A new perspective with Karim Sayegh Ruiz
Karim Sayegh Ruiz, an accomplished hotelier, went from humble beginnings to cluster GM of Radisson Blu Resorts & Residences Saidia. In this exclusive interview, we find out more about his career and the hospitality landscape in Morocco.
Switching to plant-based meat with trailblazer Edward Hamod
With extensive leadership experience in Middle Eastern food manufacturing, Edward Hamod recognized the region’s need for wholesome and locally sourced food. Fueled by a passion for food security, source diversity and Middle
HOLDAL Group’s Roy Diab in the spotlight
Drawing upon more than two decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Roy Diab, the business manager of International Brands Incorporated (IBI), has been involved in cultivating leading brands both locally and globally. In this interview, he discusses the expansion of Holdal, particularly within the spirits’ segment.
Anantara’s Ras Al Khaimah resort set to launch in UAE in Q4 2023
Anantara resort is set to launch in the UAE later this year. Now in the final stages of development, Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort will open in Q4 and will be the brand’s ninth property in the UAE.
Dubai records a surge in incoming travelers
Dubai International (DXB), the world’s busiest international hub, welcomed 41.6 million visitors in H1, just over 100 percent compared to the traffic recorded during the first six months of 2019.
Hilton to quadruple its presence in KSA over the next few years
Hilton has unveiled its plans to open over 50 new hotels across 10 of its brands, making the country the company’s largest pipeline market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Hilton has accelerated its growth strategy in Saudi Arabia in recent years, announcing multiple signings as the company works towards its plans to increase its portfolio to more than 75 trading properties across the country.
Dubai: scaling new heights
Cited in the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023 by Tripadvisor as one of the most popular destinations, Dubai continues to shine and is already well on track for another bright year. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, puts a spotlight on the emirate’s latest plans to boost foreign trade, investment and visitor numbers.
Crafting exceptional guest experiences with Mehdi Zaanoun
Mehdi Zaanoun, a seasoned hospitality expert and the GM of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar, talks about his two decades of expertise in crafting extraordinary guest experiences through authentic and intuitive service.
Firms foundations and strong fundamentals
Robust project pipelines, strong sentiment and long-term growth strategies look set to continue driving a sound recovery across the region, although financing and construction headwinds remain disruptive forces in the market. Amr El Nady, head of hotels and hospitality MEA and executive vice president, Global Hotel Desk – JLL, charts the hospitality investment landscape, while also highlighting new market opportunities.
Empowering the F&B sector to source local talent
As Dubai solidifies its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, the critical role of vocational training in shaping a skilled workforce has never been clearer. In recent years, a remarkable shift in educational preferences has occurred, with an increasing number of students recognizing the immense value of vocational studies over traditional technical education. This transformative transition not only benefits the students themselves but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainable growth of the burgeoning tourism industry. In addition, a robust vocational offering aligns with a key priority of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to seamlessly integrate the next generation of Emiratis and young residents into the thriving tourism sector. Essa Bin Hadher, general manager of Dubai College of Tourism, shares his thoughts on investing in local talents.