Connect with us

Hospitality News

AMSA Hospitality and Accor Join Forces to Redefine Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Landscape

Published

on

The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Denis Sorin, President of Hospitality, AMSA Hospitality.

How does AMSA Hospitality differentiate itself in the industry and what is its core principle?

AMSA Hospitality is not just an ordinary company; it stands out with its unique approach. We have a unique presence on the global market with the Arabian hospitality proposal. We go much further than anyone else down that road. It’s not only décor elements and Arabized uniforms, it’s a new hospitality concept. We were able to come up with such an out of box forward thinking – imagine: bringing centuries-old Arabian traditions of welcoming and generosity to 21st-century expectations -, so we were able to come up with this unique Arabian hospitality concept thanks to our core principle, which is being the hallmark in the industry. To us, being the hallmark means being different and leading the way. We consider ourselves a citizen company, which encompasses caring for the environment, and people, and setting an example for others. When we hire someone, it’s not just based on their skills and expertise, but also their concern for their colleagues and the environment. A hotel is more than just a physical structure; it’s an ecosystem of people, and we value that aspect. We also extend our care to suppliers and various other stakeholders.

As an example of our commitment, we are in the process of implementing a fair trade system. This means that we strive to ensure that the products we purchase, including items like bed sheets, linens, and tableware, are sourced through fair trade practices. We aim to eliminate any involvement of child labor or any unethical practices from our supply chain. AMSA Hospitality goes beyond providing exceptional hospitality; we strive to make a positive impact in every aspect of our operations, caring for both people and the environment.

What kind of opportunities do you see in KSA for the hospitality industry that led you to start this startup?

Saudi Arabia is becoming a prime destination not just within the Middle East, but also beyond it. The transformation that has taken place in the past couple of decades is remarkable. With the multitude of projects being announced almost daily, one can envision the potential for numerous opportunities. It seems like there could be two hotels here, ten projects there, and perhaps even five more in another location. It’s a market with endless needs, and we can only try our best to meet them all.

As you know, during the 2023 edition of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, we signed a global agreement with Accor to establish 18 hotels in the Kingdom’s secondary cities. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Project 2030, an initiative by the government to develop not only the major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah but also the secondary cities. The aim is to enhance the quality of hotels in these areas. So, we decided to contribute by venturing into these cities, and developing top-notch hotels in collaboration with Accor.

How does the Arabian hospitality industry differ from other parts of the world?

Western countries already have Western hospitality ingrained in their culture, so they don’t need to promote it actively. However, Arabian hospitality has its distinct identity. We proudly claim our Arab heritage and possess our unique way of thinking. When we delve into the concept of Arabian Hospitality, we ponder upon the dominance of Westernized hotel chains in the region. Most renowned chains follow a Western model, but we challenge that norm. We believe in standing apart and saying, “No, we want to be different.”

Consider Asia, where the Shangri-La brand represents an authentic and luxurious Asian experience. We aim to achieve a similar status for the Arab world. We aspire to become the Shangri-La of the Arab region, offering a genuinely Arab lifestyle hospitality experience that showcases our cultural richness and values available to all, that’s why our new brand aims at the midscale market.

What kind of initiatives are you currently working on to showcase Arab culture in modern tourism?

When you visit Saudi Arabia, one of the notable observations is that Saudi nationals are not yet the majority of the employees in hotels, particularly in areas such as restaurants and housekeeping. To address this issue, we have taken the initiative to maximize the Saudization of our hotels. In the ongoing project with Accor, our goal is to have our hotels staffed by 80-90% Saudi nationals. We are not merely pretending; we are genuinely committed to Saudization.

What are your upcoming plans for AMSA Hospitality in the next five years?

We have ambitious plans, although I cannot disclose them at this moment. However, I can assure you that we will be announcing them next year. We work on our plans well in advance before implementing them. Currently, our primary focus is on the development of secondary cities. The project entails the establishment of 18 hotels, which is a substantial number. We also aim to develop more hotels in major cities, where we keep our unique approach in terms of people management, Saudization, and care.

In cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, you either find local hotels with lower quality or international brands dominating the market. We want to differentiate ourselves by offering an authentic experience. When visitors come to these cities and seek something genuine, we want them to choose us. Therefore, our project includes developments in Jeddah, Riyadh, and anywhere else where we see an opportunity in addition to the 18 hotels in collaboration with Accor. Rest assured, there is much more to come beyond these ventures.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine

Published

on

Cancaro's product lineup

As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead.  With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.

What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen.  In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.

DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.

Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:

  • Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
  • Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
  • Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.

“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”

Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

Published

on

Alessia Zecchini, world champion freediver, in yellow and black wetsuit smiling by the ocean before diving event at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”

Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.

This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

THE RETURN OF JAZZ & JUICE NIGHTS AT CUCINA, THE PALM

Published

on

Three-piece jazz trio performing live at Cucina The Palm during Jazz and Juice Nights, featuring upright bass, piano, and drums against decorative wall backdrop.

Jazz, cocktails and Italian flair are back! Cucina, The Palm is bringing back its much-loved Jazz & Juice Nights, starting Friday, 3rd October, where live music, Italian dining, and vibrant energy set the scene for an unforgettable night.

Every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight, Cucina comes alive with a dynamic three-piece jazz trio led by award-nominated arranger and composer Rudo Pieterse on upright bass and vocals, accompanied by Jose Roman Nunez on piano and Janelle Bernado on drums. Their soulful melodies and lively rhythms fill the restaurant with energy, immersing guests in the sounds of classic jazz and the warm ambience of an Italian piazza.  

Guest can enjoy two hours of unlimited beverages for just AED 165, featuring Italian classics such as the timeless Negroni and refreshing Aperol Spritz, alongside the Hugo Spritz and the restaurant’s signature Cucina Spritz – a mix of Martini Fiero, Martini Ambrato, berry shrub, sparkling wine, and chocolate bitters. Wine lovers can also explore Cucina’s unique wines-on-tap selection and savour an impressive selection of reds, whites and rosés.

For those seeking a complete dining experience, Cucina’s a la carte menu celebrates the essence of Italy. Guests can indulge in freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian favourites, all crafted with fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Each dish is designed to complement the live entertainment and drinks, transporting diners to the heart of Italy for a truly immersive experience. 

With the trio’s vibrant performances, Cucina’s lively yet sophisticated ambiance, inventive drinks offering and delicious à la carte options, Cucina’s Jazz & Juice Nights deliver the perfect weekend ritual – ideal for long evenings of dining, sipping and soaking up the atmosphere.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator