Hospitality News Middle East

08/07/2025

The Walt Disney Company and Miral have announced plans to develop a new Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi. The destination will be built on Yas Island, known globally for its entertainment and leisure offerings. This marks Disney’s seventh theme park resort worldwide and its first in the Middle East and North Africa region.



https://www.hospitalitynewsmag.com/new-opening-disney-theme-park-resort/

08/07/2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has opened Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection®, its first cave hotel globally, in Türkiye’s Cappadocia region. Featuring 27 suites carved into ancient rock, the property blends local heritage with modern comfort, marking Wyndham’s latest step in delivering unique, experience-led stays worldwide.

Dimitris Manikis, president EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “The Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham isn’t just another hotel opening, it’s a story waiting to be experienced. Sleeping in a centuries-old cave, dining beneath stone-carved ceilings, and waking up to the magic of Cappadocia is the kind of travel moment people dream of and share on social media. We’re incredibly proud to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life with Honest Holding, as we continue to grow in places that inspire, surprise, and connect with travelers on a deeper level.”


Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

07/07/2025

The Delights Shop has officially launched at City Mall Amman. The new concept offers a refreshed product range including premium chocolate-covered dates, gourmet pastries, and regionally inspired flavors. The shop adds a new gourmet offering to Amman’s growing food retail scene.

07/07/2025

Le Sushi Bar in Beirut is hosting Japanese chef Sayaka Sawaguchi for a 10-day residency from July 9 to 19. As part of its new Chef Series, the restaurant will feature a limited-edition menu created in collaboration with Sawaguchi, who is known for her work in fermentation and traditional Japanese techniques. The menu will highlight the philosophy of Kudawari, which emphasizes precision and craftsmanship. This residency continues Le Sushi Bar’s history of introducing Japanese culinary practices to Lebanon since its founding by Mario Jr. Haddad in 1998. Rare ingredients for the menu are being sourced directly from Japan.

Le Sushi Bar

The go-to news source for hotel and foodservice professionals across the MENA and beyond.

07/07/2025

Ishraq Hospitality has announced the promotion of Sylvia Matei from cluster hotel manager to cluster general manager, overseeing Holiday Inn & Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport and Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport. With over 15 years of hospitality leadership experience, Sylvia has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and guest satisfaction. During her tenure with IHG Hotels & Resorts, the properties have earned multiple accolades, including the IHG Guest Voice and Loyalty Award and Best Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards. In her new role, she will also lead the strategic launch of Crowne Plaza Batumi and Batumi Hotel Apartments in Georgia.


Holiday Inn

07/07/2025

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.



https://www.hospitalitynewsmag.com/interview-heidi-grimwood-vp-atmosphere-wellness-elena/

07/07/2025

In celebration of World Chocolate Day, we recall standout statements from some of the region’s most influential chocolate experts.



Bassam Ghrawi Confectionery

In celebration of World Chocolate Day, we recall standout statements from some of the region’s most influential chocolate leaders insights shared over the years that continue to resonate in today’s evolving industry.

06/07/2025

Much more than simply a list of dishes and prices, a menu can serve as a valuable tool for restaurateurs, shaping guest behavior and boosting the bottom line. Duncan Fraser-Smith, CEO of Craft Hospitality Group, shares seven tips with the power to transform a menu into a true revenue engine.

group

Much more than simply a list of dishes and prices, a menu can serve as a valuable tool for restaurateurs, shaping guest behavior and boosting the bottom line. Duncan Fraser-Smith, CEO of Craft Hospitality Group, shares seven tips with the power to transform a menu into a true revenue engine.

05/07/2025

Opening a restaurant may feel like a dream come true for aspiring owners, but there are many potential pitfalls en route to success. Bastien Blanc, co-founder and board member at TroKadero Hospitality Global , spotlights the common errors restaurateurs make and tells us how to circumnavigate them.

Opening a restaurant may feel like a dream come true for aspiring owners, but there are many potential pitfalls en route to success. Bastien Blanc, co-founder and board member at TroKadero Hospitality Global , spotlights the common errors restaurateurs make and tells us how to circumnavigate them.

03/07/2025

La Petite Maison (LPM) Restaurant has opened its doors in Kuwait this November, offering stunning beachfront views and refined French-Mediterranean cuisine just steps from the iconic Kuwait Towers. Developed in partnership with Al Dhow Hospitality and the Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC), the venue features a spacious dining room, private dining, open-air terrace, and a vibrant bar serving signature mocktails.

Nicolas Budzynski, CEO of LPM, stated: “This move reflects our dedication to authentic, elegant dining in extraordinary locations.”

03/07/2025

The Chedi Muscat has appointed Mahmoud Sakr as general manager, following the promotion of Karim Bizid to COO of Chedi Hospitality. He brings over 30 years of experience leading luxury hotels across the region, including Burj Al Arab and St. Regis Al Masa. He most recently oversaw the launch of The Chedi Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first hotel within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for blending tradition with innovation, Sakr will focus on enhancing The Chedi Muscat’s guest experience, cultural depth, and service excellence as the brand enters a new era of growth.

sakr.official

03/07/2025

As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform the business and hospitality landscape is boundless. Embracing technology thoughtfully, businesses can integrate exceptional service, memorable experiences and operational excellence seamlessly into their operations, according to Dr. Jassim Haji, president of Global Artificial Intelligence Group.

Dr Jassim Haji

As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform the business and hospitality landscape is boundless. Embracing technology thoughtfully, businesses can integrate exceptional service, memorable experiences and operational excellence seamlessly into their operations, according to Dr. Jassim Haji,...