Hospitality News
Tigrus Holding Pioneers Sustainable and Eco-friendly Restaurant Operations, Inspiring Others to Follow Suit
An exclusive interview with Henrik Winther, President and Owner of Tigrus Holding.
Can you tell us more about the philosophy behind the sustainable and eco-friendly approach of Tigrus Holding?
Tigrus holding is built on values such as quality in everything we do, positive emotions, development and motivation of employees, efficient use of resources, and care for the environment. The last principle holds a special place in our strategy. It is not a marketing move or a tribute to fashion, but a new reality. It is important to realize the impact of our business on the surrounding world and take steps that will help offset the negative consequences. As part of the holding’s initiatives, we follow the principles of conscious consumption, implement programs for preserving wildlife, and work on offsetting our carbon footprint.
Tigrus Holding operates over 40 restaurants globally, what inspired you to bring the restaurants to Dubai?
The UAE is known for its stable economy, high population incomes, and multiculturalism. Despite the fact that Dubai’s restaurant market is saturated and very advanced in terms of cuisine diversity and concepts, after studying it for a year, our team has concluded that the city lacks quality establishments in the casual dining segment. Our brand concepts, Osteria Mario and Shvili, met all the requirements and did not undergo major changes when introduced to the region. Italian and Georgian cuisine are popular and easily understandable to consumers around the world, so we only slightly adjusted and supplemented our traditional menu with local specialties.
Tigrus Holding is working on an initiative to protect Caracal in the UAE, which are under threat of extinction. Can you share with us more details about this initiative?
In each region where we are present, we strive to support various environmental and social initiatives. Here in the UAE, we are in the process of studying and discussing opportunities to support and protect the caracal. Only after careful examination of the issue, we can discuss necessary measures and specific steps. For example, as part of our initiatives in other regions, we combat poaching and forest fires, help with the renewal and repair of park vehicles and off-road vehicles, organize population monitoring, and engage in environmental education for the population.
Can you speak about the challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the Middle East?
In the process of implementing environmental initiatives, regardless of the region, various types of difficulties often arise. When launching projects in Dubai, we noticed that the number of suppliers offering quality eco-friendly alternatives to our bags, straws, napkins, disposable utensils, packaging, etc. is severely limited. These aspects are very important to us. Another aspect of working with ESG principles is raising public awareness and conveying the message that not only specialized companies but also, we ourselves should take care of the health of the environment. It is important to convey this message not only to employees but also to guests and partners.
How does Tigrus Holding’s sustainable and eco-friendly approach to restaurant operations benefit other businesses?
The consequences of implementing ESG principles can be: increasing brand recognition, including HR branding, and increasing the company’s value; developing employees through work with involvement in a large common cause, their greater engagement and effectiveness; high guest loyalty, which manifests itself in an increase in the frequency of visits and average check. And, of course, many decisions lead to direct savings and cost reduction. For example, abandoning plastic straws, strict control over water and electricity consumption.
Hospitality
Qatar Airways Unveils Onboard Signature Music Created in Partnership with Award-Winning Composer Hans Zimmer
Qatar Airways today unveiled its new onboard signature music, created in partnership with world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer.
Inspired by Qatar and its culture, Qatar Airways’ new onboard music brings a distinctive sound identity to the passenger experience through its collaboration with the iconic composition of Hans Zimmer. The music is also featured on the ‘Burgundy Symphony’ album, a bespoke five-track album that encapsulates the airline’s wider sound identity and signature sound elements.
The collaboration brings together Zimmer’s acclaimed cinematic storytelling and Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering memorable experiences, creating a recognisable sound that reflects the emotions, moments and memories that define travel.
The launch was celebrated at Hans Zimmer’s highly-anticipated concert in Doha on 6 November, where audiences were given an exclusive first look at the story behind the collaboration through a specially created film on the creative process and inspiration behind Burgundy Symphony, alongside a preview of the music. Qatar Airways passengers can experience the new composition onboard from today.
The Burgundy Symphony album captures the rhythm of travel through five original tracks, each reflecting a different stage of the journey:
Dawn opens the collection with a sense of anticipation and possibility experienced when stepping beyond the daily routine and discovering new horizons.
Dusk reflects the tranquillity of flight as daylight fades and travellers are carried above the clouds beneath a sky illuminated by stars.
The Orchard introduces a restorative pause, inspired by moments of calm and reflection amidst the pace of everyday life. The inspiration for the composition is drawn from the sense of escape offered by the ORCHARD – one of Hamad International Airport’s most distinctive passenger experiences.
Homecoming reflects the quiet gift of returning home and the small but lasting ways travel enriches life. The track encapsulates the adventure continues beyond touchdown, with memories of places and skies keeping moments of wonder alive long after the journey ends.
An Ode to Qatar, concludes the album with a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and forward-looking vision. The piece brings together a sense of history, culture, and ambition, reflecting a country where tradition and progress exist in harmony.
Following the unveiling, Burgundy Symphony is now available on the Qatar Airways YouTube channel, inviting audiences around the world to experience Hans Zimmer’s original compositions inspired by the journey of travel and the spirit of Qatar Airways.
Hospitality
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah Wins Sustain Sharjah Award for Second Year Running
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has won the Sustain Sharjah award for Hotel Properties at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2026, organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). This marks the resort’s second consecutive recognition under the initiative.
The accolade acknowledges the property’s progress at Level 2 of the programme’s Explorers journey, structured around four core pillars: Guest, Experience, Local, and Story. Across each pillar, the resort has prioritised measurable, practical measures that engage guests, support the surrounding community, and ensure transparent sustainability reporting.
Central to this achievement are three primary operational initiatives:
- Onsite water bottling plant: Replaces single-use plastics with reusable glass bottles, eliminating approximately 300,672 plastic bottles annually.
- Winnow AI food-waste system: Weighs and monitors kitchen waste in real time, enabling culinary teams to curb excess directly at source.
- Onsite biodigester: Installed in 2026, making the property the first hotel in Sharjah to process organic waste entirely on site.
Commenting on the achievement, Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said: “Securing the Sustain Sharjah award for the second consecutive year is an honour for our entire team. Initiatives such as our water bottling plant, AI-driven waste monitoring, and onsite biodigester reflect our daily operational commitment—one shared with our guests, partners, and the local community. We thank the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority for this recognition and for their steady leadership in advancing sustainable tourism across the emirate.”
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is a signatory to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and continues to align its operations with broader international climate targets.
Hospitality
Qatar Airways Connects Doha to Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, Colombia with First Flight
Qatar Airways has inaugurated its new twice-weekly service connecting Doha with Caracas and Bogotá. The service represents a significant milestone for the airline, as Qatar Airways becomes the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela, and the first airline to operate nonstop services from the Middle East to both Bogotá and Caracas. The new route underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening global connectivity for the region and is operated on Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.
Qatar Airways flights to Caracas (CCS) and Bogotá (BOG)
Qatar Airways’ flight schedule has been designed to provide smooth onward connections through Hamad International Airport to key markets including Australia, China, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. This offers passengers greater flexibility and seamless transfer options across Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations.
Departing every Wednesday and Sunday:
Doha (DOH) to Bogotá (BOG) – Flight QR783: Departure 07:35; Arrival 16:25
Bogotá (BOG) to Caracas (CCS) – Flight QR783: Departure 17:55; Arrival 21:00
Caracas (CCS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR783: Departure 23:30; Arrival 20:35
The addition of Caracas and Bogotá marks the 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas served by Qatar Airways. The airline began serving South America in 2010 with its inaugural flight to Brazil’s São Paulo.
The airline has recently expanded its partnership with LATAM to include LATAM Airlines Colombia, offering travellers greater access to the region. Qatar Airways will place its code on LATAM-operated flights between Bogotá and key domestic destinations including Cartagena, Armenia, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cúcuta, Ibagué, Leticia, Medellín, Montería, Neiva, Pereira, Pasto, Riohacha, San Andrés Island, Santa Marta, and Yopal.
Qatar Airways continues to strengthen global connectivity, serving more than 170 destinations this winter. Bookings can be made at qatarairways.com or through the airline’s mobile app.
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