12 original coffee shops redefining café culture
Gone are the days when coffee was just a drink ordered at a counter or on a terrace. Today, new concepts are emerging that put coffee at the heart of the customer experience rather than simply in a cup. Daniel During, principal and managing director at Thomas Klein International, takes us on a global tour of emerging trends and spotlights 12 cafes with potential for MENA expansion.
Rethinking hotel security in the age of AI
John Kim, senior director of product and design for Avigilon at Motorola Solutions, talks about how AI is rapidly reshaping the hospitality industry.
Homegrown Middle Eastern coffee shops have their day
Buoyed by rising demand, a new wave of homegrown coffee brands is reshaping the region’s specialty coffee landscape. From the UAE to Saudi Arabia, more outlets are opening for business, writing their own success stories and adding to a compelling narrative. Abdul Kader Saadi, managing director of Glee Hospitality Solutions, charts the rise of a movement that is both locally rooted and globally ambitious.
Navigating the next wave of urban hospitality in Lebanon with Hicham A. Ragheb
With more than two decades of expertise in hospitality, retail and real estate consultancy, Hicham A. Ragheb, founder and MD of Amlak Properties & Consulting, explores the evolution of urban hospitality.
Why the algorithm is behind overtourism
Aradhana Khowala, founder and CEO of Aptamind Partners, examines why the industry may have been looking in the wrong place for answers to this critical problem.
6 experts on what’s brewing in the coffee industry
Behind every cup of coffee lies a world of craft, tradition and human connection. We caught up with six experts and judges from The World 100 Best Coffee Shops at CoffeeFest Madrid, and asked them to share their insights on the key issues shaping the industry today, from sourcing and science to storytelling. Here’s what they had to say.
Bar designs that drive revenue in nightlife venues
In the Middle East’s fast-evolving nightlife scene, counters and their surroundings have long added to the ambiance. However, when designed strategically, they can also do much more. Elie Bassil, co-founder of Studio Caramel and business strategist, explains how today’s venues are thinking beyond aesthetics and harnessing spatial design as a powerful commercial tool.
7 ways food processing delivers healthierfood products
At times viewed in a negative light, food processing is now emerging as a key industry tool, helping manufacturers to deliver healthier food products consistently, efficiently and profitably. Sam A. Jaoude, consultant and CEO of MadenLevant LLC, shares seven ways it is achieving this at pace.
Saudi Arabia and Coffee: where heritage meets global ambition
Dagmar Symes, CEO of Al Hamra, charts the kingdom’s coffee journey from traditional ritual to contemporary regional hub.
The UAE: firm foundations, bold ambitions
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.