Empathy at the top with Diletta Guarino, GM of Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman
Hailing from Rome, Diletta Guarino is an inspirational, hands-on hotelier with over two decades of experience in luxury brands. Here, she tells us how she manages to lead her team to success whilst not losing her human touch.
Raffles Trojena slated to debut in 2027
Trojena is a year-round mountain destination located in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Slated to open in 2027, Raffles Trojena will reimagine mountainside hospitality
Catering to tomorrow’s hospitality with Paul Dunphy
Paul Dunphy, general manager of Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel Dubai, gives us a glimpse into how he and his team are preparing for the future of hospitality.
Unleashing the F&B potential of emerging markets
In a region marked by transition and transformation, food entrepreneurs have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a destination for a new project. However, while emerging markets are brimming with opportunities, they also present unique challenges. Christian Salloum, managing director of BrandPortunity F&B Consulting, offers a checklist for businesses eyeing openings in changing landscapes.
Why cities are back on must-visit lists
Having risen from the depths of the pandemic, urban centers are today riding high on a wave of success, with visitors returning to these traditionally popular destinations in ever-growing numbers. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services, takes us on a whistlestop tour during which he explains why cities are booming.
5 nightlife influencers on achieving after-dark success
Staying ahead in a fiercely competitive, ever-changing environment and retaining customer loyalty are just some of the hurdles that operators in the nightlife segment face. HN caught up with some of the region’s leading industry influencers to discover more about how they navigate the notoriously challenging nightlife nightlife scene.
Holiday Inn & Suites Taif and Staybridge Suites Taif set to open in Q4 2025
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed Holiday Inn & Suites Taif and Staybridge Suites Taif in partnership with Al Jumaiah Group. Both properties are set to open in Q4 2025 in the Al Shafa, Taif. The destination is located 2,500 meters above sea level and is known for its historical sites, and panoramic scenic views. The new resorts will play a vital role in supporting Taif’s growing hospitality scene, further cementing IHG’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Trends: religious tourism in KSA with Majed Bukhari, general manager of IHG voco Makkah
voco Makkah’s GM, Majed Bukhari, discusses Makkah’s significance for religious travelers and how the hotel caters to their distinctive needs.
Insights into success with Samer S. Hamadeh of Big Mouth Concepts
Having successfully navigated the world of F&B, Samer S. Hamadeh, founder of Big Mouth Concepts, tells us how he has remained at the top of his game.
From starting out to staying the course
While any launch is resource heavy, hospitality start-ups also need to stay focused on the future, creating the firm foundations and growth strategies that will help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of a competitive market and capitalize on opportunities. Jad Shamseddin, COO of Aleph Hospitality, has words of advice spanning launch, post-launch and longer-term plans.