Pullman Al Marjan Island ignites fire-driven dining with South African Braai restaurant concept 

UAE – Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island has introduced Braai, a new live-fire restaurant concept inspired by the South African tradition of gathering around an open flame, marking a bold shift toward immersive, culturally authentic dining experiences. 

Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, adopts the Braai concepts where guests can watch chefs prepare flame-grilled meats, fresh seafood, and signature South African dishes over open fire, blending bold flavours with live entertainment and curated beverages.  

The experience creates a social atmosphere that encourages guests to linger, connect, and participate in key elements driving higher guest engagement and longer dining durations. 

Evan Harrington, Cluster General Manager, said: “We wanted to introduce a concept that feels bold, social and culturally authentic, one that brings the spirit of South Africa to life through fire, flavour and music. As the emirate continues to grow as a lifestyle destination, Braai reinforces our commitment to creating vibrant social experiences.” 

The opening reflects a wider shift across global hospitality, where live-fire cooking and culturally rooted concepts are redefining restaurant strategy. 

The concept of “braai,” derived from the Afrikaans word “braaivleis,” meaning grilled meat, dates back generations in South Africa, where cooking over fire is not simply about food, but about community, identity, and celebration.  

Today, braai is considered a national cultural ritual, bringing families and friends together in homes, beaches, and public spaces. Its global rise reflects a broader hospitality trend where diners increasingly seek meaningful, interactive experiences rather than traditional restaurant formats. 

These formats not only differentiate hotel dining outlets but also attract residents, increase non-room revenue, and position hotels as lifestyle destinations rather than accommodation providers. 

For Ras Al Khaimah, the launch signals the emirate’s growing appeal as an experiential tourism hub. It also highlights how culturally inspired concepts like braai can transform restaurants into destinations themselves, where fire, food, and storytelling create lasting guest connections. 

The fire-led restaurant brings one of South Africa’s most celebrated culinary traditions to Ras Al Khaimah, reflecting the growing global demand for experience-driven dining rooted in culture, storytelling, and social connection. 

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