14 hospitality leaders on building brands with staying power
From family legacies to bold startups, the Middle East’s hospitality landscape is being shaped by entrepreneurs with a razor-sharp vision for how they want to grow their business. Careful expansion, investing in team development and creating guest experiences that resonate rather than embracing every trend are among their strategies. Here, 14 regional business leaders share their journeys, from lessons learned to future plans.
A taste of the kingdom in France with chef Abdualltef Alrashoudi of bakery LÂM
Located in The Avenues, Kuwait City, Midar offers a sophisticated yet nostalgic seafood experience that draws inspiration from Kuwait’s golden era of the 1960s and 1970s, a time of prosperity in design and culture.
Legacy Hotels Holding and 7 Management sign MoU to expand lifestyle hospitality in MENA
Legacy Hotels Holding and 7 Management signs of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This formalizes a long-term collaboration aimed at developing and scaling next-generation lifestyle hospitality, dining and entertainment destinations across the MENA region.
Youssef Akiki’s next cut: A steakhouse and butchery in Lebanon
Youssef Akiki, owner of Brût and president of Disciples Escoffier Lebanon, is a prominent figure in Lebanon’s culinary scene. As he prepares to open a new steakhouse and butchery in Antelias, he reflects on creativity, balance and the milestones that shaped his year.
How head chef Marc Mahfouz quietly redefined excellence at MILA
Marc Mahfouz, head chef at MILA, Rosewood Hotel Doha, reveals how his disciplined, memory-driven cuisine transformed homegrown experimentation into Bib Gourmand recognized excellence.
Boubouffe Brasserie celebrates 50 years of culinary heritage
As Boubouffe Brasserie marks its 50th anniversary, it is time to look back at the story behind the name. Let’s learn more about how a neighborhood restaurant became a lasting part of Beirut’s food culture.
Al Khawajat Group: Celebrating lebanese cuisine from peak to coast
From mountain hospitality to urban dining and coastal seafood, the Al Khawajat Group’s concepts reflect Lebanon’s diverse landscape and rich culinary heritage.
Refining the kingdom’s culinary scene with consultant chef Nicolas Isnard
Nicolas Isnard, consultant chef at House of Grill at Fairmont Riyadh, reflects on the kingdom’s culinary scene, redefining luxury hospitality through experience, emotion and cultural identity.
Innovation meets artistry: 7 trends redefining food design
From 3D food printing to cultural storytelling, the culinary world has entered an era of daring creativity and experimentation, much to the delight of diners. Duncan Fraser-Smith, CEO of Craft Hospitality Group, shares seven key disruptors that are taking the dining experience to another level.
Meet Mazen Assaf, the olive oil sommelier with a vision
Founded by olive oil sommelier Mazen Assaf, The Olive Oil Guy revives Mediterranean craft by sourcing exceptional oils and empowering people to taste, cook and live better. From the Levant to London, Mazen Assaf is leading an olive oil renaissance rooted in Arab heritage and global excellence.
