A taste of home sealed in friendship with cheffe Sandra Sfeir of Almas restaurant
Sandra Sfeir took an unconventional path to the kitchen. After earning a degree in graphic design, she moved to Paris to train in French cuisine. She once intended to return to Lebanon to manage her father’s restaurant but chose instead to build something of her own in Paris. At Almas, friendship became as central as heritage, shaping a concept rooted in shared memories and collective storytelling. She tells us more.
Women leading the Middle East’s luxury hotels
Across the Middle East, women are leading some of the region’s most prominent five star hotels. From Muscat and Doha to Riyadh, Dubai and Beirut, these female general managers oversee luxury properties with strategic vision, operational expertise and people focused leadership, shaping the evolving landscape of five star hospitality across the region.
W Riyadh KAFD to open in May 2026
W Hotels is set to make a bold entrance into Saudi Arabia with the opening of W Riyadh KAFD in May 2026. The highly anticipated debut marks the brand’s first property in the kingdom.
Clovis Khoury, the Lebanese chef who refused to be defined by Michelin
Clovis Khoury, owner and head chef of SAS Lyle Maison Clovis, turned his back on Michelin acclaim to pursue true culinary freedom. Rooted in simplicity and devoted to local producers, he is now shaping his most daring chapter yet. We discover the story behind his bold vision.
Premier Inn announces major GCC expansion plans
Premier Inn Middle East unveils plans for regional expansion, confirming a new phase of hotel openings across the GCC.
Successfully executing cultural immersion for the experiential traveler with GM Elif Yazoglu
Guided by the mantra to lead with clarity, courage and care, Elif Yazoglu, general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences, shares how cultural immersion is successfully executed for today’s experiential traveler.
ENVI Lodges accelerates Saudi expansion
ENVI Lodges enters 2026 with renewed focus on Saudi Arabia, unveiling two upcoming nature-immersed hospitality destinations.
Stephan Schupbach on Chedi Hospitality’s unbound approach to luxury hospitality
In a buoyant regional market, Chedi Hospitality is expanding its presence through a growth strategy rooted in authentic luxury and cultural stewardship. CEO Stephan Schupbach tells HN how the group is curating experiences that go beyond simple stays to give high-end guests a deeper sense of connection and place.
MRA reports Middle East’s meat market disruption
Based on a 2025 report by Market Report Analytics (MRA), the Middle East edible meat industry is experiencing significant transformation. While traditional meat consumption remains dominant, the rise of plant-based meat substitutes is creating new dynamics, driven by shifting consumer preferences, sustainability concerns and evolving dietary trends across the region.
