Sweet stories with pastry chef and founder Julien Dugourd
Having trained in some of the world’s top kitchens, celebrated pastry chef Julien Dugord has built a career rooted in discipline, creativity and emotion. He is now venturing into the Middle East, partnering with luxury hotels like Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. In an exclusive interview, we reveal what drives his creative process and the personal stories behind his elegant creations.
Disney Theme Park Resort set to open on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi between 2028 and 2030
The Walt Disney Company and Miral have announced plans to develop a new Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi. The destination will be built on Yas Island, known globally for its entertainment and leisure offerings. This marks Disney’s seventh theme park resort worldwide and its first in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Behind the scenes at Souchet Chocolatier with Tania Ezzedine
Lebanese artisan chocolatier Souchet was recently acquired by Merit Invest (CMA CGM Group). We caught up with Tania Ezzedine, deputy general manager of Merit Invest, to explore the vision behind the acquisition, the significance of the brand’s first chocolate boutique in Beirut and what’s in the pipeline.
Nicolas Rouzaud celebrates luxury pastry with Maison de Haute Pâtisserie Qatar
Nicolas Rouzaud, French master pâtissier and founder of Maison de Haute Pâtisserie, has brought his renowned pastry expertise to Four Seasons The Pearl-Qatar. From humble beginnings in Toulouse to Michelin-starred kitchens in Paris and London, he boasts a wealth of experience in pastry. In this exclusive interview, he discusses his journey and how he combines global techniques with local influences.
Redefining hospitality with Said Daher, CEO of AZADEA
A prominent leader in the retail and hospitality sectors, Said Daher, CEO of AZADEA Group and co-founder of Lets Celebrate, is known for his strategic vision, Daher has expanded AZADEA’s regional footprint.
Exemplary leadership with Joe Ghayad, general manager of The Nile Ritz-Carlton
Joe Ghayad, general manager of The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, has over 25 years of experience in hospitality. Having earned multiple awards for his leadership, we find out more about Egypt’s hospitality scene and what’s on the horizon.
From zero waste to plant-based indulgence with Ola Kayal, founder & chef, Nabati Ice Cream
Saudi female chef and founder of Nabati Ice Cream, Ola Kayal is passionate about plant-based desserts and ice cream. Through Nabati, she’s creating desserts with a purpose and plans to expand her concept even further. We learn more about her brand and upcoming projects in this exclusive interview.
A taste of Lebanon in Barcelona with Joey Attieh restaurateur behind Albé Barcelona and âme
Joey Attieh, restaurateur and entrepreneur behind Albé Barcelona and âme, was born in Beirut and trained in Switzerland. His deep Lebanese roots continue to shape his identity, creativity and hospitality journey. Guided by the belief that “what’s meant to be will always find a way,” he’s forging a bold path to place Lebanese cuisine firmly on the European map.
Rotana expands into Africa and Iraq with six new hotel openings
Rotana has announced its latest international expansion plan with the addition of six new properties across Africa and Iraq.
Dr. Sarah Gasim, senior VP discusses FIFA 2034
Vision-driven Saudi hospitality executive Dr. Sarah Gasim, senior VP and head of hotels KSA at JLL, explores Saudi Arabia’s strategic hospitality preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and its alignment with Vision 2030.
