Gone are the days when evening audiences were content with just drinks and a playlist. Today’s guests are curious and emotionally aware, seeking venues that stir the senses and tell stories. Seven nightlife entrepreneurs open up on how they’re crafting unforgettable, immersive experiences that keep people coming back for more.

Latin-American inspiration

Amazónico is part of D.ream International, a global hospitality group. Today, we’re proud to operate four venues worldwide: Amazónico Madrid; Amazónico London; Amazónico Dubai; and Amazónico Monte Carlo, which opened in 2024. We are also preparing to launch a fifth venue in a new location -Amazónico Miami – in September 2026. Each venue reflects our core DNA of Latin Americaninspired cuisine, elevated service and vibrant entertainment, while being tailored to its unique city and audience.

Nights out with a difference

We are a restaurant first and foremost, and the culinary experience is at the heart of our DNA. Delivering exceptional food with consistency, alongside attentive service, is what defines us and keeps our guests returning. At the same time, we recognize that entertainment plays a vital role in shaping the overall atmosphere. By blending worldclass gastronomy with immersive music and performances, we create an individual experience that goes beyond dining and sets us apart on the nightlife scene.

Seamless transitions

Importantly, we cater to modern nightlife seekers with immersive, Instagrammable spaces that blend dining, cocktails and clubbing in one venue. Guests can transition seamlessly from restaurant to lounge to rooftop without venue- hopping. The Lounge features live music and DJs for a dynamic atmosphere, while Paraíso Rooftop Club hosts top local and international DJs for true nightlife enthusiasts. Signature cocktails, sushi bars and a diverse fusion menu create shareable culinary moments. Extended latenight hours up to 3 a.m. appeal to night owls, making Amazónico a complete, high-energy destination for the new-age, experience-driven crowd.

Evolving authentically

We believe the key is to stay innovative and consistent with market trends while remaining true to our unique identity. By continuously evolving our offerings yet maintaining the essence of what makes us distinctive, we ensure that we stand out in a highly competitive industry. Consequently, our ability to balance innovation with authenticity has become our greatest strength.

Venues with personality

Founded in 2013, Baky Hospitality Group has become one of Egypt’s most influential names in luxury dining and nightlife. With a focus on exceptional culinary experiences and innovative design, we have curated a portfolio of venues that each offer their own unique personality. Our portfolio includes: Sachi, with locations in Heliopolis, Park Street, Almaza and Marassi; Kazoku in New Cairo; Megumi in El Gouna and Almaza; and Reif Kushiyaki in 5A and Marassi. Collectively, these destinations have helped us to gain a strong position in Egypt’s evolving luxury F&B landscape.

A sense of belonging

A remarkable dining destination is defined by more than its cuisine and cocktails. It is the art of crafting an elevated, multisensory journey. At Baky Hospitality, we thoughtfully design every element to evoke emotion, warmth and connection. Our focus extends from the curated music and refined ambiance that set the tone to the seamless, personalized service that ensures every guest feels genuinely welcomed. Our culinary philosophy celebrates innovation through a harmonious fusion of Mediterranean elegance, Asian sophistication and the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine. Each Baky space is intentionally crafted to inspire a sense of belonging. Here, guests don’t simply dine. They experience, connect and become part of a story. It is this balance of culture, flavor, design and hospitality that transforms our restaurants into true lifestyle destinations.

Inspiring connections

Today’s dining audience is more sophisticated, well-traveled and experience-driven than ever before. So we’ve worked on creating immersive, lifestyle-led moments designed for this new generation. Every detail, from the music curation and interior storytelling to chef-driven menus and artisanal mixology, is crafted to ignite the senses and inspire connection. This combination helps us to remain at the forefront of Egypt’s evolving fine dining scene.

All about anticipation

Rather than competing on volume, our aim is to compete on vision, quality and distinctiveness. Each of our venues is designed with a unique identity, allowing us to curate immersive experiences that cannot be replicated. We continuously invest in worldclass design, pioneering culinary concepts and strategic collaborations with luxury brands to elevate our positioning. For us, competition is simply an opportunity to steer the conversation. We prioritize setting trends, staying ahead of lifestyle shifts and anticipating what our audience desires before they do.

Ambitious expansion ahead

We have several ambitious new projects in the pipeline. In Q1 2026, we’ll introduce Little Lexie’s at Swan Lake Residence, a refined Italian bistro blending classic flavors with contemporary design. In Q4 2026, we’ll unveil Sachi Swan Lake Residence, a Mediterranean dining destination seamlessly blending elegance and modern design. Meanwhile, Reif Kushiyaki Seasons will launch in Q1 2026, expanding our modern Japanese concept to New Cairo. Excitingly, we will introduce an opulent, high-end Chinese experience – Madame Yu – in Q4 2026. Beyond openings, we’re innovating through exclusive partnerships, musicdriven programming and digital storytelling.

A visionary portfolio

Founded in Beirut in 2015, 7 Management began its journey with the launch of February 30 bar and Seven Sisters, soon followed by Antika and Kahwet Beirut, cementing its reputation in Lebanon’s hospitality scene. The portfolio later expanded with Parasol and Sayf.

By 2018, the group entered Dubai with Seven Sisters, later introducing bold, experiencedriven concepts such as The Theater, February 30, Sayf and Limonata. Growth continued with Lucia’s, which
has since expanded to Doha and Athens. 7 Management has also integrated high-profile franchises into our portfolio in new markets, including Meat the Fish Dubai, Em Sherif Restaurant, Em Sherif Café, Scalini, Bagatelle Athens, Antika, Yubi and Lady Bird.

Strategic partnerships, a robust pipeline

In a landmark partnership, the group collaborated with Joël Robuchon to operate seven restaurants on Sindalah Luxury Island, NEOM, and with Ennismore to launch the highly anticipated 25 Jump Street at Dubai World Trade Centre. As the region’s first licensed street, 25 Jump Street is set to become a vibrant destination blending bold flavors, creative concepts and streetstyle energy. Most recently, Yubi, Dubai’s first homegrown licensed handroll bar, opened there.

In other developments, our project pipeline includes: the relocation of Seven Sisters, Dubai Creek, Lady Bird, 25 Jump Street, Villa Em Sherif, Al Wasl, Em Sherif Café, Mall of the Emirates and Em Sherif Restaurant [Dubai]; Scalini [Beirut]; Lucia’s [Baghdad]; Em Sherif Café [Athens]; and Em Sherif Café [Bucharest].

Consistency vs. originality

The success of a nightlife venue lies in creating an experience that goes far beyond music and drinks. It starts with a clear identity and an atmosphere that guests can instantly connect with and feel part of. From world-class entertainment to carefully crafted cocktails, distinctive dining and impeccable service, every detail contributes to shaping the journey. Design and ambiance play an equally important role, setting the tone for unforgettable nights. Ultimately, it’s about striking the right balance between consistency and originality, ensuring that every visit feels fresh, exciting and worth coming back for.

Sparking emotions and connections

The new-age nightlife clientele seeks more than just a venue. They crave multi-sensory experiences that spark emotion and connection. To meet these expectations, we focus on crafting atmospheres where music, performances, design and hospitality come together to create unforgettable moments. Today’s guests are curious, adventurous and welltraveled, so they look for venues that surprise them and feel ahead of the curve. Our goal is to shape what nightlife looks like tomorrow rather than simply responding to today. By staying attuned to evolving tastes and pushing creative boundaries, we ensure that every night is not just a gathering but an experience that resonates long after it ends.

Competition as opportunity

Competition in the nightlife industry is inevitable, and we view it as an opportunity rather than a challenge. The market is dynamic, and guests today are curious, discerning and culturally aware. Our focus is on understanding what people want, listening to evolving preferences and consistently delivering meaningful experiences that resonate with them. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we concentrate on staying relevant, finding ways to evolve and ensuring each concept has its own identity and purpose. By keeping the guest at the center of every decision, we create spaces that feel authentic and naturally stand out.

Overview of Standalone Group

Standalone Group is a hospitality management company established in 2017, known for creating distinctive nightlife and dining concepts. Its portfolio includes venues such as SPINE, ELSE and ANU in Beirut; Mr. Panther and Guestlist in Lagos; and HIDE in Doha. The group is also expanding in Doha with two beachfront concepts, Lost Call and SEEK.

At the heart of Standalone’s innovation is the Standalone Group app, the first hospitality platform of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, allowing guests to seamlessly book, explore and engage with all its venues.

Key factors contributing to nightlife success

For a nightlife concept to be truly successful, it must be unique at every stage. From the creation of the idea to the experiences it delivers and the quality of service it sustains over time. At Standalone Group, we dedicate ourselves to developing concepts that not only stand out from the beginning but also continue to engage and inspire, offering guests memorable and seamless experiences throughout the lifetime of each venue.

Catering to new-age nightlife clientele

Today’s new-age clientele are more discerning than ever, seeking experiences that go beyond the ordinary. To break through the clutter, we deliver innovative, personalized and shareable moments – from hosting internationally renowned DJs to curating exclusive themed nights.

Our dedicated group application further elevates the experience by offering a seamless and tailored reservation process, ensuring every guest enjoys distinctive and effortless access to nightlife at its finest.

Handling competition in nightlife

In nightlife, competition is inevitable, but what matters is how you rise above it. For us, the focus is not on outdoing others but on consistently raising our own standards through original concepts, genuine hospitality and experiences that stay with our guests long after the night ends. At Standalone Group, we view competition as a push to stay creative and attentive, ensuring that each venue holds its own place in the market by staying authentic, innovative and memorable.

New projects

Our expansion continues with bold new openings. In Lagos, Guestlist, an invite only, hidden, afterhours space from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. will open in November 2025, defying the ordinary rules of nightlife. Meanwhile, in Doha, Standalone Group will be operating two distinctive beachfront venues that are set to launch in March 2026: Lost Call, a nostalgic nod to 1980s Miami, blending dining and drinks in a laidback, retro atmosphere; and SEEK, a lunchtodinner concept that transforms into a vibrant evening destination, offering refined cuisine and an energetic ambiance.

A far-reaching footprint

Founded in 2011, Sunset Hospitality Group has rapidly grown into a pioneer in lifestyle hospitality, with a presence in 26 countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. From dining, beach clubs and nightlife to hotels and wellness concepts, we deliver exceptional guest experiences through innovation, partnerships and visionary leadership. With close to 100 operating venues, including brands such as SUSHISAMBA, AURA Skypool, METT Hotels & Resorts and Mott 32, we continue to expand our footprint with a bold growth strategy and people-first culture.

Curation is key

I believe the success of any nightlife venue comes down to three key elements: the experience; the energy; and consistency. Guests don’t just come for music or drinks. They come for a feeling, for a night that stays with them. We’ve witnessed this across our nightlife portfolio. MOOD Rooftop Lounge captures sophistication and high-energy evenings in an elevated setting, appealing to a stylish, trend-driven crowd who love great views and a vibrant scene. EPIK delivers bold, large-scale entertainment with cutting-edge production and next-level experiences that constantly raise the bar. Dream Dubai merges fine dining with world-class live performances, creating standout nights for guests who appreciate variety and a complete evening out. The common thread is curation. Every detail, from music and service to design, is thoughtfully crafted. When you deliver that consistently, guests return again and again, making the venue part of their lifestyle.

Satisfying new audiences

The new generation of nightlife guests is setting the pace for the industry. They are curious, social and constantly looking for experiences that feel authentic and shareable. We design our venues to reflect that energy, listening closely to this audience and shaping nightlife that keeps them engaged, inspired and coming back. By understanding their appetite for innovation, their desire for variety and their love of immersive experiences, we create destinations that resonate with what they’re seeking.

Defining distinct spaces

Competition is part of what makes nightlife exciting. However, we focus on creating venues that each serve a distinct purpose. By building concepts that fill different niches and speak to different audiences, we avoid blending into the crowd and instead define our own space in the industry. Each venue has its own identity and attracts its own following, from those seeking highenergy sophistication to guests who want cutting-edge entertainment or those looking for a complete culinary and performance experience. This approach ensures that we maintain relevance across multiple segments of the market while giving guests genuine choice in how they want to spend their evening.

A dynamic portfolio

We always have exciting projects on the horizon. We’re in the process of opening D’Lirio in Montenegro and soon after in Marbella, bringing a fresh new concept to these markets. We are very excited that following its success in Dubai and Bahrain, MOOD Rooftop Lounge is also expanding with a new location in Cairo. In the UAE, we are in talks for additional ventures that will continue to raise the bar for nightlife in the region. Each project is an opportunity to deliver something different, and that keeps our portfolio dynamic and forwardlooking.

An award-winning formula

Tashas Group is a globally recognized hospitality company, renowned for creating distinctive and elevated dining experiences. Headquartered in Dubai, with roots in South Africa, Tashas Group has built a portfolio of award-winning restaurant, bar and retail brands based on three core tenets: beautiful food; stunning environments; and engaging personal service. The group currently has 41 locations in five countries: South Africa; UAE; KSA; Bahrain; and the UK.

Our brands include premium casual concepts, such as: Tashas; Le Parc by tashas; Café Sofi; Arlecchino by tashas; and Ouzeri. Then there are fast casual options, like NALA, and bars, such as Galaxy Bar and Perlage. Alongside these concepts, we have elevated dining and retail experiences, including: Avli by tashas; Flamingo Room by tashas; Bungalo34; African Lounge; and Collective Africa.

Venues with soul

The success of a nightlife venue isn’t just about the drinks. They need to be exceptional by default. It’s about the feeling you create the moment someone walks through the door until they leave. We obsess over every little detail: lighting, music, drinks, styling of the actual space and genuine hospitality. It’s the warmth of the welcome, the authenticity of the experience and the kind of ambiance that makes people want to linger. Our venues have soul and a clear identity. Making sure that we stick to the ethos of what we stand for is so important. We focus on our guests, not trends, creating a complete experience for them while constantly innovating.

Anchored in authenticity

We don’t follow trends or tailor our venues to fit a specific definition of newage nightlife. Instead, we remain anchored in who we are as a brand and continuously refine every detail. Our guests are looking for more than just a night out. They want connection, atmosphere and authenticity. That’s where we focus our energy, and we find that it naturally attracts a modern, discerning audience who appreciate spaces that feel genuine and thoughtfully created.

Evolution through refinement

In the nightlife space, we stay ahead by constantly evolving. Whether it’s reimagining our cocktail menus through teamled innovation or refreshing our interiors when the magic begins to fade, we never stand still. Every detail, from glassware to lighting, is intentional. Behind the scenes, robust systems ensure consistency. It’s this blend of creativity and structure that keeps us competitive and ensures that our venues continue
to deliver exceptional experiences night after night.