Starry futures: training for Michelin excellence
In the fast-paced culinary world, where trends shift daily and competition is fierce, the pursuit of brilliance has become both a philosophy and a necessity. With a Michelin star to his name, chef Luigi Taglienti is no stranger to scaling professional heights. Here, he reveals what’s needed to achieve true greatness in the kitchen, from skill and discipline to creative courage.
How AI cuts costs and predicts demand
Alexander Ponomarev, CEO of Syrve MENA, shares his perspective on how technology is revolutionizing the way eateries operate, optimize resources, and anticipate customer needs across the UAE.
Middle East OTA market accelerates beyond 2025
The Middle East travel market is experiencing one of the world’s most ambitious transformations, directly boosting online travel agency growth across the region. Vision 2030 initiatives, large-scale infrastructure projects and global mega-events are accelerating online travel agency (OTA) adoption.
6 sustainable travel trends on luxury travel lovers’
Gone are the days when luxury travel was all about opulence and indulgence. Today’s high-end travelers are instead looking for meaningful experiences that align with their values. Michael Donald, co-founder of Halo Business Consulting Ltd, highlights six luxury travel trends that are ripe for development across the region.
6 trends defining new regional hotel openings
A major shift is underway in high-end hospitality as hoteliers move to meet the demands of visitors who are looking for experiences rather than excessive extravagance. And the good news is that MENA is at the forefront of this transformation. Diogo Ildefonso, general manager at Glee Hospitality Solutions, spotlights six project-pipeline trends to watch that are already gaining traction region-wide.
3 tea experts on the matcha movement
Ask any bartender, cafe owner, mixologist or barista and they’ll tell you that matcha constantly features on their lists of in-demand ingredients. Rooted in Japan and well on the way to becoming a global phenomenon, this powdered green tea is now also causing a stir across regional markets, featuring in everything from rose-cardamom iced drinks to matcha-infused dates. Here, three industry professionals explain why matcha is much more than just a passing fad.
Wellness trends to watch beyond 2026 with Soraya Jouzy
Wellness has come a long way from being a simple add on in luxury hotels. Soraya Jouzy, founder of Pearl Tree explains why she believes that it’s a critical component in the guest journey.
Jordan’s hospitality sector strengthens
Tourism revenues in Jordan increased by 11.9 percent during the first half of 2025, demonstrating strong sector rebound. According to the Central Bank of Jordan, this growth confirms Jordan’s appeal as a premier travel destination.
How to lead teams with EI and AI
While artificial intelligence is more than capable of handling your systems, emotional intelligence is what will inspire your people. Mark Dickinson, of Done! Hospitality Training Solutions, explains why mastering this balancing act will help to bring out the best in your workforce.