Vipin Khattar becomes multi-property GM of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai & Delta Hotels by Marriott Dubai
The St. Regis Downtown Dubai and Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park, part of Marriott International, has announced the appointment of Vipin Khattar as the new multi-property general manager. He has taken over from Raja Zeidan, who is now the COO at RDK Group.
Igniting the six senses with CEO Neil B. Jacobs
Neil Jacobs’ passion for wellness, sustainability and making travel purposeful led him to Six Senses in 2012. Ever since, his focus has been to elevate the brand in terms of responsible design, green initiatives and wellness programming. Under his leadership, the company has opened resorts in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Jacob’s vision extends beyond a super high-end hotel and spa company. He believes in creating demand through constant innovation, initiatives and programming that are meaningful and tailored to each guest’s health and well-being. Here, the visionary hospitality leader shares his thoughts wellness, sustainability and purposeful, out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
Kitchen talk with Lucas Glanville, senior executive chef of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Raised in a “food-focused” family, Lucas Glanville was inspired by his mother to pursue a culinary career while he was still in high school. He studied culinary arts at a London catering college before joining the Michelin-star restaurant Le Gavroche and subsequently joining Browns Restaurant Melbourn, an award-winning restaurant. Here, the senior executive chef of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre shares his insights into the Saudi culinary scene and how he is tackling the issue of sustainability in the kitchen.
Homegrown plant-based meat brand Switch Foods inaugurates its first facility in the UAE
Homegrown foodtech startup Switch Foods inaugurates its first state-of-the-art exclusive plant-based meat production facility, located at KEZAD, Abu Dhabi. Switch Foods’ facility in KEZAD spans a 20,000 square feet plot and includes built-to-order equipment from leading global technology providers, a high-tech laboratory, an innovation centre, cold storage areas, preparation areas, logistics areas, and offices. The cutting-edge facility represents a significant milestone for the UAE’s burgeoning plant-based food industry, aligning with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to promote food security through sustainable innovations and diversified food sources.
A greener picture of BOCA with Omar Shihab, founder and chief sustainability officer of BOCA restaurant
Omar Shihab, founder and chief sustainability officer of BOCA restaurant, is a versatile professional, who has taken on various roles in the hospitality industry. He has led a team of skilled chefs, managers, designers and experts to create exceptional hospitality concepts in the Gulf. A passionate advocate for sustainability, local sourcing and innovative dining experiences, Shihab has introduced several sustainability initiatives at BOCA, including waste reduction and local sourcing. He has been recognized for his efforts, winning the Gault&Millau UAE 2022 Sustainability Champion award, and is also an advisor to the UAE Restaurant Group and represents Food Made Good UAE, Thriving Solutions and Azraq.
