A culinary carnival with Joelson dos Santos, head chef at La Cocina Mezcla
Melding native ingredients with African, Indigenous and European influences, Brazil’s gastronomy is a flavorful mix of contrasts. Joelson dos Santos, head chef at La Cocina Mezcla and specialist in Nikkei and Brazilian cuisine, has more on this South American culinary fusion-fest that refuses to stand still.
The MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list revealed
At a gala ceremony in Abu Dhabi, the region’s leading culinary talents were honored at the fifth edition of the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, with Egypt’s Khufu’s crowned No.1 and a new generation of chefs and restaurants recognized across 14 cities.
The future for food service tech and a human touch
The hospitality industry is in a transformative phase, with technology reshaping traditional operating models at unprecedented pace. Abdul Kader Saadi, founder and managing director at Eighty6, explores how businesses can introduce innovative tools into their operations without losing the all-important personal connection.
Kamil Bouloot at the helm of Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group
At the helm of Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group Middle East, MD Kamil Bouloot shares how culinary identity drives operations expansion and consistency. Across this interview, he discusses leadership priorities, upcoming openings, regional growth challenges and why protecting food quality remains central to long-term brand success
6 beverage trends shaping the global hospitality landscape in 2026
Finlays’ Insights analyst Megan Conceição provides expert commentary, unpacking evolving consumer priorities driving accelerated transformation across hospitality and foodservice beverage categories.
Celebrated pastry chef Pierre Hermé leaves his mark in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, Pierre Hermé brings his unmistakable creative vision to a new setting, where French artistry meets Middle Eastern inspiration. The legendary chef reflects on taste, imagination and the philosophy guiding his craft, offering a glimpse into the world behind his celebrated creations.
Esco Bar marks 10 Years with bold Gemmayzé expansion
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.
Saudi Arabia further relaxes alcohol restrictions for foreign residents
Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to alcohol for a limited group of non-Muslim foreign residents. The development follows last month’s initial shift that allowed holders of premium residency visas to make purchases at the kingdom’s first alcohol retail outlet in Riyadh.
Imad Saade expands Shogun to Ghana and Egypt
Talented Imad Saade, an expert in Japanese cuisine and chef-owner of The Shogun Lounge & Shogun To Go, shares how he expanded his father Aref’s restaurant internationally to Ghana and Egypt.
Late night storytelling: 7 entrepreneurs on nightlife’s new era
Gone are the days when evening audiences were content with just drinks and a playlist. Today’s guests are curious and emotionally aware, seeking venues that stir the senses and tell stories. Seven nightlife entrepreneurs open up on how they’re crafting unforgettable, immersive experiences that keep people coming back for more.
