Hospitality News
Panda Holds PACE with Suppliers to Tackle Global Inflation
Panda Retail Company held its first annual event for suppliers: “PACE” (Panda Annual Collaborative Event), at The Venue Jeddah Corniche Hotel. PACE focused on empowering people to live a better life, discussing the local and international impacts of inflation, and finding solutions to ensure consumers are protected from the worst inflationary effects.
Inflation and food security
The CEO of Panda Retail Company, Dr. Bander Talaat Hamooh, confirmed the importance of establishing the “PACE” event, which comes as an extension of the support provided by wise leadership to find practical solutions and facilitate better customer experience in the retail sector. Dr. Hamooh was grateful for the submission of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman, for a number of initiatives that contribute to reducing the effects of inflation on consumers in the Kingdom.
He added that Panda played a strong part in the “Ma tegla alik” campaign launched by the Federation of Saudi Chambers in collaborative with the Chambers of Commerce to provide basic food commodities at reduced prices, including over 40 basic items such as chicken, eggs, rice, milk, oils, meat, and others.
Hamooh said “as an extension of government initiatives, Panda Retail Company launched an innovative campaign entitled “Thabatn’aha”, to reduce and fix the prices of more than 300 commodities in all its branches around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, assisting families in an economical consumer experience, in addition to providing solutions that ensure a more efficient shopping experience.”
He added, “The company is working with its strategic suppliers for practical solutions to absorb the effects of global inflation on customers so that they do not feel its repercussions and effects, which confirms its national duty, based on being the leading and most widespread chain of stores in the Kingdom.”
Supporting local industries
Among the main topics discussed at the “PACE” event was the importance of supporting national industries to strengthen the Saudi national economy. Panda Retail Company was keen to support the “Made in Saudi Arabia” program launched by His Highness the Crown Prince in March 2021, which is a national initiative affiliated with the Saudi Export Development Authority, and emanating from the National Industry Development and Logistics program (NIDLP). The program aims to stimulate national industries, encourage consumers to buy local commodities and develop the Kingdom’s exports to global markets.
Panda is one of the Kingdom’s large retail stores that dedicated branches and e-commerce to display national commodities conforming to the “Saudi Made” identity in order to increase the pride and loyalty levels by directing the purchasing power toward them through the “Made in Saudi Arabia” program, and through the marketing and promotional efforts that succeeded in increasing the value and status of national products in local markets.
Panda plays an important role in empowering people to live a better life, in line with the objectives of the “Quality of Life” program, one of the most important programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 which Panda has been proactively supporting since its launch by facilitating points of sales for SMEs to market their products in all its branches in the Kingdom.
Digitization and customer experience
The “PACE” event demonstrated Panda Company’s efforts in implementing a number of projects in the “Reformulating the Concept of Shopping” program, to keep pace with the world’s accelerated digital transformation in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which will reflect positively on sustainable development and create a competitive climate for customers’ best interests.
Panda now has highly innovative efficiency in improving customer experience, whether through the design of its branches spread across the Kingdom or through a digital entertainment shopping industry. This has resulted in massive transformation of rapid and unprecedented technological innovation and has been reflected in customer interaction providing distinctive shopping experiences as well as an improvement in customer purchasing habits.
By organizing the “PACE” event, Panda strengthened its role in redefining the retail customer experience, which contributes to achieving its vision of sustainable leadership in the retail market based on a creative approach to gaining customers’ trust, as well as sharing its positive view on the national economy.
Hospitality
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS AT ARTISAN BAKERS’ THE GARDEN CONCEPT

Artisan Bakers has announced the reopening of its The Garden Concept following a complete refurbishment and expansion, marking an important evolution for the brand’s sixth outlet in Dubai. The refreshed space brings together elevated design, an enhanced menu, and a more seamless guest experience, while staying true to Artisan Bakers’ roots as a warm, neighbourhood bakery and café.
Founded more than 23 years ago and formerly known as Bakemart, Artisan Bakers is a home-grown UAE brand built on European artisanal baking traditions and a deep commitment to craftsmanship. Founded by master baker TK Khaleel, the brand is known for its 18-year-old sourdough culture, preserved in the Puratos Sourdough Library in Belgium, and its focus on handcrafted breads, pastries, and all-day café offerings made using premium ingredients. Today, Artisan Bakers operates six locations across Dubai, combining time-honoured techniques with a modern, community-led café experience.

Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Quoz (Industrial Area 3), the reimagined The Garden Concept has been designed as a relaxed yet elevated space that invites guests to slow down and stay awhile. Open daily from 8 AM – 11 PM, the interiors draw inspiration from classic European café warmth, layered with natural woods, stone textures, and soft lighting. Through its collaboration with The Garden Concept, the space introduces the garden-inspired elements throughout the dining area, including lush greenery, floral accents, and koi fish features, creating a calming indoor-outdoor atmosphere.
The menu at The Garden Concept has been thoughtfully refined to match the upgraded space while remaining rooted in Artisan Bakers’ core offering. Alongside the brand’s full signature bakery range, the refreshed menu introduces upgraded savoury dishes, refreshed breakfast favourites, and a stronger focus on specialty coffee. Weekly specials will rotate exclusively at this location, while a newly introduced Business Lunch (AED 89 for 2 two-course meal and AED 103 for a three-course meal) adds to its all-day appeal.
Signature dishes at The Garden Concept include the Benedict Royale (AED 55), a refined take on the breakfast classic featuring perfectly poached eggs and rich hollandaise, and the Prawn Chilli Herb Cream with Saffron Rice (AED 68), a comforting yet elevated dish that showcases bold flavours and careful technique. Other highlights include Fish & Chips with Tartare Sauce and Artisan’s Morning Delight Toast, while bakery favourites such as the Plain Croissant, Pain au Chocolat, Pistachio Croissant, Mango Mousse Cake, and Kifaya Cake remain at the heart of the experience.
A standout feature of the outlet is the live baking counter, where guests can watch artisan breads and pastries being prepared in real time, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to transparency and craft. The space also features improved display systems for cakes and viennoiserie, a dedicated coffee station, and an enhanced grab-and-go section designed for guests on the move.
With the reopening of The Garden Concept, Artisan Bakers continues to strengthen its presence across Dubai, offering spaces designed for every part of the day, whether stopping in during a morning walk for freshly baked croissants, settling in for a relaxed lunch, or picking up artisanal breads and cakes to take home. Thoughtfully designed and rooted in craftsmanship, the refreshed The Garden Concept brings together elevated café culture and everyday comfort, reaffirming Artisan Bakers as a neighbourhood favourite where guests return time and again.
Hospitality
BLINGWOOD LAUNCHES AS THE MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST MICRO-DRAMA OTT PLATFORM

BlingWood launches as Middle East’s first dedicated micro-drama OTT platform, expanding access to vertical short-form series through multilingual and dubbed content for diverse audiences. The platform features original vertical micro-dramas that combine regional storytelling with global production standards, serving changing viewing habits and demand for short-form premium content, with early BlingWood Originals including titles such as Kadak Coffee, Dooriyan Hi Hai Zaroori, and Forget Me Not.
Designed for today’s digital-first audiences, BlingWood delivers sharp, snappy, and engaging narratives through a proprietary micro-drama format. Each series consists of 30 episodes, with each episode running for two minutes, creating a complete 60-minute mini-series. This structure enables immersive storytelling in digestible chapters, maintaining narrative depth and character development while aligning with modern attention spans.
BlingWood’s content offering is entirely curated and professionally produced. Unlike user-generated platforms, all programming is scripted, written, and produced by industry professionals to ensure consistent editorial and production quality. The platform features professionally produced micro-drama series available in eight or more languages through original, dubbed, and localized versions, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Korean, and others, reinforcing its commitment to language accessibility and cross-market reach. BlingWood focuses on original micro-dramas that resonate culturally while meeting international benchmarks, with the slate spanning romance, character drama, and high-concept fiction, including titles such as Bot Ne Bana Di Jodi and The Perfumer.

Commenting on the launch, Mohammad Faizan, Founder & CEO of BlingWood, said: “With BlingWood, we are introducing a new storytelling format to the Middle East that reflects how audiences consume content today. Micro-dramas allow us to deliver powerful, emotionally engaging stories in a concise format, without compromising on quality or narrative depth. Our vision is to create a platform that champions regional voices while operating at global production standards, positioning the Middle East as a key player in the future of short-form entertainment.”
The launch comes at a time of rapid global growth for the micro-drama category, which has demonstrated strong engagement and monetization potential. Globally, the format has attracted more than 830 million viewers, with approximately 60 percent identified as paying users. Leading platforms in the space have reported significant year-on-year growth, pointing to sustained audience retention and repeat viewing behavior, with BlingWood’s Originals line-up built around this high-retention episodic model.
BlingWood has been strategically designed for rapid global expansion, with an initial focus on key markets including the UAE and India, followed by a broader international rollout. While global in ambition, the platform remains rooted in regional storytelling, offering narratives that reflect local culture while appealing to a worldwide youth audience, supported by a growing slate of BlingWood Original micro-drama series.
With its launch, BlingWood aims to redefine how premium entertainment is created and consumed in the Middle East, establishing micro-drama as a mainstream OTT format and setting a new benchmark for short-form storytelling in the region.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE EID IN STYLE WITH A LUXURIOUS STAYCATION AT KEMPINSKI PALM JUMEIRAH

This Eid, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah invites guests to enjoy a serene seaside escape in the heart of the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Available from March 20–22, the hotel invites families and friends to savour a long weekend of relaxation, connection, and celebration. Available with 40% off and free cancellation up to 3 days before arrival, perfect for an effortless Eid escape.
Whether it’s the first sunrise over the Gulf, laughter shared over breakfast, or quiet moments on a private terrace, each select suite offers a stage for unforgettable memories:
- Ocean Two-Bedroom Suite – 163 m² of refined space with sweeping Arabian Gulf views, a master king bedroom, and a second twin bedroom with en-suite, perfect for family stays.
- Palm Two-Bedroom Suite – 163 m² overlooking the tranquil Palm Jumeirah Lagoon, featuring a generous living area and two beautifully appointed bedrooms.
- Two-Bedroom Suite with Private Pool – 350 m² of ground-level luxury, complete with a private pool and two ensuite bedrooms, offering a peaceful retreat from city life.

Every suite has been designed to blend comfort, elegance, and panoramic views, perfect for capturing those picture-perfect Eid moments, from morning coffees by the window to sunset reflections on the terrace.
Plan Your Eid Escape
The offer is available exclusively for stays from March 20–22, 2026. Whether it’s a family getaway, a friends’ retreat, or a quiet luxury break, Kempinski Palm Jumeirah transforms your Eid into a celebration of style, connection, and memorable moments.
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