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.
What’s cooking in Kuwait with Rami Jaafar of Holiday Inn Hotel in Salmiya
Rami Jaafar, executive chef of Holiday Inn Hotel in Salmiya, Kuwait, manages seven diverse food venues. He is also a member of ChefXchange and provides culinary consultancy. Here, he shares his insights on Kuwait’s booming food scene and where it’s heading.
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.
Qatar: a transformative gear change for the economy
Building on the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and other high-profile international events, Qatar is targeting tourism as major driver of growth in its plans for the economy. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services takes us through the latest sectoral developments and explains why the future looks bright for this key Gulf state.
Al Falamanki’s venture into KSA with Tony Ramy
Through his restaurant group and work as president of Lebanon’s RCNP Syndicate, Tony Ramy’s deep-rooted passion for the restaurant industry is evident. In this exclusive interview, Ramy talks about Al Falamanki’s successful expansion into Saudi Arabia, its enduring popularity and future growth plans.
Radisson Mountain Resort Faqra slated for 2027
Radisson Hotel Group announces the signing of Radisson Mountain Resort Faqra, Lebanon. Set to welcome guests in 2027, this new resort marks the group’s first Radisson-branded property in Lebanon.
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.
