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.
Culinary advisor chef Elie Lteif reveals the bold flavors
In this exclusive, the talented chef Elie Lteif, culinary advisor at Nestlé Professional, dishes on the hottest culinary trends shaping the region’s flavors.
Mastering cocktails with Claudiu Mnerau, beverage manager of Bâoli Dubai
At Bâoli Dubai, beverage manager Claudiu Mnerau is raising the bar with nearly two decades of global experience and award-winning expertise. Indeed, he combines research, creativity and precision to craft drinks that feel both timeless and surprising. He explains more in this exclusive interview.
A tribute to heritage with Mahmoud Sakr, GM of The Chedi Muscat
Muscat’s heritage deeply influences how general manager Mahmoud Sakr leads The Chedi Muscat. Here, he reveals the secret behind shaping unforgettable, culturally rich guest experiences.
The power of cookbooks with award-winning chef and food writer Sami Tamimi
A cookbook is more than a collection of recipes, it’s a personal, cultural statement that invites readers into a deeper culinary journey. Award-winning Palestinian British chef and food writer Sami Tammi tells us about his own cookbook and the importance of sharing stories through recipes.
Ciel Dubai Marina opens in November 2025
Dubai is preparing to welcome a groundbreaking hospitality landmark with the highly anticipated November 2025 opening of Ciel Dubai Marina. Soaring 377 meters into the sky, the 82-floor property will become the world’s tallest hotel and feature the highest infinity pool.
