Review of Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Business Lounge South in Doha: Is It Worth the Hype?

After nearly 5 years of living abroad in Qatar, my family repatriated to Houston in July 2025. While we had plenty of time for the moving plans to sink in, my kids were understandably sad to leave their friends and home.

Knowing that we had access to Al Mourjan Business Lounge ahead of our Qsuite flight home gave us something exciting to look forward to leading up to the big day we would say goodbye to Doha.

I’ll walk you through our experience departing from Doha, including Qatar Airways business class check-in, where to locate Al Mourjan Business Lounge South, its plentiful amenities and dining program, and how kid-friendly my tweens found the space.

Did I find Al Mourjan Business Lounge worth the hype? The answer may surprise you.

Al Mourjan Business Class Premium Check-In

Our Qsuite experience began with our arrival at Hamad International Airport (DOH). As we were not transfer passengers and our flight originated at DOH, we checked in at the premium check-in area.

We were greeted with an impressive entrance and followed the signage toward the Al Mourjan Business area.

As we had 8 checked bags to process and as many carry-on bags, I appreciated how calm and private the check-in desks were.

My kids generally hate hanging around in a line, so I was pleased to see this relaxed seating area for them to enjoy so that I could process the luggage with a little less stress.

Qatar Airways business and first class passengers have access to an exclusive passport control and security screening area. Though my kids and I were eligible as Qatar residents to use the e-gates, we have had a pretty low success rate passing through them. While I easily exited the e-gates, none of my children were able to pass. After they saw an immigration officer for a manual exit, we were on our way through security and then on to the lounge.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge South Location

Whether your flight originates in Doha or you are transiting from another flight, the easiest way to navigate to the lounge starts at Urs Fischer’s iconic yellow sculpture Untitled (Lamp/Bear).

Signage directs you toward the A gates, which are under one of the giant LED screens.

Once you reach the side with the A gates, follow specific signage for Al Mourjan Lounge.

You’ll then see a staffed and controlled double-story escalator that ascends to the lounge.

Hot Tip:

Having lived in Qatar for nearly 5 years, I’ve flown out of DOH numerous times and visited many of its lounges. Check out my detailed reviews of the Qatar Airways Platinum and Gold Lounge North, Oryx Lounge North, Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South, and Al Maha Lounge South. Juan Ruiz, an Upgraded Points senior editor and content contributor, has also reviewed Al Safwa First Lounge.

Gaining Entry to Al Mourjan Business Lounge

Qatar Airways first class and business class (Elite, Comfort, and Classic fares) passengers and Oneworld first class and business class passengers are eligible for complimentary access to Al Mourjan Business Lounge.

Business class (Lite fare) and economy passengers can purchase lounge access for QR450 ($124).

My family’s credentials were verified at the entrance to the escalator, so we did not need to stop at the expansive lounge reception desk, which was adequately staffed.

Hot Tip:

Learn more about the best ways to book Qatar Airways business class flights with points and miles in our detailed guide.

First Impressions

One word: expansive.

Though I had seen pictures and videos of the lounge before, nothing quite prepared me for just how open and airy it was. After passing the check-in desk, the primary space was anchored by a long, reflective water feature that bubbled erratically. This pool was surrounded by seating, and seating and space were common themes throughout the lounge.

Though the lounge was bustling when we arrived around 5:30 a.m., I never had any concerns about finding 4 seats together. My only concern was getting a quick lay of the land so that we could arrange ourselves in one of several available seating areas. Were we keen to relax in a group of comfortable armchairs? Stretch out in a private family space? Chill in the game room? Have an à la carte dining experience? Having stored our carry-on bags in the baggage room, we were free and excited to explore.

Seating

Main Seating Area Near Water Feature

After we passed the check-in desk and turned right, one of the first seating areas surrounded the water feature. Pairs of low leather swivel armchairs with side tables flanked the pool.

Across the pool, closer to the restrooms, were groups of 4 armchairs with a larger coffee table between them.

Groups of blue side chairs, divided for privacy, were at the rear of the water feature behind the grand staircase leading to the dining on the mezzanine. The planespotting from these windows was fantastic.

Central Seating

Left from the check-in desk, there was a long, elevated seating area up a ramp that had burgundy side chairs behind wicker-style screens.

Along each side of this space were more individual side chairs with low tables. In the picture below, you can also see the dining room on the mezzanine, 1 level above the primary lounge.

More seating could be found on each side of the elevated seating area. Individual blue side chairs were ideal for solo travelers and were accompanied by a style of side table with a lamp and wireless charging pad common in some of the other Doha lounges.

Global Deli Seating

At the rear of this seating area, to the far left of the lounge upon entering, was the Global Deli. This was the more casual of the 2 primary dining options.

It had several long workspace tables with bar-height chairs and standard-size dining tables ideal for groups of 2 or 4.

Note that these tables were set for dining, so this space definitely functioned more as a restaurant than a work area. I’ll review the dining options in the Food and Beverages section later on.

On the left side of the Global Deli was a kids room, a game room, and an entrance to the family rooms, which I’ll detail more under Amenities later on.

Quiet Area

To the right of the Global Deli was an entrance to the quiet area.

These cubicle-style areas could be reserved at the quiet area check-in desk and were available first-come, first-served. They featured a long couch, an armchair with an ottoman, a departures board screen, storage space, closet rods with hangers, and a blanket.

While this lounge did not have fully private nap rooms, this space came pretty close.

Hot Tip:

Al Safwa First Lounge has enclosed quiet rooms with 1 or 2 twin beds available to book for 6-hour time slots. Is it worth paying to upgrade to Al Safwa First Lounge? Check out what UP’s Daniel Ross thinks after his experience.

Seating Near Business Center

Branching out from the central seating area, somewhat across from the check-in desk entrance, was an enclosed area that housed the business center and adjacent seating. The initial seating had burgundy armchairs with small tables and more of the side tables with lamps and wireless charging.

Deeper into this space, we found nap pods with long leather lounging chairs and a wooden valet stand. These pods were more open and brighter than the pods in the quiet area.

The windows had views across the apron and nearby gates.

Seating Near the Entrance

The final seating area on the third level was the lounge’s quietest. To reach it, we had to turn right immediately past the check-in desk.

This space had more of the long leather loungers with cubicle-style dividers to add privacy.

Food and Beverages

My family wasn’t content to find seating to relax in until we had sorted out a bite for breakfast, so we prioritized checking out the dining. The Global Deli on the base third level was ideal for a quick, casual bite, and a more formal dining area with buffet and waitstaff service was 1 level up on the mezzanine. Snack and beverage stations could also be found throughout the lounge.

Global Deli

The Global Deli had self-serve seating at high-top tables or standard dining tables.

One side was anchored by a bar and chilled case with a variety of charcuterie, breakfast items, and mezze. Sliced meats included beef salami, turkey ham, and chicken mortadella.

Breakfast items featured Greek yogurt with fruit compote, Bircher muesli, and fruit salad.

Labneh, hummus, a cheese assortment, and crackers were also offered.

QR codes throughout the Global Deli led to the deli menu and beverage menu. In addition to the items on the assisted buffet, guests could order a sandwich (such as smoked salmon tartare on ciabatta and roasted lamb shank on sourdough), salad, or customize their own sandwich. Since we visited during breakfast hours, it made more sense to visit the dining room for a hot breakfast.

Hot Tip:

Pork products are not served at Al Mourjan Business Lounge, but a selection of premium alcohol is readily available.

Dining Area

After being greeted at the host stand on the third level and giving the number in our party, we ascended the stairs up to the dining room on the mezzanine. We were greeted at the top of the stairs and shown to a table. We were then free to order from the à la carte menu or pursue the buffet (or both, which is what we did).

Cold Buffet

The cold buffet had items similar to Global Deli’s cold offerings and was self-service.

It started with large portions of olives, hummus, and labneh.

Bowls of yogurt with strawberry and blueberry compote were offered.

A familiar charcuterie and fruit spread was available, though the primary difference from Global Deli was that you could customize your portion rather than rely on a preportioned serving.

Hot Buffet

Unlike the cold buffet, which was self-service, the hot buffet across the room was assisted — you just needed to point out to the staff member what you wanted added to your plate.

You could assemble a full breakfast spread from the hot buffet without needing to order from the menu, starting with chicken and herb or lamb merguez sausage.

The only eggs offered were a premade tomato-and-cheese omelet accompanied by sautéed mushrooms and mixed vegetables.

Home fries and a fried noodle dish were also available.

Upma, an Indian semolina porridge, was offered with sambar, a vegetable stew.

The foul medames station was the primary Middle Eastern item on the hot buffet. This dish, made from stewed fava beans, reminds me of refried beans and can be served with diced tomatoes, raw onion, spices, and lemon.

A closed case with warm croissants was next to an open baked-good spread with more croissants and sliced bread.

À la Carte Dining

After reviewing the dining room menu, my kids were disappointed that sushi was not offered during breakfast service, but did they drown their sorrows in ice cream? You know it. I think the server got a kick out of their orders of several bowls and flavors (vanilla bean, pistachio, and dulce de leche were available).

My kids were also interested in trying the fruttini, which were frozen fruit shells filled with sorbet. Flavors like passion fruit, lemon verbena, and kiwi were big hits. They also enjoyed the mocktails made with various fruit juices.

I went with the more traditional fried eggs over medium, served with tomato and asparagus. The eggs were a bit greasy and underseasoned.

Other breakfast options included scrambled eggs, an omelet, eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, and orange and saffron French toast.

Hot Tip:

Lunch and dinner menu dishes included tenderloin, spiced prawns, chicken machboos, paneer tikka masala, pappardelle, vegan mushroom risotto, make-your-own salad, and sushi.

Drink and Snack Stations

If you just needed something to nosh on without venturing fully into one of the dining rooms, there were stations set with sodas, juices, water, coffee machines, and snacks (cookies and pastries) throughout the various seating areas.

Amenities

The lounge had unique spaces for families, and while the family seating area was fantastic, the kids room and game rooms fell short of expectations.

Kids Room

A kids room with a giant Mr. Potato Head decal on the wall was accessible through the Global Deli. This room only had some IKEA plastic kids furniture, a small play kitchen, and an easel. It could have been tremendously more exciting and engaging, but instead looked like an afterthought.

Game Room

Similarly, my preteens were just as uninterested in the 2 game rooms. The room near the Global Deli had a foosball table, some poof-style seating, and a game console.

Another game room was accessible from the business center and had 2 game consoles. My kids couldn’t find the controllers and quickly lost interest. This lounge also once touted having a Formula 1 simulator, but it no longer appears in the space.

Bottom Line:

I was looking forward to my tweens enjoying dedicated kid-friendly spaces at Al Mourjan Business Lounge, but the kids room and game rooms were sparse and disappointing.

Family Rooms

For families looking for group seating, there were large seating pods in a dedicated family room space at the rear of the Global Deli (near the kids room and game room).

These pods had a long sofa, 2 armchairs, and a large ottoman. While they were not completely private, they were ideal for families to anchor and for younger kids to have space to move around without disturbing other guests.

This area, like others within the lounge, also had its own drink station.

Restrooms

The lounge had several restrooms. I noted 2 female and 2 male restrooms on the base level and smaller female and male restrooms on the dining level.

These restrooms were very similar to those in the airport’s other lounges. They had small hand towels and Diptyque hand wash and lotion.

The toilets were spacious and had a bidet hose.

Signs indicated guests could request a shaving or dental kit.

Showers

Guests could reserve showers at desks near the base-level restrooms. These were divided by gender and had a changing area and a vanity.

The shower featured Diptyque products, and an adjoining cabin had a toilet.

Luggage Room

The luggage room at the front of the lounge was a great place to stash my carry-on bags so that we could freely move about the space. A staff member was available to assist with selecting a locker and setting a code.

Business Center

A large business center offered various types of seating, including long conference and dining-style tables. Printers were available.

My kids had the most fun of their morning playing online games on the desktop computers in the cubicles.

Smoking Room

A smoking room was near the end of the water feature toward the windows, opposite the grand staircase. There was a single door, so the smell escaped into the public area each time the door opened and closed.

Periodicals

Oversized magazine covers were displayed throughout the lounge. Each had a QR code for the Oryx One app (iOS, Android), which guests could use to read magazines through the PressReader app.

Wi-Fi

I used the airport’s Wi-Fi network, which was easy to connect to. Download speeds clocked in at 29.3MBps, and upload speeds were 16.1MBps.

Service

A huge difference between Al Mourjan and the Oryx, Al Maha, or Platinum and Gold Lounges at DOH was just how many staff members were available. Team members were everywhere you turned, except when I actually needed one!

When I first walked through the business center, I noticed an abundance of staff — 3 or 4 staff members congregated by the front desk at the entry. However, later, when I tried to print my rental car information off of one of the desktop computers and couldn’t get a printer to function, no help was to be found. I had to grab a staff member from a nearby seating area to flag someone down to help me. And when the man appeared in the business center to assist me, he wasn’t able to get the printer to function either.

Other than the hiccup in the business center, our interactions with staff members were easy and pleasant, and the woman who served us in the dining area was excellent in accommodating our many dessert-for-breakfast requests.

Should You Go to the South or the Garden Lounge?

Al Mourjan Business Lounge The Garden has similar facilities, with updated showers and restrooms, 2 spas with 7 treatment rooms (service menu with rates for Qspa and Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat), and a small gym. Its 24 enclosed day rooms are more suitable for a private nap if you have an extended layover. This lounge is also open-air to the terminal (similar to the Platinum and Gold Lounge North).

If you have the time, I’d always consider visiting both locations to compare. You can travel from the Duty-Free South area to the Duty-Free North area using moving sidewalks or the passenger train, then walk onward to the ORCHARD area.

While my Doha to Houston flight was out of the C gates, closer to Al Mourjan Business Lounge South, my husband took the same flight a few weeks later out of the E gates, which are closer to Al Mourjan Business Lounge The Garden. If you just want to land in 1 lounge for the duration of your stay, I would recommend the lounge closest to your gate.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed my Al Mourjan Business Lounge experience, but I wasn’t terribly surprised or impressed.

Having visited several of the DOH lounges, the design aesthetics and dining offerings are very, very familiar. I would expect a lounge of this caliber to offer a manned cooking station or an open kitchen, but the buffet and à la carte foods were similar to those of the other lounges.

Where Al Mourjan sets itself apart is in its space and staffing. Many of Doha’s lounges suffer from overcrowding, and I’ve been turned away from lounges for capacity issues before. I visited Al Mourjan during the busy early morning hours, yet finding a private, spacious place to relax or a table for 4 in the dining room wasn’t a concern at all. I appreciated the quiet area and family area for their more secluded seating. The staffing ratio was also much higher than I expected, with professional team members throughout the lounge.

I was most disappointed by the kids room and game rooms. These spaces have the potential to be the coolest and most memorable part of the lounge experience for a traveling family, but they were sparse and functioned more as an afterthought. The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul (IST) knocks it out of the park with a golf simulator, an indoor play structure, funky seating, kid-specific snacks, a slot-car track, a VR simulator, and multiple video game consoles. Al Mourjan Business Lounge is missing that wow factor to impress families.

Despite how I think the lounge could improve in the future, the entire Qatar Airways business class experience was the sweet send-off we hoped it would be as we said “shukran” (thank you) to Qatar for our time as expats abroad.