Honoring the high-flyers
Eleven trailblazing entrepreneurs were selected as finalists at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Startup Den 2023 recently, after edging the competition and impressing an esteemed judging panel with their forward-thinking, innovative business concepts. In a series of exclusive interviews compiled by HN and conducted by FHS, each finalist takes us on their start-up journey, from idea to implementation, and hurdles to highpoints.
Voice-commerce: something to shout about
Monica E. Chikhani, managing director and founder of MEC Workshop, explores how hospitality businesses can leverage the potential of Alexa and other voice assistants to strengthen customer engagement.
5 tips for creating a successful start-up
Ashleigh Donald, co-founder of Halo Business Consulting, shares her thoughts on how entrepreneurs can build a business that will stay the pace and generate interest for all the right reasons.
Africa on the rise
While East Africa’s travel, tourism and hospitality sectors have faced various challenges in recent years, there are encouraging signs of growth, as Hala Matar Choufany, president for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia at HVS, points out.
Regional casinos: a safe bet or a long shot?
While the legalization of gambling in the Middle East has long been a topic of fierce debate, news of industry developments in the UAE have now put this contentious issue firmly back in the spotlight. Against that backdrop, Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, assesses the odds of the region positioning itself as a global gaming hub and go-to destination for casino giants.
Saudi gastronomy in perspective
Chef Rakan Aloraifi, expert in Saudi cuisine and advanced French pastry, boasts a distinguished career marked by culinary excellence and achievements. Here, the decorated chef and founder of KIT Catering reflects on Saudi cuisine and how he blends tradition with innovation and excellence.
Hotel guest room design trends for 2024
As a NYC-based Urbahn Architects associate specializing in hospitality design, Ryan E. Bieber, RA and LEED AP, discusses the guest-room trends that will define 2024.
Why cities are back on must-visit lists
Having risen from the depths of the pandemic, urban centers are today riding high on a wave of success, with visitors returning to these traditionally popular destinations in ever-growing numbers. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner of Hodema Consulting Services, takes us on a whistlestop tour during which he explains why cities are booming.
Meat and other treats
From traditional turkey to out-there oyster wellingtons, these inspirational center-pieces will set the seasonal scene and delight your diners.
An appetite for change
A collective effort is under way in the UAE to promote healthier and more sustainable food practices. Soniya Ashar, founder and CEO of NutriCal, tracks the transformation taking place across the country’s food ecosystem and considers what else needs to be done.