At the shimmering edge of Palm Jumeirah, one hotel continues to shape the future of hospitality in the UAE: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. At its helm is Shadi Refai, Hotel Manager with more than 25 years of experience, who blends strategy with empathy to lead one of the city’s most dynamic destinations.

A Leader Evolved: From Operations to Visionary

Throughout his career, Refai’s leadership has transformed significantly. Initially, he focused on operations, where structure and performance were paramount. However, over time, his role expanded into one that emphasizes people-first thinking, strategic agility, and cultural awareness.

“I lead with clarity of vision, but I leave room for creativity,” he says. “I see myself as both a strategist and a coach.”

Notably, his experience in opening major properties such as Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and the Palm Jumeirah taught him to unify diverse teams under one shared vision. Today, he leads as both a strategist and a coach, balancing operational excellence with emotional intelligence.

Building Morale with Humor, Fairness, and Heart

Naturally, managing a flagship property through its pre-opening phase and beyond requires more than just systems—it requires soul. According to Refai, fairness, humor, and heart aren’t soft values; they’re serious leadership tools.

“We lead by listening. We recognize, we reward, and we keep the energy human,” he explains. This human-first culture is reflected in standout moments—from launching the lively Negroni Lounge to curating brunches that balance fun with flavor.

Sustainability by Design, Not Slogan

While many brands talk about sustainability, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah has woven it into its very structure. As Refai notes, “It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about rebuilding from the ground up.”

For example, smart HVAC systems optimize energy without compromising comfort. Additionally, car park exhausts and kitchen ventilation have been re-engineered for efficiency. The property even generates solar power for its spa, leading to significant reductions in both emissions and costs.

“We’ve saved AED 285,000 per month in cooling costs alone,” Refai adds.

Moreover, digital upgrades like paperless check-ins and mobile keys cut down on waste while enhancing the guest experience.

Ten F&B Concepts, One Unified Experience

With 10 distinct F&B venues, from Barfly by Buddha Bar to the family-focused Imagination Brunch, consistency and innovation are top priorities.

Through cross-training, clear strategy, and open communication, Refai ensures each venue has space to thrive. “Innovation lives in the details,” he adds, noting how each Negroni venue found its twist—from tableside service to live jazz pairings.

Hospitality Rooted in Human Connection

Despite the scale, Refai’s mission is simple: create a space where everyone feels seen and heard.

“We’re not just running a hotel. We’re creating moments of belonging—for guests, for our team, and for the community,” he says.

He stays visible on the floor, connects with team members daily, and reinforces inclusivity as both a company value and a personal mission.

What’s Next: Trends That Matter

Looking ahead, Refai is tracking several key shifts:

• –Tech-savvy hospitality that balances digital with personal
• –Purposeful travel, where sustainability and ethics influence bookings
• –Curated culinary experiences that are local, authentic, and engaging
• –Inclusivity as a standard, not an option

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, under his guidance, is ready.

For more on this, make sure to check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator

The first modular drive-thru Starbucks Dubai has officially launched—delivered in just 40 days by AHOYmodz, the modular construction arm of WheelsAHOY. This flagship project marks a bold leap forward in how brands approach speed, sustainability, and retail efficiency in the UAE.

Strategically located on Jumeirah Beach Road, the outlet blends modular innovation with Starbucks’ signature experience, paving the way for a smarter, more scalable future in regional retail development.

Rethinking Retail: The Modular Drive-Thru Advantage

Unlike traditional construction, modular solutions offer flexibility, speed, and reduced disruption. That’s exactly what this modular drive-thru Starbucks Dubai demonstrates.

“This isn’t just about building differently, it’s about building smarter,”
— Nithin Mathew, Co-Founder & Head of Business Development, AHOYmodz

Designed with prefabricated precision, the outlet includes:

• -A fully integrated drive-thru
• –Back-of-house operations
• -Zones for equipment, storage, and waste
• -A compact, sleek footprint perfect for urban or suburban deployment

Its minimal, modern design is not only eye-catching, but also engineered for fast rollout and high efficiency.

Why Modular Drive-Thru Starbucks Dubai Sets a New Benchmark

So, why does this project matter? Because it shows that modular retail is no longer an experiment—it’s an evolution.

✅ Recyclable materials reduce site waste
✅ Off-site assembly cuts noise and disruption
✅ Thermal insulation ensures better energy performance in the UAE’s harsh climate

Additionally, these choices support broader sustainability goals, making it easier for brands to scale their operations responsibly.

“We’re helping brands expand in a way that’s faster, cleaner, and more climate-conscious. This model is built to last—and to lead.”

A Model for the Middle East

This modular drive-thru Starbucks Dubai isn’t just a coffee shop. Rather, it serves as a proof of concept for how modular innovation can meet the region’s growing demand for convenience, speed, and eco-consciousness.

As land becomes scarcer and cities become more densely populated, plug-and-play modular units offer a flexible solution for brand growth. More such builds are already in the pipeline. AHOYmodz is helping shape a future where smart construction meets consumer expectations head-on.

With more projects likely on the horizon, the question isn’t if we’ll see more modular drive-thrus…
How soon?

For more on this topic, check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator

FIX Dessert’s latest creation, Time to Mango, pushes tropical indulgence to the next level. This white chocolate bar features a creamy mango-passion fruit core studded with popping candy, delivering a playful twist on the brand’s signature crunchy bars..

A Tropical Chocolate Experience

When co-founders Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani design a new bar, they map out a full sensory journey. First comes the satisfying snap of perfectly tempered white chocolate. Next, you uncover the vibrant fruit filling. Finally, bursts of popping candy add an unexpected, joyful finale.

Crafting the Perfect Bite

Moreover, FIX uses only five clean ingredients. First, the creamy cocoa butter sets the stage. Then, real mango puree and passion fruit concentrate deliver authentic fruit notes. Finally, popping candy adds an element of surprise, without any artificial flavors.

Deliveroo Activation and Launch Event

Time to Mango debuted at Mall of the Emirates from June 13–15 in partnership with Deliveroo. Thousands flocked to the carnival-style pop-up, where games, giveaways, and a grand Maldives prize draw created unforgettable moments.

Exclusive Access and Limited Drops

After the pop-up, Time to Mango went live exclusively on Deliveroo beginning June 16. Each bar retails at AED 72.25, with limited daily drops at 2 pm and 5 pm in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As a result, fans learn fast: once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Founder Insights

“Every bar is a story,” says Sarah Hamouda. “With Time to Mango, we wanted each moment—from the snap of chocolate to the last pop of candy—to surprise and delight.” Indeed, this bar captures FIX’s playful spirit and commitment to handcrafted quality.

Where can I get my Tropical Fix?

Finally, visit Deliveroo UAE to secure your Time to Mango bar. Meanwhile, for more handcrafted chocolate innovations, check out our FIX Desserts’ Signature Bars here:
/fix-dessert-signature-bars/

For more on this, check out our Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator