest of Anatolian hospitality to Qatar at this important time in the country’s history of hosting world-class events,” commented Umut. “Our guests can look forward to a menu featuring Anatolian classics with a contemporary and fresh twist, for which my father, Rasim Özkanca has been an essential influence. Highlights include a variety of the classic Lahmacun and Pide, as well as signature dishes such as Levrek, Börek, Çıtır Kalamar, and Mantarli Keşkek.”

“We have taken traditions and authentic experiences, and interpreted modern details for the Doha audience. We are determined to provide memorable meals and gatherings for our guests and to welcome everyone to experience a new concept in Qatar,” added Umut.

Born in Istanbul, Rüya’s founder and owner, Umut Özkanca was introduced to the art of hospitality during his formative years, spending much of his time in his family-run restaurants. His father Rasim Özkanca is one of Turkey’s most revered hospitality pioneers and Rüya is a culmination of father and son’s desire to elevate Turkish cuisine on the global stage, positioning it on a par with French, Italian and Japanese gastronomy.

“Much like Qatar, Rüya is the place where traditions meet modern day life,” explained W Doha’s General Manager Wassim Daageh. “It is a contemporary and shared dining concept which will open guests’ minds to the fresh flavors of Anatolian cuisine and transport them to Turkey,” he added.

“Work is progressing well on our permanent Rüya Doha, which will be a vibrant fusion of a restaurant, lounge and bar experience. We are delighted to expand our culinary portfolio and introduce this award-winning restaurant in Qatar. To say we’re excited would be an understatement,” he concluded.

The Rüya Pop Up at W Doha will be open on November 20th.

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About W Doha Hotel & Residences

Casual glamour meets urban energy at W Doha Hotel & Residences. Find insider access to the hottest shopping, buzzing plans and full array of restaurants and lounges located in the hotel. W Doha features 442 rooms, suites, and residences, each with an iconic design. Experience creative cuisine at Spice Market and Market by chef Jean-Georges, La Spiga by Paper Moon, COYA Doha or try the W Café for mouth-watering snacks. The hotel invites you to mingle our bar & lounges, the Living Room, Wahm, the sleekest spots in town, or Kick back and re-energize at Sisley Paris Spa or the WET poolside. Get inspired by visiting our eclectic ART29 gallery on the 29th floor. Finally, get some business done and connect with the world in the Wired Business Centre or meeting rooms. Should guests need to leave the hotel, they can discover historical culture at the National Museum of Qatar in the Corniche or take in the sounds and spices of Souq Waqif, both only minutes away from W Doha, with the help of the hotel’s own W Insiders. Too much choice? Rest assured the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy, will be able to offer you whatever you want – day or night!

Find W Doha on Social Media:
Website: wdoha.com | Instagram: @WDoha | Twitter: @WDoha | Facebook: @WDoha |
Snapchat: @W.Doha | TikTok: Wdoha

About Rüya

Rüya, meaning ‘dream’ in Turkish is an enticing concept that fuses a vibrant restaurant, lounge and bar experience together by exploring the extremely rich history and diversity of Anatolian food, a cuisine that draws inspiration from a number of culinary traditions.

Rüya is open.

About Umut Özkanca

Umut’s passion for the restaurant industry was piqued from an early age, being born to Rasim Özkanca, one of Turkey’s most renowned hospitality pioneers. Having graduated from Bentley College in Boston, Umut’s inherent prowess in the hospitality industry paved the way for his future success and opened up opportunities to work with some of the greatest international chefs at the French Culinary Institute. The entrepreneur is also the Vice Chairman of Doğuş Hospitality & Retail Group; one of the major international players in the F&B sector.

Media Contacts:
Natalie Chahine | Director of Marketing | W Doha Hotel & Residences
natalie.chahine@whotels.com
Nesrine Kourani | Account Manager | Action Global Communications – Qatar
nesrine.k@actionprgroup.com