6 trends defining new regional hotel openings
A major shift is underway in high-end hospitality as hoteliers move to meet the demands of visitors who are looking for experiences rather than excessive extravagance. And the good news is that MENA is at the forefront of this transformation. Diogo Ildefonso, general manager at Glee Hospitality Solutions, spotlights six project-pipeline trends to watch that are already gaining traction region-wide.
3 tea experts on why the matcha movement is here to stay
Ask any bartender, cafe owner, mixologist or barista and they’ll tell you that matcha constantly features on their lists of in-demand ingredients. Rooted in Japan and well on the way to becoming a global phenomenon, this powdered green tea is now also causing a stir across regional markets, featuring in everything from rose-cardamom iced drinks to matcha-infused dates. Here, three industry professionals explain why matcha is much more than just a passing fad.
Why coffee brands need to tell stories
In a highly competitive environment, coffee brands have to do much more than just sell coffee to achieve success – they have to tell its story. Coffee consultant Cleia Junqueira has the lowdown on how businesses can use the powerful tool of storytelling to create long-lasting connections, stand out from the crowd and generate customer loyalty.
Market.us scoop reveals how facial recognition
Facial recognition technology is revolutionizing hospitality worldwide, offering faster service, better security and highly personalized guest experiences across many markets. Consequently, hotels and restaurants are increasingly adopting these systems to meet rising expectations while reducing operational friction and enhancing brand differentiation.
The rise and rise of Instagrammable restaurants
Ensuring your dining space and dishes ooze visual appeal has never mattered more than today. Norman Cescut, founder and CEO at Desita, has the lowdown on how to create an Instagrammable restaurant and attract the all-important content-creating crowd.
The UAE – big plans and a bright outlook
Non-hydrocarbon activities are gathering pace and delivering results for the UAE, setting the emirates on course for further strong, steady growth across the sectors. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, lifts the lid on the plans that the UAE expects to steer its economy into the next decade.
The pastry trends set to define 2025
We spoke to four talented chefs from across the Middle East to gain insights into the latest pastry trends defining the region. Here’s what they had to say.
Architectural and design trends for pastry shops
As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, so does the way we experience food. Norman Cescut, founder and CEO of Desita, explains how pastry shops are poised to embrace innovative architectural and design trends that not only reflect the art of pastry making but also enhance customer engagement.
Franchising in 2025: which are the best bets?
Well-established business models and numerous success stories have combined to make hospitality and food and beverage highly popular segments for prospective franchisees. However, in a competitive market, brimming with brands, making the right choice is critical. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, considers the key trends and new opportunities emerging this year.
5 global consumer trends shaking up the GCC markets
Global consumption patterns are changing and, in turn, disrupting both consumer behavior and market dynamics across the region. Sam A. Jaoude, consultant and CEO at Madenlebanon LLC, spotlights five key consumer trends making waves worldwide and explains why brands operating in the GCC cannot afford to ignore them.