Hotel & Catering News Middle East

We’re excited to reveal a new look for Hotel & Catering magazine! In our continuous effort to evolve and enhance our connection with you—our readers, partners, and industry friends—we’ve given our brand a makeover, starting with a new logo. As bold and forward-thinking as the sector we cover, our new logo is just the beginning! This July, Atlantis The Royal (Atlantis Resorts) in Dubai doesn't just redefine luxury; it sets a new benchmark for opulence in a city renowned for its extravagance. Since its grand opening, marked by a show-stopping concert attended by some of the world's most famous personalities, this architectural marvel has become a cornerstone of luxury travel and an emblem of Dubai's lavish hospitality scene. As we witness such grandeur in hospitality, it's fascinating to explore the broader transformation within the industry. Traditional reservation desks have evolved into AI-driven personalization and robotic services, enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency. This technological advancement marks a significant shift in the industry's landscape. In this dynamic environment, we also celebrate the best in nightlife. The Big Nightlife Awards 2024 honoured top venues and individuals in Dubai, showcasing excellence across various categories, from the best party brunch to the best live music venue. This celebration of excellence aligns perfectly with the industry's ongoing evolution. Adding to this narrative, Martin Kubler FIH provides valuable insights into how the hospitality industry can learn from other sectors to improve service recovery. He emphasizes proactive problem-solving, personalized responses, and data-driven strategies. These insights are crucial as we explore the latest technological trends reshaping the hospitality industry, including sustainability-focused tech, robotics, real-time data analytics, AI-driven personalization, and on-demand entertainment. Furthermore, Naji Haddad discusses how restaurants can leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and optimize labour costs, ensuring profitability in a competitive market. https://lnkd.in/djnHS-iY Seymone Leigh Moodley fluidmeet - Finding Space Made Easy Karan Moodley Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers Hotel - Dubai McGettigan's Canary Club Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah DREAM DUBAI TASHAS GROUP Soho Garden DXB AURA SKYPOOL Paramount Hotel Dubai Topgolf Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre CÉ LA VI The Guild MayaBay Dubai The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi Ram Khadka Sandrine Irakoze. Nkunda Hemal Pushpakumara Mar Ibarra Nicola Lazzari TakaHisa Japanese Restaurant Rabih Fakhreddine 7 Management Zenzi Beach Jumeirah Solutions Leisure Group Marc Maroun

Mastercard, and Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), one of the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, have signed a multimarket agreement to introduce a co-branded card, designed to boost the travel and hospitality experience for discerning travellers. The collaboration will be tailored to the unique needs of affluent cardholders – offering a vast choice of accommodation arrangements and exciting rewards. According to Mastercard’s Affluent Travel Report, 34% of affluent travellers in MENA are users of loyalty schemes and membership cards, and more than half of the affluent travellers say they are looking for more meaningful experiences rather than shopping and souvenirs. With this partnership, Mastercard and GHA will curate more personalized and enriching travel experiences for UAE cardholders. https://lnkd.in/dMcHy6ma

Rotana (Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC), one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with 77 operational properties in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye (MENAT), announces today the opening of Palma Bay Rotana, in New Alamein, Egypt. Joining Grand Rotana Resort & Spa in Sharm El Sheikh, the property will bring Rotana’s total footprint in the country to 702 keys. Perfectly positioned at Marina 5, the premier four-star resort delivers an unmatched hospitality experience, marrying elegance with the exceptional quality synonymous with one of the Middle East’s leading hospitality brands. With its coveted seaside location, Palma Bay Rotana offers premium services and modern accommodation options, for all travellers. https://lnkd.in/d8MrPFXb

Hilton is dramatically expanding its portfolio of luxury hotel experiences with the addition of nearly 400 boutique properties from the exquisite Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. Starting today, hundreds of these properties will be available on all Hilton direct booking channels, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app.  Joining Hilton’s prestigious luxury brand portfolio – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Signia by Hilton – the diverse collection of participating SLH hotels offers travellers new ways of staying with Hilton in intimate spaces and unique places – from rustic huts and woodland treehouses to rainforest retreats and coastal villas. https://lnkd.in/db46uKdB

Qatar Airways Holidays, the leisure division of the award-winning Qatar Airways, is thrilled to unveil its latest offering – a curated collection of Qatar Stopover packages for travellers across the GCC region. Travellers booking their flights on Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations now have the option to transform one holiday into two by stopping over in Qatar for up to four nights. Designed to effortlessly bridge the journey and the destination, these packages will allow GCC travellers to explore the vibrant city of Doha, all while enjoying Qatar Airways’ signature hospitality and personalised world-class service, even on short stays. https://lnkd.in/dx_ep66W

United Hospitality Management (UHM), a global leader in luxury hospitality management, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Wright as the new Vice President of Operations. Anthony joins UHM with an extensive background in the hospitality industry, bringing over 20 years of experience in hotel management and operations. In his new role, Anthony will lead the UHM Middle East team reporting to CEO Greg O’Stean, focusing on the seamless transition of new acquisitions and ensuring the profitable operations of all UHM hotels and holiday homes in the Middle East. https://lnkd.in/d3s-J_8Y

Marriott International Inc. and Eagle Hills UAE announced the signing of an agreement to open the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Anticipated to open on Ramhan Island, an exclusive waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi, the property will offer a secluded escape complete with expansive views across the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. “This collaboration with Marriott International on Ramhan Island marks a milestone in our commitment to shaping extraordinary experiences and redefining luxury hospitality.  As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the UAE, it will set new standards of excellence in the world of luxury experiences.” says Chairman of Eagle Hills, Mohammad Alabbar. “Together with Eagle Hills, we look forward to bringing Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the UAE and offering intimate and transformative experiences in an ultra-luxury setting,” added Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This monumental signing marks an important addition to our portfolio in the country where we continue to see a strong demand for luxury experiences.” https://lnkd.in/dJhr2MSE

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is delighted to announce that Sawsen ourimmi has joined the team as Executive Housekeeper. Sawsen brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having held prestigious leadership roles in housekeeping at several 5-star hotels and resorts since beginning her career in 2006. After achieving a degree in Hotel Management in Tunisia, Sawsen forged a path as a successful Housekeeping Manager across her home country with renowned hotel brands before being promoted in May 2017 to Executive Housekeeper at the Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa. https://lnkd.in/dmJQ5at2

In the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape of Dubai, AP&Co. Hospitality Consulting has once again raised the bar with its latest project: Late Eatery. Located in the heart of 77 Valley, Al Khawaneej’s newest food lover’s destination, Late Eatery is set to redefine upscale dining with its innovative concept and exquisite menu. Late Eatery is not just another restaurant. What appears to be a simple dining venue reveals itself to be a meticulously curated experience. From the moment guests step into the serene urban oasis, they are enveloped in an ambiance that captivates the senses. The interior, designed with elegant olive tones, rich greenery, brass accents, and wooden elements, exudes a calm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for memorable meals. https://lnkd.in/dM4RhgNe

At an event held at One&Only (One&Only Resorts) One Za'abeel hotel, Michelin unveiled its new selection of restaurants for The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024. A total of 106 establishments, covering 35 different types of cuisine, have impressed the famously anonymous MICHELIN Inspectors and made this year’s final selection. For this third edition, The MICHELIN Guide Dubai recognizes four new one MICHELIN Star restaurants, and one new two MICHELIN Stars restaurant, as well as 6 new Bib Gourmands. “Dubai is now truly recognized as an international gastronomic destination and its impressive development continues year on year,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guides. “Its appeal isn’t just with international travellers or local gourmets; talented chefs and restaurateurs from around the world are now also attracted by its vibrant dining scene and arrive keen to make their own mark in the city. With so many different styles of restaurant and types of cuisine, there really is something for everyone.” Full article here ⬇ https://lnkd.in/dsFtYgjc