Akabeko, Dubai’s first table-top Yakiniku Japanese restaurant is introducing a unique matcha experience, where guests can immerse themselves in a specially crafted afternoon tea spread. Running from February 2^nd to March 31^st between 12 pm to 4 pm, the afternoon tea celebrates the art of Japanese tea with uniquely conceptualized matcha desserts paired with an array of savory Wagyu delicacies and an indulgent tea selection from Mucharaka Tea. The one-of-a-kind experience offers an authentic taste of Japan in a serene setting, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The afternoon tea presents a harmonious blend of savory and sweet creations, thoughtfully curated by the owner from menu to plating to bring an exquisite spread for guests. Staying true to Akabeko’s nose-to-tail philosophy, the savory Wagyu bites are transformed into delectable culinary creations where every section of the meat is efficiently utilized. These include a Bao Bun with Japanese A5 Wagyu slices, greens and garlic chips, a Mini Croissant with Japanese A5 Wagyu slices, shiso leaf and spicy mayo, a Japanese A5 Wagyu Cheese Burger Slider and a Grilled Rice Ball.

For matcha lovers with a sweet tooth, the menu features uniquely crafted Matcha-infused sweets and pastries including a rich Caramel Matcha Pudding with sesame snap, an airy Matcha roll cake with Matcha cream, a Matcha macaron and a Matcha Dorayaki – a traditional Japanese snack with a matcha twist.

To complement the culinary delights, Akabeko has partnered with Mucharaka Tea – an authentic Japanese tea brand that offers tea sourced from Japan to the UAE, to offer a curated selection of hot and cold teas that elevate the dining experience. For those who prefer the warmth, there are plenty of hot tea options to choose from including green tea, Genmaicha, caramel roasted green tea, Japanese Earl Grey tea and Japanese Black tea while those who prefer their tea cold, can enjoy a selection of mango green tea, peach green tea and lemon green tea. The cold brew tea is also now available in a sparkling version, adding a bubbly touch to your tea experience while still enjoying Japanese tea. Additional beverages such as a matcha latte and coffee are also available.

The matcha experience is beautifully presented amidst a captivating Zen garden-inspired décor on the table, featuring a stone garden layout and traditional Japanese masu boxes and wooden trays, artfully displaying the culinary creations. This intricate, yet serene setting transports guests straight to the heart of Japan, bringing an experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Shangri-La Jeddah is pleased to announce the appointment of Brice Lunot as its new General Manager. A cultivated hospitality leader with over three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Brice brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the esteemed property, consistently driving excellence in the industry.

Brice Lunot joined Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in 2019, where he played a key role in the success of various luxury properties. His journey with the group includes serving as General Manager at Shangri-La Le Touessrok in Mauritius and later leading Shangri-La operations in Maldives. Most recently, Brice served as Acting General Manager at Shangri-La’s flagship property on the Red Sea, where he demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and expertise.

As the new General Manager of Shangri-La Jeddah, Brice is set to enhance the guest experience while reinforcing the hotel’s presence in the region. His deep understanding of the Shangri-La brand, coupled with his dedication to excellence will drive innovation, exceptional service, and operational success.

Located along the picturesque Jeddah waterfront, Shangri-La Jeddah is a premier luxury destination that blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication. With Brice Lunot at the helm, the hotel is poised for an exciting new chapter, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier destination for travelers and residents alike.

Amazon UAE recently announced its partnership with the UAE Food Bank to launch the 2025 edition of its ‘Iftar on Wheels’ food donation program. This marks the fifth year of Amazon’s collaboration with the UAE Food Bank to deliver iftar meals and food essentials to thousands of beneficiaries across the country during the Holy month of Ramadan.

Since its launch in 2021, the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program has made a significant impact on vulnerable communities across the UAE, contributing nearly 1.4 million meals and over 230,000 kilograms of essential food items. Building on this success, Amazon will once again leverage its cutting-edge technology, extensive fulfillment operations, and robust delivery network to ensure the safe and timely distribution of meals to thousands of underprivileged families during the Holy month.

Over the past four years, Amazon’s ‘Iftar on Wheels’ has reached more than 37,000 beneficiaries across the country. This effort has been made possible by the dedication of Amazon employees who volunteer thousands of hours each year to support the packaging and distribution of meals, ensuring they reach vulnerable communities reliably each day. ‘Iftar on Wheels’ is one of the company’s largest volunteering programs and it continues to grow. The 2025 edition has expanded to welcome even more employees from all Amazon business units, coming together to support those in need during Ramadan.

Commenting on the partnership, Manal Obaid Bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team of the UAE Food Bank Foundation said, “At the UAE Food Bank, we believe strong partnerships are essential to achieving a hunger-free and sustainable future. Our collaboration with Amazon UAE exemplifies this belief, allowing us to significantly expand our reach and impact. Together, we’ll ensure meals reach those in need, best use of surplus food, raise consumers awareness to reduce food waste and inspire positive change across local and international communities. This partnership is a great example of how collaboration can create a lasting impact and help drive positive change.”

Stefano Martinelli, Vice President, Amazon Middle East and North Africa, said: “As the UAE begins the ‘Year of Community’, we remain steadfast in our commitment to deploy our innovation, technology and people for the good of our communities. The Holy month of Ramadan is a special time of the year as we continue to serve customers during this busy season, while also leveraging our scale and resources to deliver meaningful impact on thousands of families in need. We remain deeply grateful for our long-standing partnership with the UAE Food Bank and the unwavering dedication of our employees who have been the backbone of the ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program.”

Abeer Mohamed, Human Resources Specialist, Amazon UAE, remarked, “Over the past few years, I have made it a priority to volunteer for Amazon’s ‘Iftar on Wheels’ because it brings a strong sense of purpose to both my personal and professional life. Generosity and a shared sense of solidarity are at the heart of Emirati culture, and this program allows me to leverage my professional expertise in service of those in need. I am proud to be part of a company that values giving back and making a positive difference in the community.”

Amazon’s ‘Iftar on Wheels’ program is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to address food insecurity in the communities where it operates. By utilizing its scale, operational expertise and resources the company supports the critical work of its community partners to help create access to more meals for those in need.