After landing quite late from our Dublin flight, we were due on our next flight, QR1148 from Doha to Muscat very shortly.

Flights within the Gulf, as I am told, are sold in business as ‘First Class’ instead, despite being the same cabin – so I looked forward to seeing what, if any, differences there would be. But more importantly, I looked forward to my first and only pitstop at the famous Al Safwa lounge.

We arrived, where we were politely reminded that boarding was due to start for our flight in 10 minutes time, so unfortunately no extended stays or boozy evening hang-outs.

I had heard the Al Safwa lounge compared to an expansive art gallery many times in the past. No doubt, the whole lounge is palatial, with high ceilings, wide open spaces, and traditional brickwork throughout.

We first passed the the lobby area, where signs indicate a multitude of different possible directions, one way leading us to the fountain – which then opened up further into a bar and restaurant area.

One thing that will not quickly run out in this lounge surely has to be distinct places to sit down – despite the vast expanse of space dedicated to this lounge, there was seating everywhere.

With our limited time, we decided to exit out the other side of the lounge, wandering down past a collection of artwork and antiques as we went, really calling that whole ‘art gallery’ comparison to mind. No time today for the spa, games room, or other myriad ways to kill time – sadly.

The gate was a surprising level of slow-moving chaos, as anybody and everybody tried to use all available counters, resulting in the business line being slower moving even than the regular economy line.

Onboard, and to our very great surprise, we found Qatar’s very luxurious 787-9 ‘mini suite’ business class product (compared to the leased Oman Air aircraft that was originally billed to relay us to Muscat), complete with ample legroom, fully-flat seats, and privacy doors once in flight.

To add to the surprise, and the unadulterated luxury, champagne was offered prior to departure, along with a short dining menu despite the brevity of this particular flight.

On offer at this very late hour was a choice between a lemon and thyme chicken and mashed potatoes dish (pictured), or a vegetable kabsa. There was also a selection of hot beverages, although I was of course of the strong opinion that such a late meal demanded more champagne instead.

We were airborne ultimately for just slightly over an hour – just enough time to devour the unexpected early-morning chicken dish, inhale a few glasses of champagne, and check that my privacy door was working before we started our descent.

There can be no doubt this is an excellent business class (for a longer flight, naturally) in terms of privacy, comfort and space.

Before long the cabin was tidied up – not that it took too long given the roughly 50% occupancy rate in the business cabin – and we were on final approach to Muscat International Airport, arriving a few minutes early.

Next stop (and next lounge review!) – the Oman Air Business Class Lounge, where we had a very unenviable 5 hour layover before our onward morning departure, finally, to Kuala Lumpur!