Cultural heritage in the spotlight with chef Tareq Taha
Tareq Taha, head chef, consultant and winner of Top Chef All-Stars 2023, is a renowned Palestinian chef based in Jerusalem. Known for expertly blending traditional Palestinian flavors with modern techniques, Taha creates innovative dishes that honor his cultural heritage. Here, he shares how Jerusalem’s rich history influences his menu development and dining experiences, seamlessly combining tradition with modern culinary innovation while preserving authenticity.
Rising to the challenge with Bassam Zakaria of Dusit International
An award-winning hospitality professional with over two decades of experience at prestigious hotels across Europe and the Middle East, Bassam Zakaria is passionate about fostering teamwork, particularly in his current role as area general manager of Dusit International. We caught up with him to learn more about his responsibilities, how he handles challenges and the trends shaping decision making at Dusit.
Surge in Makkah’s licensed hospitality facilities hits 80 percent
Saudi Arabia experienced a significant rise in the number of licensed hospitality facilities in Makkah, reaching 1,030 by the end of 2024. This marked an impressive 80 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism. Consequently, Makkah now leads the kingdom in the number of licensed facilities and rooms.
Getting inspired by Saudi’s first female chef Mona Mosly
Mona Mosly has paved her own way in the culinary world, from being a judge on Top Chef to hosting the podcast Aala Tawlet Mona. As the owner of Sweet Atelier, she blends her love for food with a deep commitment to inspiring others, especially women, to follow their culinary dreams. In this interview, we uncover the challenges she’s overcome and her journey to becoming an inspiration to others.
Women leaders in hospitality with Maram Kokandi, hotel manager at JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh
Maram Kokandi, who achieved recognition as KSA’s first female general manager, is now hotel manager at JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh. In this exclusive interview, she discusses the key challenges, opportunities and developments regarding women in hospitality leadership positions.
Sheraton Hotel Al Khobar set to open in 2028
Marriott International has announced the signing of Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra with Ashaad Company. This marks the brand’s debut in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in 2028, Sheraton Al Khobar Al Hamra will embody the brand’s refreshed vision.
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.
Ascott’s Morocco pipeline for 2026-2027
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is accelerating its expansion across North Africa, forging new partnerships, openings, and a robust pipeline. Moreover, this expansion includes several upcoming properties in Morocco’s key economic and tourism hubs. As a result, the company is poised to enhance its footprint across the region.
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.
