Welcoming Mama Shelter Dubai with general manager Monica Metzger
Dubai’s hospitality scene recently welcomed Mama Shelter, a trendy and vibrant hospitality brand known for its eclectic and fun approach to the hotel experience. Here, Monica Metzger, general manager of Mama Shelter Dubai, explains how the hotel effortlessly blends the brand’s bold spirit with the local culture.
Forging IHG’s success in the region with Haitham Mattar, MD for IMEA at IHG
As a seasoned business leader with extensive experience in driving growth and innovation across various sectors, Haitham Mattar is known for his leadership roles in the travel and tourism industry, particularly his work at the helm of global organizations in the Middle East and beyond. We caught up with him at the newly opened voco Beirut, an IHG property, to learn about IHG’s growth strategy, its focus on sustainability, digital transformation and brand expansion.
Getting to know James Knight-Pacheco, co-founder of Group JKP
With over 20 years of culinary expertise, James Knight-Pacheco has worked alongside world-renowned chefs, including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. His television appearances on the BBC have further cemented his reputation in the culinary world. We explore Knight-Pacheco’s journey, driven by innovation, mentorship and a passion for storytelling, and his responsibilities as co-founder of Group JKP, a leading hospitality consultancy firm.
Get to know Tripadvisor with senior key manager Ahmed Madkor
Ahmed Madkor, senior key account manager of TripAdvisor, discusses its place in the travel equation, the travel trends and its cultural adaptation to the Middle East.
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat’s executive pastry chef Pierre-Jean Quinonero brings flavor to Dubai
Acclaimed executive pastry chef Pierre-Jean Quinonero from Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat was recently hosted by chef Nicolas Lambert of Four Seasons Dubai for a bespoke afternoon tea and limited-edition vitrine creations. We caught up with Quinonero to learn more about his culinary style, the latest pastry trends and which ingredients he likes to experiment with.
Shaping Kuwait’s culinary future with chef Faisal Al Nashmi
Chef Faisal Al Nashmi, co-owner and executive chef of AlMakan United Co., has played a pivotal role in transforming Kuwait’s culinary scene. Not only has he redefined dining through innovation, storytelling and bold creativity; he has also inspired inspiring the next generation of chefs. We learn more about his achievements in this exclusive interview
From Amman to Doha: JW Marriott Marquis City Center’s chef Mohammad Atieh
Mohammad Atieh, one of Jordan’s youngest executive chefs, shares insights into his transition from W Amman to JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, revealing the opportunities in Qatar’s dynamic hospitality scene and his plans for the hotel.
KSA in the spotlight with Hameed Ali, GM of the upcoming Mercure Khamis Mushait
Mercure Khamis Mushait in the Aseer region debuted in February 2025. Hameed Ali, the property’s GM tells us more about how the opening — the first internationally branded hotel in Khamis Mushait — will change the region’s hospitality landscape.
Reimagining Sheraton Bahrain’s legacy with GM Thomas Flindt
With a contemporary design that fuses natural beauty with sustainable aesthetics, Sheraton Bahrain celebrated a significant milestone when it reopened last month. Indeed, the hotel has reemerged with a renewed commitment to luxury and sustainability, as Thomas Flindt, the property’s general manager, explains.
Elevating Middle Eastern cuisine with TV chef Hala Ayash
Chef Hala Ayash, TV and media personality, believes that life — like food — is best enjoyed with soul and laughter. In this interview, she shares her vision for elevating Middle Eastern cuisine, her approach to media and authenticity and commitment to sustainability.
