EDITOR'S VIEW
Group editor Nouhad Dammous
The Emirates has released plans to become the world’s most popular travel destination by 2025.
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publications deputy manager Rita Ghantous Graphic designer Ibrahim Kastoun Features consultant Rana Freifer Sub-editors Miriam Dunn Lisa Jerejian Account managers Michel Ajjoub, Maha Hasbani, Josette Hikri advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com
This editorial was written by Nouhad just prior to his passing on March 4, 2022. We will continue to publish the thoughts and insights he produced in future issues.
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TOURISM EVOLUTION IN THE UAE
Circulation coordinator Rita Nohra-Kejijian
Nouhad Dammous, editor-in-chief of Hospitality News Middle East, shares his thoughts on how the UAE, a beacon of success, has launched a number of ambitious tourism projects to solidify its reputation as a market leader in the region.
News news@hospitalitynewsmag.com Published by Hospitality Services LEBANON Borghol Building, Dekwaneh Tel: +961 1 480081 UAE HSME Tel: +971 585098057 info@hospitalityservices.me www.hospitalitynewsmag.com All the information disclosed in the magazine was provided by the parties concerned by each publication and checked to the highest possible extent by the editors. However, the magazine cannot ensure accuracy at all times of all information published and therefore could in no case be held responsible should any information reveal to be false or insufficient. We welcome views on any subject relevant to the hospitality industry, but request that letters be short and to the point. The editor reserves the right to select and edit letters. Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
The UAE is an elective monarchy formed by a federation of seven emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al- Quwain, Ras el Khaimah, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. Thanks to the wisdom and vision of its Al Nahyan, Al Maktoum and Al Qasimi royal families, the Emirates is continuing its evolution in tourism and business. The Emirates has released plans to become the world’s most popular travel destination by 2025, adopting ambitious development plans, initiatives and projects that will build on its status as a group of preferred tourism destinations for leisure and business travelers. Furthermore, Emirates Airlines, founded in 1985, and Etihad airlines, established in Abu Dhabi in 2003, are sponsoring many cultural and sport activities. Here are just some of the places worth visiting: - Burj Khalifa (Dubai) - Louvre (Abu Dhabi) - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi) - Trip to the desert dunes - Museum of Islamic Civilization (Sharjah) - Ain Dubai - Al Ain attractions - RAK tourism - Expo 2020 - Formula 1 (Abu Dhabi) Nouhad Dammous Editor-in-Chief Docteur Honoris Causa
APR-MAY 2022 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue Apr - May 2022
03
EDITOR’S VIEW Tourism evolution in the UAE
TRIBUTE 08 08 10
The life of hospitality titan Nouhad Dammous Snapshots of Nouhad Dammous’ life Honoring the late Nouhad Dammous
12 14 20 22 26
In-depth news and interviews from around the region Industry Hotels Food & beverage Chefs Suppliers
NEWS 14
Eddy Tannous, Vice president, Operations- On Saudi's tourism evolution
EVENTS WHERE TO BE SEEN 30 32
ATM draper launches competition for hospitality startups and innovators Calendar Everything you need to know about Salon du Chocolat Dubai
HORECA NETWORK 34 36 37
Conferences, networking and more at HORECA connects, Beirut Horeca Kuwait sold out in run-up to 10th anniversary Horeca Oman draws closer
35
HORECA Oman draws closer
38
Haitham Mattar, IHG’s transformational leader
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 38
Haitham Mattar, IHG’s transformational leader
TOURISM 40
Pivoting toward regenerative tourism
MARKET UPDATE 42
Insights into Iraq
TRENDS 44
The changing role of hotels
EYE ON 46
Greek delights: tourism rebirth
INFLUENCERS 48
The pastry people
F&B 52 54
Reasons to hire F&B management companies Food delivery in focus
55
The rise of food aggregators
TECHNOLOGY
4
HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | APR-MAY 2022
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