8 restaurateurs serve up the dining trends for 2025
Dynamic and diverse, the region’s vibrant restaurant scene is expanding at an impressive tempo across both mature and emerging destinations. Eight business leaders share their thoughts on everything industry-related, from promising markets to the tech innovations, sustainability practices and experiential dining trends that restaurateurs cannot afford to ignore.
New horizons in F&B by Richard Cowling, director of Operations, Gates Hospitality
With over a decade of experience in the region, Richard Cowling, director of operations at Gates Hospitality, candidly discusses how the convergence of retail, dining and entertainment is reshaping the F&B landscape and driving transformation.
What lies ahead for Lebanon’s national drink
Arak is rapidly becoming the preferred spirit in bars in Lebanon and abroad. Salim Heleiwa, general manager of The Malt Gallery, explains why this popular drink is facing numerous challenges and what needs to be done to support its growth.
Navigating the grocery market in the UAE
Joe Abi Akl, a partner and the head of Oliver Wyman’s retail and consumer practice for IMEA, and Alexander Poehl, retail and consumer partner, outline the key components of the UAE’s grocery market.
Profiling the MENA luxury traveler
In this infographic, Carla Saliba, founder of Infographic.ly, offers an insightful, at-a-glance profile of the MENA luxury traveler, from their spending habits to their preferred destinations.
The crucial role of a culinary director in shaping success according to Xavier Charest Rehel of Banyan Tree
Xavier Charest Rehel, the regional director of culinary at Banyan Tree, highlights the importance of a culinary director in the success of a restaurant.
Greece: an enduring culinary heritage
Steeped in ancient history and famed for its authenticity, Greek cuisine has certainly stood the test of time, thanks to the abundance of flavorful, fresh ingredients found across its mainland and many islands. Vlassia Anagnostou, head chef at Avli by tashas in Dubai, has the lowdown on Greece’s
rich culinary legacy and how its classic dishes are being reinterpreted for today’s diners.
Leadership in the hospitality industry: using five timeless principles
Robeir Sarofeem, sales country manager for Nestlé Professional, believes that great leaders are not defined by their titles or authority but by their experiences and wisdom. In this article, he explores strategies and core principles that drive success and sustainability in the hospitality sector.