8 restaurateurs serve up the dining trends for 2025
Dynamic and diverse, the region’s vibrant restaurant scene is expanding at an impressive tempo across both mature and emerging destinations. Eight business leaders share their thoughts on everything industry-related, from promising markets to the tech innovations, sustainability practices and experiential dining trends that restaurateurs cannot afford to ignore.
From Amman to Doha: JW Marriott Marquis City Center’s chef Mohammad Atieh
Mohammad Atieh, one of Jordan’s youngest executive chefs, shares insights into his transition from W Amman to JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, revealing the opportunities in Qatar’s dynamic hospitality scene and his plans for the hotel.
CQ French Brasserie: a new chapter for Ziad Kamel, CEO and co-founder of Rosy Hospitality
Ziad Kamel, CEO and co-founder of Rosy Hospitality, is a passionate entrepreneur with an unstoppable drive for the hospitality industry. CQ French Brasserie, his latest Dubai venture, is located where Couqley JLT once stood. We learn more about his new French concept and how it is bringing something fresh to the city’s dining scene.
Michelin magic with Akmal Anuar, chef-owner of Goldfish Dubai
Akmal Anuar, chef-owner of 11 Woodfire Dubai, talks about Michelin recognition, the evolution of Dubai’s culinary scene and the importance of collaborations.
The MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list revealed
The culinary stars of the restaurant industry gathered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the fourth edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Rooted in sustainability at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Nestled between the golden shores and the majestic Hajar Mountains, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is a shining example of luxury intertwined with sustainability.
The meaning of a five-star coffee in a hotel
Cleia Junqueira, coffee consultant at The Coffee Connoisseur Collective, believes that coffee is more than a drink in luxury hotels; it’s an experience. Here, she outlines the importance of specialty brews and unique coffee environments.
Hajj Nasr: the taste of Lebanon in every bite
Noel Nasr, CEO of Forbites SAL and the driving force behind Hajj Nasr, has successfully led the company since 2018. In this exclusive interview, we discover how he has upheld the brand’s high standards and expanded the business despite numerous challenges.
Blending creativity, innovation and humor with award-winning chef Will Goldfarb
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort hosted an exclusive culinary experience at The Lotus Lounge with chef Will Goldfarb, whose accolades include being named among the 10 Best Pastry Chefs in America and The World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2021. He was also featured in the 2018 Netflix series Chef’s Table: Pastry. In an exclusive interview, he describes his journey and what the future holds in his kitchen.
Greece: an enduring culinary heritage
Steeped in ancient history and famed for its authenticity, Greek cuisine has certainly stood the test of time, thanks to the abundance of flavorful, fresh ingredients found across its mainland and many islands. Vlassia Anagnostou, head chef at Avli by tashas in Dubai, has the lowdown on Greece’s
rich culinary legacy and how its classic dishes are being reinterpreted for today’s diners.
