6 sustainable travel trends on luxury travel lovers’
Gone are the days when luxury travel was all about opulence and indulgence. Today’s high-end travelers are instead looking for meaningful experiences that align with their values. Michael Donald, co-founder of Halo Business Consulting Ltd, highlights six luxury travel trends that are ripe for development across the region.
Unlocking the power of total rewards with Karim El Berkch
Karim El Berkchi, manager of Kempinski Hotel Muscat, draws on two decades of global luxury experience to illustrate how total rewards elevate team performance.
Saudi Arabia’s luxury hospitality evolution with Fredrik Blomqvist
Fredrik Blomqvist, general manager of Raffles Jeddah, discusses the city’s evolving luxury hospitality scene, emerging guest trends and how Raffles will blend legendary service with Jeddah’s unique character to create unforgettable, meaningful experiences.
The craft of high-end dining in Dubai with Damiano Ruggiero, general manager of Signor Sassi
We sit down with Damiano Ruggiero, general manager of Signor Sassi, to explore how leadership, creativity and attention to detail shape Dubai’s Italian fine-dining experience.
Efficiency vs. emotion: why restaurant labor is at a crossroads
Automation may be firmly entrenched in F&B operations worldwide, but a rebalancing of the scales now appears to be underway. Mark Dickinson, of DONE! Hospitality Training Solutions believes this return to center is a timely reminder that technology should serve us – not replace us.
Lisandra Cotrina Mestre, cigar sommelier at Sunset Hospitality, redefines the cigar ritual in luxury settings
Lisandra Cotrina Mestre, a proud Cuban and certified cigar sommelier, is bringing refined cigar culture to the forefront of luxury hospitality. With a deep passion for tradition and an eye for detail, she’s redefining the guest experience, one perfectly paired cigar at a time. We spoke with Lisandra about the art of cigar service, the role of storytelling in hospitality and why cigars remain a timeless symbol of elegance.
Mariano Ricciari, GM at L’Amo Bistrò del Mare & Delizie Caffè Gourmet, on crafting memorable Italian dining
Mariano Ricciari, GM at L’Amo Bistrò del Mare and Delizie Caffè Gourmet, brings Milanese flair to Dubai. From hands-on kitchen leadership to culinary innovation and impeccable service, he transforms every meal into an unforgettable Italian experience. Discover how his passion for hospitality shapes the team and delights every guest.
Building MENA’s future: 40 hotel projects to watch
From beachfront resorts and mountain retreats to city stopovers and desert oases, MENA’s hospitality project pipeline is as diverse as its many unique destinations. Our round-the-region snapshot spotlights 40 exciting projects that key hotel operators have planned for end-2025, 2026 and beyond.
Dubai leads UAE hotel sector growth, says Cavendish Maxwell
According to new research and insights from Cavendish Maxwell , the UAE’s hotel sector is seeing strong growth across all segments. Vidhi Shah, director and head of Commercial Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell, notes that Dubai continues to lead the market, outperforming other emirates in occupancy.
Redefining Emirati cuisine with chef Ali Yazdi
Ali Yazdi, Emirati chef and founder of Ali Yazdi Consultancy, fuses traditional heritage with modern techniques to elevate Emirati cuisine. He discusses his vision for bringing UAE flavors and culinary traditions to a global audience.
