Mohamed Najia: The Regional Master of Hospitality

An industry leader in Kuwait and the MENA region with over three decades of experience, Mohamed Najia boasts a repertoire of regional and global successes.

How do you assess the F&B and hotel market in the Middle East as a hospitality and food industry veteran?

We assess the F&B and hotel market through various indicators. First, by analyzing hotel occupancy rates, which are currently moderate. We also monitor the number of new hotels opening, which is steadily increasing. Political stability plays a significant role too—the more stable the government, the stronger the market, and vice versa. In the F&B sector, the increasing number of companies shows positive growth. The expansion of HORECA Kuwait, where participating companies have doubled over the years, is further proof of growth in both the F&B and hotel sectors.

What were the major milestones in your career that marked key turning points?

One major milestone was establishing HORECA Kuwait, a franchise from Hospitality Services in Lebanon. Today, HORECA Kuwait is the country’s largest B2B hospitality exhibition, featuring over 80 brands, 300 chefs participating in culinary shows, and attracting over 6,000 hospitality professionals.

Can you elaborate on your key role with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Kuwait?

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is a global organization celebrating fine cuisine, gastronomy, and table arts. It operates in 70 countries with over 25,000 members. What sets it apart is its ability to bring together both professionals and enthusiasts—from hoteliers and restaurateurs to chefs and sommeliers. As Conseil Magistral, I ensure that our activities are well-organized and oversee invitations to our events. Founded in Kuwait in 1982, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is slowly gaining recognition, gathering top dignitaries, including ambassadors and leaders.

How significant is HORECA Kuwait as an economic driver in the F&B and hospitality industries?

The inaugural edition of HORECA Kuwait in 2012 had only 20 companies. Six years later, that number quadrupled, and the number of chefs participating in the Culinary Art Show has tripled. Today, almost all of Kuwait’s leading hospitality companies participate, and new ones continue to join. The event offers maximum exposure and access to key industry stakeholders, making it an essential platform for showcasing the latest food products and non-food technologies.

What are your future plans for Kuwait?

I aim to continue promoting Kuwait’s hospitality sector, with several hotel openings in the pipeline, including the Four Seasons. Additionally, I plan to expand HORECA Kuwait with each new edition. We’re also working on launching a Kuwaiti version of the Salon du Chocolat, attracting both companies and chocolate enthusiasts across the country.

About Mohamed Najia

Mohamed Najia is the General Secretary of the Kuwait Hotel Owners Association, a board member of the International Hotels & Restaurants Association, and a hospitality arbitrator at the Arbitration Center in Bahrain. He co-organizes the HORECA exhibition in Kuwait and has been Bailli Délégué of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Kuwait for 32 years. His accolades include the Kuwait Tourism Excellence Award and honors from the Académie Française de Cuisine and Hospitality Services.