Veteran Hotelier Fady Najib Sawaya Discusses the Saudi Market
Having spent 24 years with IHG, Fady Najib Sawaya has vast experience and expertise in the hotel industry, especially in Saudi Arabia. We spoke to Sawaya, area GM at IHG Riyadh Central Hotels and GM of Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention Center, to learn more about what’s happening in the local market.
Arthaus Hotel: for the Love of Beirut
Nabil Debs and his wife, Zoe, left the comfort of Europe for the “chaos” of Beirut. Together, they recently opened Arthaus boutique hotel, which celebrates their love of art and their fascination with the Bauhaus movement.
Omar Abodib Launches Together for Beirut Initiative
Lebanese entrepreneur Omar Abodib, owner of Le Donjon and Bel Ami in France, has strong ties to Lebanon, so much so that he has launched an initiative to support those affected by the Beirut blast. HN learns more.
Daniele Vastolo’s New Chapter at Zulal Wellness Resort
Daniele Vastolo is a seasoned hotelier, who has been at the helm of several successful hotel projects. Today, he joins Zulal Wellness Resort, where he embarks on a new chapter in his career.
Kitchenlab and Reem E. Azoury Join Forces
Youmna Ziadé Karam and Michelle Gebeily launched Kitchenlab (Lebanon) in 2013 as a place offering hands-on and virtual cooking classes. Recently, the duo has teamed up with talented developer and cooking instructor Reem E. Azoury, who brings a wealth of experience to the mix. Together, they are working on the launch of a new meal kit delivery concept called Kit-Lab. We speak to Lamia Maatouk, GM at KitchenLab, to learn more.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort appoints Savino Leone as General Manager
Leone has more than three years’ experience in leading luxury Jumeirah Group hotels, having originally been appointed in 2017 as the General Manager of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa in Kuwait.
Yasser Bahaa joins Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis as GM
He aims to deliver excellent service and memorable guest experiences, while driving a strong financial performance.
Caroline Fattal Stands for Women
With 20 years’ corporate business experience under her belt, Caroline Fattal knows a thing or two about running a company. Fattal not only heads Fattal Group as senior VP and board member but also gives coaching sessions about cooperative leadership and organizational development. In 2014, 2015 and 2020, she made Forbes Middle East’s 100 Power Businesswomen list. Here, Fattal discusses her activism for women’s economic empowerment and gender equality across the Middle East.
F&B Design Trends with Norman Cescut
Norman Cescut, CEO of DESITA — a strategic consultancy and design company specialized in creating and developing concepts and business formats franchising in foodservice and retail — is known for his eye for design. Besides his role as the head the DESITA Award Jury, Cescut is a speaker at several renowned forums and conferences, including: TEDx Milano, BIFEX Beirut, Franchising EXPO Dubai, Detrop Thessaloniki, Franchising Nord Piacenza and Salone del Franchising Milano.
Jihad Dfouni New Executive Chef of Hilton Riyadh
Hilton Hotels announced the promotion of Jihad Dfouni from Executive Chef in Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace to the newly opened Hilton Riyadh.
