The future of luxury hospitality with Sherief Abouelmagd, cluster GM of Steigenberger Doha
Sherief Abouelmajd, a seasoned hotelier with over 30 years of experience spanning the USA, North Africa, the Middle East and GCC countries, has a wealth of operational expertise. As general manager of the Steigenberger Hotel Doha, he reveals the latest hospitality trends and the strategies he has implemented to ensure the hotel delivers exceptional guest experiences.
Khalidia Palace Hotel Dubai set to open Q4 of 2023
Khalidia Palace Hotel by Mourouj Gloria, a new five-star property located in Dubai’s historic Deira district, is on track to launch by Q4 2023.
Marriott International brings W Hotels to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah
Marriott International, Inc., has signed an agreement with Dalands Holding in collaboration with Marjan to bring W Hotels to Al Marjan Island. Set to open in Q1 2027, W Al Marjan Island marks W Hotels first property in Ras Al Khaimah. The property promises to bring bold design, outstanding service and always-on programming.
In focus: Saudi Arabia’s hospitality boom with Marco Rentsch
Marco Rentsch, a partner at PwC’s Global Consulting Hospitality & Tourism Center of Excellence, has two decades of experience in consulting across EMEA, collaborating primarily with significant government entities in Saudi Arabia. His expertise revolves around crafting and executing innovative strategies that are shaping the dynamic hospitality and tourism sector within KSA. In this exclusive interview, he sheds light on the ever-changing landscape of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry.
Wrapping up the summer season with hospitality champion Tony Ramy, president of RCNP Lebanon
Through his restaurant group and work as president of Lebanon’s RCNP Syndicate, Tony Ramy has dedicated his life to championing Lebanon as a tourist destination. We sat down with the restaurateur to reflect on the 2023 summer season and how the hospitality sector has fared.
Talking about Saudi Arabia with Aldert van Zyl, GM of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh
Aldert van Zyl has over 20 years’ experience in hospitality across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He believes that consistency is the key to success and does not shy away from risks, especially in his role as GM of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center. Here, he tells us about his journey to the top, his plans for the hotel and how KSA’s hospitality scene is evolving.
Spotlight on Coral Beach Beirut with new GM Georges Chakra
Georges Chakra, general manager of Coral Beach Beirut, has a proven track record in the hospitality industry. With extensive experience in overseeing all aspects of the hotel, he shares his vision for establishing and cultivating a customer-centric service culture, as well as ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations that consistently surpass guest expectations.
Interview with Maximilian Rauch, Ascott’s head of F&B for Middle East, Africa and Turkey
Throughout his impressive career, Maximilian Rauch has held key positions across the hospitality and corporate sectors. In his new role, he will be responsible for Ascott’s portfolio of owners and restaurant operators across the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey and Kenya, creating dedicated training programs, implementing customized service solutions and bolstering industry specific partnerships to strengthen the group’s F&B offerings. With his extensive background in culinary management, Rauch tells us how he is planning to elevate Ascott’s F&B offerings.
Saudi Arabia’s vision for sustainable luxury tourism unveiled in Soudah Peaks
In a remarkable step toward diversifying its economy and enhancing its global tourism standing, Saudi Arabia is set to unveil an extraordinary luxury mountain tourism destination, Soudah Peaks. Located at an elevation of 3,015 meters above sea level on the kingdom’s highest peak, this ambitious project is a pivotal part of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) visionary efforts.
Getting to know Imad Akil, GM of Centro Mada Amman by Rotana
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Imad Akil, GM of Centro Mada Amman by Rotana, has successfully led the opening of multiple hotels in the region. In addition, he has played a pivotal role in supporting Rotana’s head office through various field visits and corporate initiatives. We sat down with the accomplished hotelier to discuss the hotel’s sustainability pledge and how the Jordan’s hospitality sector is evolving.
