10 homegrown franchises to watch

10 homegrown franchises to watch

Jennifer Pettinger Haines, co-founder of the Global Restaurant Investment Forum, shines a spotlight on some of the many fast-growing restaurant brands that are already making waves in the Middle East and look destined for an even bigger, brighter future.

Read more
Holiday Inn & Suites Taif and Staybridge Suites Taif set to open in Q4 2025 

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.  

Read more
Inside SISBAN with Tariq Saleh Altwuajiry

Inside SISBAN with Tariq Saleh Altwuajiry

Tariq Saleh Altwuajiry, the GCC managing director of SISBAN, is a successful business leader in Saudi Arabia. With almost 25 years of practical experience in investments and the private sector, Altwuajiry gives us the lowdown on SISBAN.

Read more
On the couch with Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, CEO of Al Khozama

On the couch with Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, CEO of Al Khozama

We sat with visionary CEO Khalid Saud Abu Haimed to get the lowdown on Al Khozama’s impressive portfolio of hotels and restaurants.

Read more
Investing in Egypt: the right way to go about it

Investing in Egypt: the right way to go about it

Egypt’s hospitality sector is on track to grow at a CAGR of 6.2 percent for the next five years, making it a sound proposition for investors. Chadi Chidiac, managing partner of Protocol Hospitality Management and Consultancy, explains how investors should approach this lucrative market.

Read more
PE fund specialized in tourism SMEs in KSA is launched

PE fund specialized in tourism SMEs in KSA is launched

Derayah’s new fund comes within the framework of the Tourism Development Fund’s commitment to stimulating and supporting tourism investment.

Read more
GrubTech raises USD 13M in Series A to accelerate its international growth

GrubTech raises USD 13M in Series A to accelerate its international growth

GrubTech’s all-encompassing software powers various key functions, including back of house, in-kitchen operations, and broad online presence.

Read more
What is the risk level of COVID-19 in the Middle East’s foodservice industry?

What is the risk level of COVID-19 in the Middle East’s foodservice industry?

In the Middle East, foodservice companies traded on stock exchanges seem to be less exposed by comparison, but short-term liquidity is the biggest risk factor.

Read more
All eyes on 2021

All eyes on 2021

With many pinning their hopes on tourism recovery in 2021, we ask Abdul Kader Saadi, managing director at Glee Hospitality, what he believes lies ahead for the hospitality industry.

Read more
Investment Update: Hotels, Restaurants and New Hotel Projects

Investment Update: Hotels, Restaurants and New Hotel Projects

It’s been a tough time for investors. Abdul Kader Saadi, managing director and owner of Glee Hospitality Solutions, talks about the challenges facing new projects and those signed pre COVID-19.

Read more