Cooking with heart with chef Rita Soueidan of Maisan15
Dubai-born chef Rita Soueidan, head chef at Maisan15, believes that cooking is an act of love and giving. True to her motto ‘Lead with love, uplift others and give back every day,’ she mentors youth with disabilities and supports underprivileged communities, proving that true hospitality begins with heart and compassion.
Redefining Egyptian cuisine with chef Suzanne Mokhtar
Chef Suzanne Mokhtar, the culinary mind behind à la Suzanne Culinary School & Catering Co., masterfully blends her Syrian-Egyptian roots with refined French techniques. Discover how chef Suzanne is crafting unforgettable experiences that celebrate culture, creativity and modern gastronomy.
Lisandra Cotrina Mestre, cigar sommelier at Sunset Hospitality, redefines the cigar ritual in luxury settings
Lisandra Cotrina Mestre, a proud Cuban and certified cigar sommelier, is bringing refined cigar culture to the forefront of luxury hospitality. We spoke with Lisandra about the art of cigar service, the role of storytelling in hospitality and why cigars remain a timeless symbol of elegance.
Preserving Levantine heritage with Two-time Michelin award winner chef Salam Dakkak
Chef Salam Dakkak leads with heart, turning memory into meals and preserving Levantine heritage through every dish she serves at Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam. We learn more about her vision and mission in this exclusive interview.
Catalyzing change through green investments with Sylvia MateI
Sylvia Matei, cluster general manager of Holiday Inn & Staybridge Al Maktoum, drives environmental change across two Dubai hotels. Here, she tells us more about her work and the sustainable investments that unite environmental responsibility, operational efficiency and purposeful guest experiences.
Demystify decision-making in hotels with Anna-Marie Dowling, GM of Nofa Riyadh
Anna-Marie Dowling, GM of Nofa Riyadh, is a champion of purpose-driven hospitality, where people, sustainability and meaningful progress shape a deeper kind of luxury. Here, she shares how her decisions are made, offering a candid look behind the scenes of hotel leadership.
Unbottling wine trends with Veronika Zakharchuk, head sommelier of Culinary Arts Group
Veronika Zakharchuk, head sommelier at Culinary Arts Group, is passionate about creating meaningful guest experiences, nurturing her team’s growth and keeping wine approachable and enjoyable. We delve into her wine philosophy, explore evolving consumer preferences and uncover why, for her, wine is ultimately all about connection.
UAE’s hospitality scene with Eleni Tsolakou GM of Park Rotana
Park Rotana ‘s GM Eleni Tsolakou, a seasoned hotelier known for driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction and team engagement, discusses the UAE’s dynamic hospitality scene and the evolving tastes and expectations of today’s traveler.

















