Mark Wouters GM of The Chedi Hegra Saudi Arabia on getting personalization right
Mark Wouters, general manager of The Chedi Hegra, believes that hospitality is shaped by intuition, awareness and a refined sense of presence. In this interview, he reveals how to create experiences that leave a lasting emotional connection with every guest.
Leading with purpose with Kozhaya Tannous, cluster GM of Rotana Hotels
As hospitality evolves, leading with purpose goes beyond aligning teams and processes. Rotana Hotels’ cluster GM Kozhaya Tannous shares what it truly takes to lead with clarity, impact and long-term value today.
Homegrown concepts in the GCC with Naveed Dowlatshahi, COO of Gastronomica
As the GCC dining sector evolves rapidly, Naveed Dowlatshahi, COO of Gastronomica, discusses how local restaurant groups such as his are shaping dining culture through regional tastes, flexible formats and locally driven hospitality approaches.
As data-driven travel reshapes destinations, Fouad Talaat of Booking.com explains why
As destinations compete for smarter growth, Fouad Talaat, regional manager MENA & Türkiye of Booking.com sees data as the decisive edge.
Chef Karim Haïdar celebrates Lebanese flavors in his new book
Karim Haïdar releases Dictionnaire des Saveurs du Liban, a book exploring Lebanon’s culinary identity through its ingredients, traditions and regional flavors. We sat with the chef and owner of Sama restaurant and Les Mots et le Ciel catering to discuss his book and Lebanese cuisine.
Sommelier Natalie Lumpp decodes the new rules of wine
Natalie Lumpp, wine expert and sommelier at Wein erleben!, is among Germany’s award-winning sommeliers and a pioneering industry female figure.
The growing appetite for plant-based cuisine
Once regarded as niche or limiting, plant-based dishes are now appearing on mainstream menus thanks to broader wellness trends and changing eating habits. Abdul Kader Saadi, founder and managing director at Eighty6, examines how hospitality professionals are rethinking their approach to this increasingly in-demand, maturing segment.
Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi on why Ajman offers a unique UAE stay
Ajman is carving a niche as a charming UAE destination with a distinct identity, combining warm Emirati hospitality, cultural attractions and coastal beauty. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, director general of Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, explains why the emirate is an ideal choice for travelers seeking genuine connections and leisurely paced, meaningful experiences.
An authentic expression of Tuscany with MICHELIN-starred chef Matteo Temperini
MICHELIN-starred chef Matteo Temperini, executive chef of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, is celebrated for refined, ingredient-driven cuisine rooted in authenticity. With a deep respect for Italian culinary heritage, he brought a taste of Tuscany to Rosewood Abu Dhabi briefly.
International cuisines take center stage with award winning chef Thomas Frake
International cuisine takes center stage and global flavors converge, as UK MasterChef Champion of Champions 2025 and UK MasterChef 2020 winner Thomas Frake, executive chef and owner of The Silks Pub, weighs in on evolving dining trends.