How to do business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Starting a business in Saudi Arabia offers a unique combination of opportunities and challenges, providing access to a promising market. Indeed, the Kingdom presents a structured legal and regulatory framework, creating an ideal environment for potential investors across sectors. The journey requires meticulous planning and adherence to local regulations to ensure success, including choosing the right industry. Dagmar Symes, CEO of Hill Robinson Estates, tells us more.
Navigating opportunities and challenges in the hotel investment space with Aboudi Asali
Aboudi Asali, executive VP at JLL, brings over 25 years of hospitality expertise, leading hotel advisory services in the MENA region. We leverage his extensive knowledge to explore all aspects of hotel investment and development throughout the region, exposing the challenges and opportunities that exist.
Today’s balancing act: automation vs. personalization
Hospitality industry players are increasingly integrating AI technologies into more of their processes, using cutting edge solutions to enhance the guest experience and maximize efficiency. But is there a point at which we risk entering the realm of innovation overreach? And how far is too far? Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, balances the scales.
Cross-culinary exchange: gastronomy goes global
From firm favorites to fantastic fusion dishes, the ‘something old, something new’ mantra is taking kitchens by storm, as chefs switch up traditional recipes and play with flavors from across the globe. Chirine Salha, board member of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Night-clubs & Pastries in Lebanon, unpacks the culinary trends that are traveling through time and across borders.
Beyond logos: the global influence of F&B franchisors
Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, lifts the lid on what sets the powerhouses apart from the crowd in the world of franchising, enabling them to write chapter after chapter in their ever-evolving success stories.
From starting out to staying the course
While any launch is resource heavy, hospitality start-ups also need to stay focused on the future, creating the firm foundations and growth strategies that will help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of a competitive market and capitalize on opportunities. Jad Shamseddin, COO of Aleph Hospitality, has words of advice spanning launch, post-launch and longer-term plans.
5 ways to make your start-up stand out to investors
Securing investment for a concept can be particularly challenging in a competitive environment. Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder of Gates Hospitality, offers his advice on how to catch the eye of investors and clinch that all-important funding.
Addressing the talent attraction dilemma in hospitality
Shangri-La’s MEIA VP of HR, Hein Dames, highlights challenges in hospitality recruitment and sheds light on the industry’s struggle to attract new talent.
Resilient Lebanon: tourism’s triumphant phoenix
Lebanon is a phoenix, according to Amine Moukarzel, president and partner of Louvre Hotels Group and Golden Tulip Hotels MENA. Here, the veteran hotelier shares his thoughts on the country’s rise.
New technologies: today’s essential tools for hoteliers
Emerging technologies are revolutionizing the lodging industry, delivering significant benefits to both operators and guests. Michael Donald, co-founder of Halo Business Consulting, explains why embracing innovation and implementing smart ideas are musts for hotels looking to secure a successful future.