Dubai: scaling new heights
Cited in the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023 by Tripadvisor as one of the most popular destinations, Dubai continues to shine and is already well on track for another bright year. Nagi Morkos, founder and managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, puts a spotlight on the emirate’s latest plans to boost foreign trade, investment and visitor numbers.
Firms foundations and strong fundamentals
Robust project pipelines, strong sentiment and long-term growth strategies look set to continue driving a sound recovery across the region, although financing and construction headwinds remain disruptive forces in the market. Amr El Nady, head of hotels and hospitality MEA and executive vice president, Global Hotel Desk – JLL, charts the hospitality investment landscape, while also highlighting new market opportunities.
A bright new era for regional tourism
The Middle East’s hospitality sector is currently witnessing a remarkable upsurge, with significant growth and extensive development under way in travel, tourism and hotel construction. This expansion has been propelled by several factors, including ambitious infrastructure projects, strategic investments and a sharpened focus among key players on developing the sector.
Pulse check Egypt
As the Ukraine war is dragging on into another year, so are the economic troubles of Egypt, highly dependent on imports of wheat and all types of non-food commodities. The Egyptian treasury market was also badly hit, as investors withdrew billions of dollars. The Central Bank could not prevent inflation from reaching an annual surge of 33.9 percent in March, with the Egyptian pound plunging to unprecedented levels. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains the country’s current state and forecasts its future.
The importance of mapping the food and beverage offerings in malls
Planning the placement of food and beverage units in malls requires careful consideration, as Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, points out.
Consumer trends that the hospitality industry cannot afford to ignore
In today’s operating environment, pivoting from an established business model and adapting marketing tactics to accommodate new trends are a must. Vineetha Sony, Head of Trade, OCO Global, explains why acting on consumers’ changing tastes, preferences and needs is essential for both success and survival.
Oman: a unique gem in the GCC
Justin Kenny, consultant at Colliers for the Hotels MENA Region, explains how the sultanate is carving its own identity as an attractive destination with a diverse offering, despite tough competition from its neighbors.
Why coffee shops are causing a stir
While coffee culture might have been slower to take root in the Middle East than across some other regions, it has certainly caught up in recent years, with bustling cafés today in malls and on street corners offering countless interpretations of our favorite drink. Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, tells us what’s brewing on the regional coffee scene.
Is F&B outsourcing on its way out?
Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, charts the growing trend among hotel owners to take back their F&B offering inhouse and highlights the benefits of doing so, which include regaining control in key areas and opportunities to increase profits.
Why budget lifestyle hotels are breaking the mold
With travelers seeking out better lodging experiences and affordable deals, cheap, chic offerings are proving to be the new industry disruptors, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains.