Embracing culinary diversity with Rahif Akkad, owner of Chef Akkad Company
With 15 years of experience in prestigious five-star hotels, Rahif Akkad, founder of Patisserie Akkad and Chef Akkad Company, shares his thoughts on the vital role diversity plays in sparking creativity and enriching dining experiences.
Adapting to an aging population with David Allan, GM of Radisson
Increasingly, hotels and resorts are adapting their services to meet the evolving needs of older guests, says David Allan, cluster GM of Radisson Hotel Group UAE. Here, he tells us more.
Five minutes with Ron Pohl, president of WorldHotels
Ron Pohl, president of WorldHotels and international operations at BWH Hotels, is navigating the competitive hospitality landscape, focusing on its unique strategies, evolving consumer demands and expanding market potential, particularly in the MENA region. We learn more about his work and how consumer demand is affecting the hotel industry.
The changing face of Oman’s hospitality sector with James Reeves
Much like the rest of the world, Oman’s hospitality sector is being transformed by technology. We spoke with James Reeves, GM of Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa in Oman, to learn more about how digitization is improving efficiency and enhancing the guest experience.
Wellness and sustainability with Heidi Grimwood VP of Atmosphere Wellness
Heidi Grimwood, VP of Atmosphere Wellness and ELE|NA Spa and Wellness Management, and expert speaker at FHS Saudi Arabia discusses the rapid evolution of the wellness tourism market, where travelers now seek personalized, immersive experiences that go beyond traditional relaxation.
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.
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.
Redefining a hotel brand with Krystel Irani, Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC
The role of a hotel manager is never easy, especially when it comes to catering to the evolving needs of the market while preserving a hotel’s unique identity and tailored experiences. Krystel Irani, Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC details how she navigates the challenges.
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.
