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Web3 and NFTs to Revolutionize F&B Industry

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The Integrator had an interview with Mr. Sharad Agarwal, Chief Metaverse Officer at Cyber Gear, to learn more about the company’s approach to Web3 and the future of the F&B industry in metaverse.

Can you provide a little background of your company, Cyber Gear?

Cyber Gear is a leading technology company that specializes in creating digital twins, providing immersive shopping experiences with avatars, offering phygital workshops, and helping brands transition from Web2 to Web3. Cyber Gear was the first digital agency in the Middle East region, established in 1996. The company has now started to focus on Web3 and Metaverse services, providing these solutions to global clients.

How do you envision Web3 and Metaverse transforming the entire F&B industry?

Web3 represents the next stage in the evolution of the internet. Although it is still in its early stages, many brands have begun to experiment with this medium, and it is only a matter of time before mass adoption takes place. It is an ideal time for hospitality brands to begin building communities because, without a community in Web3, success is difficult to achieve. Additionally, it is essential to note that in Web2, we have consumers, while in Web3, we must create “fansumers,” who are loyal fans of your brand, similar to brand ambassadors. They will promote your brand even when you are not actively promoting yourself. Thus, it is crucial to use your community as brand ambassadors, and the ideal time to start building that is now.

Which are some of the Brands in the F&B Industry that are Pioneers in this space?

Several international franchises are leaders in using the Metaverse and NFTs to increase their brand presence:

Burger King – ‘Keep it Real Meals’

McDonalds – Virtual Landgrab

Wendys – Virtual Hangout Space in Fortnite

Panera Bread – Online Café & Restaurant

Flyfish Club – Gary Vee’s private dining club

Pizza Hut – Food NFTs

Budweiser – NFT Heritage Collection

The Bored Breakfast Club – Direct-to-Consumer coffee subscription service

Starbucks – Odyssey Loyalty Program

When do you think mass adoption will happen for the Metaverse?

When the internet was first introduced around 1995, people connected with dial-up modems. Today, we can stream movies on Netflix with zero buffering. However, it has taken 28 years to get here, and the Metaverse is still new, so we need to be patient and allow it to evolve. According to Citibank, around 5 million people will be spending a couple of hours in the Metaverse by 2030.

What are your plans for 2023?

We are working on digital twin projects that involve creating virtual cities in the metaverse with full functionality. This means that you can get a trade license, rent an office, and hire people in the Metaverse. This is the future, and it is starting to happen now. We are at the forefront of technology and leaders in the space, but we are still learning because there are no experts.

What is your final advice to organisations in the region?

“If you have seen the Metaverse Bandwagon, you have missed it. You have to be on it!”

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Hospitality

ARCADE EATERY & BAR BY ALOFT SETS THE TABLE FOR A WEEK OF VALENTINE’S

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Outdoor dining area at Arcade Eatery & Bar by Aloft featuring blue woven chairs, orange-accent lounge seating, wooden tables, warm table lamps, greenery, and a modern pergola structure with glass walls.

Valentine’s Day might get all the attention, but Arcade by Aloft is making a stronger case for the entire week. From 7th to 14th February, the neighbourhood favourite invites couples to slow things down, pour the wine and turn dinner into something worth lingering over.

This Valentine’s Week Special is for couples who believe romance starts with good food and drinks and is sealed with great company. Think relaxed date nights rather than overdone theatrics, where the conversation flows as easily as the wine. Throughout the week, couples can enjoy 30% off food and beverages with the purchase of a bottle of wine, paired with a complimentary Red Velvet Cake to share, because no celebration of love should end without dessert.

Adding to the experience, live performances will take place on both 7th and 14th February, setting the tone for evenings filled with music, conversation and shared plates.

Guests can settle into Arcade’s indoor seating or head out to the terrace, where global flavours and crafted drinks set the tone for easy evenings and long chats. Whether it’s an early-week dinner or a Valentine’s night finale, the experience is built around comfort, value and time well spent together.

Running for eight days, the Valentine’s Week offer gives couples more than one chance to celebrate, turning a single date into a full week of excuses to dine out.

Valentine’s Week Special at Arcade by Aloft

What: A relaxed and intimate dining experience for couples throughout Valentine’s week. Specially curated for those who value good food, quality drinks and a meaningful time together without the fuss. Adding to the vibe, live performances will take place on the 7th and 14th February, providing a soothing musical backdrop to the evenings.

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Hospitality

BAB EL BAHR SETS THE SCENE FOR ROMANCE WITH A CURATED VALENTINE’S DAY EXPERIENCE

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Hand holding an oyster garnished with red berries and microgreens above a black serving plate featuring salmon tartare on the left, coarse sea salt in the center, and a tempura shrimp on the right, with red rose petals and a bouquet of roses in the background.

This Valentine’s Day, Bab El Bahr invites couples to indulge in a culinary celebration of love with its specially curated set menu, designed to delight the senses and create unforgettable moments.

Guests can enjoy a romantic evening at Bab El Bahr on Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, set against the elegant coastal-inspired ambiance that has made the restaurant a Downtown Dubai favorite.

The Valentine’s Temptation menu opens the evening with a tempting trio of shrimp tempura, salmon tartare, and Dibba Bay oysters, offering a fresh and playful introduction to the night.

Guests will then be treated to a sophisticated Rendez Vous of lobster bisque with asparagus cream alongside a delicate beetroot puff pastry, setting the tone for a truly indulgent experience.

For a touch of exotic sweetness, Frozen Passion offers a refreshing palate cleanse. For the main course, guests can choose between two refined creations. Aphrodite’s Favorite showcases a delicately grilled sea bass fillet served atop sautéed spinach and finished with a fragrant vanilla beurre blanc. Alternatively, the beef tenderloin is paired with a silky smoked potato mousseline and enriched with a luxurious truffle veal jus.

The evening concludes with Cupid’s Delight, a decadent dessert of chocolate mousse, raspberry coulis, and dark chocolate sponge, providing the perfect romantic finale.

To complete the experience, all ladies will be presented with a complimentary red rose, a timeless gesture of romance and appreciation.

Bab El Bahr’s Valentine’s Day menu is crafted not only to showcase fresh, high-quality ingredients but also to celebrate love through a culinary journey designed for sharing and savoring together. The restaurant’s stylish setting along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard offers the perfect backdrop for couples seeking an intimate and memorable night out.

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Hospitality

RAMADAN NIGHTS: IFTAR UNDER THE STARS AT LA PISCINE, AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA

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Outdoor Iftar dining setup at AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA featuring beachfront tables under palm trees with warm string lights during evening.

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa has announced its Ramadan Iftar offering, “Ramadan Nights: Iftar Under the Stars,” available throughout the holy month at La Piscine.

The Iftar is priced at AED 245 per person on weekdays and AED 260 per person on weekends. Children aged 5 to 12 years receive 50% off, while children below 5 years dine complimentary.

Guests can enjoy favourites such as Arabic hot and cold mezzeh, an Ouzy corner, and an Arabic mixed grill and carving station. The experience is hosted at La Piscine’s beachfront and poolside outdoor restaurant lounge, featuring private gazebos and a relaxed, open-air setting.

A range of special offers is available during Ramadan. Guests can enjoy 15% off with the Early Bird offer when bookings are confirmed with a deposit before the start of Ramadan. For group bookings, one guest dines complimentary for every 10 full-paying adults.

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