If you’ve been searching for the best Saturday brunch in Dubai, one name keeps coming up again and again: Al Qasr Brunch. Held every Saturday at the iconic Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel in Madinat Jumeirah, this is not just a meal — it is a full afternoon experience that blends world-class cuisine, a stunning palace-inspired setting, live entertainment, and free-flowing beverages.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go: what the Al Qasr Brunch is, how much it costs in 2025, what is on the menu, what to expect from the atmosphere, and whether it is worth it.
Quick Answer: Al Qasr Brunch takes place every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Arboretum restaurant, Jumeirah Al Qasr. Prices start from AED 425 per person (soft drinks package). Children aged 6 and under dine free.
What Is the Al Qasr Brunch?
The Al Qasr Brunch — officially branded as ‘The Vintage Brunch’ — is Jumeirah Al Qasr’s flagship Saturday afternoon brunch. It has been a Dubai institution since the early 2000s and consistently appears in top rankings for Dubai’s best brunches, including recognition from Time Out Dubai.
The brunch is hosted across the Arboretum restaurant, Jumeirah Al Qasr’s grand all-day dining venue. The space is designed like a Persian grand palace, with soaring palm-tree pillars, high ceilings, earthy tones, and plush burgundy booths with floral accent cushions. There is also a show-stopping outdoor terrace with views over swaying palms and the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah.
It is an international buffet experience — not a set-menu affair — meaning you can eat as much as you want across dozens of live stations and curated food sections, all within the three-hour window.
Al Qasr Brunch Timings & Location
Day: Every Saturday
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Arboretum Restaurant, Jumeirah Al Qasr
Address: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 800 323232
Reservations: Strongly recommended — book via jumeirah.com or SevenRooms
The brunch runs for exactly three hours. Arrive on time to make the most of the spread, especially if you want to experience all the live stations before service wraps up.
Al Qasr Brunch Price 2025
The Al Qasr Brunch is available at four different price tiers, depending on your beverage preference. All packages include unlimited access to the full international buffet.
| Package | Price (AED) | Includes |
| Soft Beverages | AED 425 | Juices, water, soft drinks |
| House Beverages | AED 545 | House wine, beer, cocktails |
| Sparkling Grape Package | AED 645 | Sparkling grape + house drinks |
| Bubbly Package | AED 745 | Champagne + free-flowing drinks |
| Children (7–11 years) | AED 300–350 | Full buffet access |
| Children (under 6–7 years) | FREE | Full buffet access |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Always confirm directly with Jumeirah Al Qasr before booking, especially for special edition brunches (festive, gourmet chef events) where pricing may differ.
Pro tip: The Sparkling Grape package at AED 645 is the sweet spot for most diners — it gives you access to a wide range of beverages including sparkling options without the full champagne price tag.
Al Qasr Brunch Menu: What to Expect
The Al Qasr Brunch menu is a truly global spread. Rather than a fixed selection, the buffet rotates seasonally and features live cooking stations — meaning the chefs prepare dishes in front of you throughout the afternoon. Here is a breakdown of the key sections you can expect:
Seafood & Raw Bar
The brunch typically opens with an impressive seafood station. Expect freshly shucked oysters from Dibba Bay in Fujairah, Omani lobster, king crab, octopus, and salmon gravlax. The sushi counter features dragon rolls, spicy tuna, and maki, while a dedicated sashimi station offers hand-sliced salmon, hamachi, and tuna.
Salads & Starters
The salad spread covers both Middle Eastern classics — fattoush, tabbouleh — and international options such as pomelo shrimp salad and lime-ginger beef. A diverse bread station includes truffle baguettes, tiger rolls, and jalapeño cornbread.
Hot Dishes & Live Stations
This is where Al Qasr Brunch truly shines. Live stations typically include:
- Pasta and pizza — creamy pesto rigatoni, wood-fired calzones, filo pockets with Brie or chicken
- Indian tandoor — chicken tikka, dal makhani, paneer jalfrezi
- Carving station — flame-cooked meats, slow-roasted cuts
- Arabian mezze — rotating selection of warm Arabic dishes
- International stir-fry and wok stations
Desserts
The dessert room at Al Qasr Brunch is a standalone attraction. You can expect blueberry cheesecake, chocolate kunafa, pistachio baklava tart, and a chocolate fountain. The ice cream cart serving mini cones is a crowd favourite for families and adults alike.
Al Qasr Brunch Atmosphere & Entertainment
One of the defining features of the Al Qasr Brunch is its atmosphere. The Arboretum setting — with its grand interior and lush outdoor terrace — creates an environment that is elegant but relaxed. This is not a noisy, nightclub-style brunch. It has a refined, sociable energy that appeals to couples, families, friend groups, and corporate diners alike.
Live entertainment is a core part of the experience. Expect live music throughout the afternoon, which has historically ranged from jazz bands to contemporary acoustic sets. Seasonal editions — particularly the festive vintage brunch — often feature live vintage jazz bands playing timeless classics.
Service is a highlight frequently praised by diners. Staff are described across reviews as attentive and genuinely warm — multiple regulars cite returning specifically for the service team.
Is Al Qasr Brunch Family-Friendly?
Yes — Al Qasr Brunch is one of the more family-welcoming premium brunches in Dubai. The atmosphere is calm enough for children, the menu is wide enough to suit young palates, and the pricing structure makes it manageable for families:
- Children under 6–7 years dine completely free
- Children aged 7–12 pay AED 300–350 (children’s buffet)
- The outdoor terrace provides extra space for families
- No strict dress code for children
That said, this is still a premium hotel brunch. Parents should expect a sophisticated setting rather than a dedicated kids’ entertainment zone.
Insider Tips Before You Go
1. Book Well in Advance
Al Qasr Brunch is consistently popular and often fully booked, especially on long weekends and public holidays. Aim to reserve at least one to two weeks ahead via the Jumeirah website or SevenRooms.
2. Choose Your Seating Preference
The indoor space (plush booths, grand columns) and the outdoor terrace both have their appeal. Mention your preference when booking. During cooler months (November–March), the outdoor terrace is exceptional.
3. Arrive at 1:00 PM Sharp
Live stations tend to be freshest and most fully stocked at opening. Arriving early also gives you time to explore the entire buffet layout before settling in — the venue provides a map to guests given the size of the space.
4. Check for Special Edition Brunches
Jumeirah Al Qasr regularly hosts elevated editions of the brunch — The Big Gourmet Brunch (featuring Michelin-recognised chefs), the Festive Vintage Brunch (December), and Summer editions. These may have different pricing and timings, so always check the official Jumeirah website for the latest schedule.
5. WhatsApp for Queries
For any specific dietary requirements, group bookings, or questions about the current menu, reaching the Jumeirah Al Qasr dining team via WhatsApp (+971 800 323232) typically gets a faster response than email.
Al Qasr Brunch vs Other Dubai Friday/Saturday Brunches
Dubai has hundreds of brunches to choose from. Here is how Al Qasr Brunch compares against other popular options:
| Criteria | Al Qasr Brunch | Typical 5* Brunch | Casual Brunch |
| Setting | Palace hotel, grand terrace | Varies | Restaurant / hotel |
| Starting Price | AED 425 | AED 350–500 | AED 150–250 |
| Cuisine Range | Global / 10+ live stations | International | Limited |
| Family Friendly | Yes (kids free U6) | Varies | Often yes |
| Entertainment | Live music, festive editions | Varies | Rare |
| Reputation | Dubai institution since 2000s | Varies | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Al Qasr Brunch only on Saturdays?
The regular Al Qasr Brunch at Arboretum runs every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Special edition brunches (festive, gourmet, seasonal) may be held on selected Fridays or additional dates — check the Jumeirah website for updated schedules.
Q: Do I need to dress up for Al Qasr Brunch?
Smart casual is the standard at Al Qasr Brunch. Beachwear and flip-flops are not appropriate. Think elegant casual — nice jeans with a smart top, or a dress/blazer for a more polished look.
Q: Can I get a halal menu at Al Qasr Brunch?
Yes. Jumeirah Al Qasr is a 5-star UAE hotel and all food served is halal-certified. You can also request non-alcoholic beverage packages (soft drinks and juices) at the standard AED 425 price.
Q: Is there parking at Jumeirah Al Qasr for the brunch?
Yes. Complimentary valet and self-parking is available at Madinat Jumeirah. You can also access the hotel via water taxi from Souk Madinat Jumeirah for a unique arrival experience.
Q: Is the Al Qasr Brunch worth it?
For the quality of the setting, range of food, service level, and entertainment — most diners consider Al Qasr Brunch worth the price, especially in the cooler months when the outdoor terrace is open. It is consistently cited as one of Dubai’s top Saturday brunch experiences, and Time Out Dubai regularly includes it in its best brunch roundups.
Final Verdict: Should You Go to Al Qasr Brunch?
Al Qasr Brunch is one of Dubai’s most enduring dining experiences for good reason. The Vintage Brunch format — international buffet, live stations, live music, and palace-inspired surroundings — delivers an experience that is genuinely hard to replicate elsewhere in the city.
It is ideal for: special celebrations, family outings, visitors experiencing Dubai for the first time, and residents looking for a reliable luxury Saturday afternoon.
If your budget stretches to AED 425–745 per person, this brunch justifies the spend. Book early, arrive at 1:00 PM, and pace yourself through the seafood section before tackling the dessert room.
Ready to book? Reserve your table directly on jumeirah.com/al-qasr or call +971 800 323232. For large group bookings (8+), contact the dining team via WhatsApp for dedicated assistance.