Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Hany Ahmed, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton – Business Bay

Quote: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” -Jack Welch.

How do Hilton’s global initiatives and values reflect in the day-to-day operations and culture at DoubleTree Dubai – Business Bay?

At DoubleTree by Hilton, we epitomize the essence of warm hospitality and exceptional service, seamlessly integrating Hilton’s global initiatives and values into our day-to-day operations and culture at DoubleTree Dubai – Business Bay.

From the instant guests arrive, they are welcomed with our signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, a delightful gesture that symbolizes our dedication to providing a heartfelt welcome and creating memorable experiences. This simple yet heartfelt gesture brings a smile to guests’ faces, offering comfort and nostalgia akin to cherished childhood memories of homemade treats.

Hilton’s global initiatives, including Travel with Purpose, the Hilton Honors loyalty program, and our Commitment to Sustainability through Hilton’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) program, are seamlessly integrated into our operations at DoubleTree Dubai – Business Bay. For instance, pioneering initiatives such as installing solar panels and eliminating plastic and bottled water demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality, in line with our pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2025.

In essence, at DoubleTree by Hilton, we endeavor to create an atmosphere of genuine care and connection, where every guest is welcomed with open arms, and every interaction leaves a lasting impression.

In light of the global shifts in travel and hospitality, what adaptations have you found most crucial in maintaining high standards of service?

In response to the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality, DoubleTree by Hilton Business Bay in Dubai has implemented several crucial adaptations to uphold our commitment to exceptional service while prioritizing guest safety and satisfaction.

We’ve invested in upgrading our hotel facilities with the renovation of our gym with state-of-the-art equipment, and to provide diverse and memorable experiences for our guests. With the diverse guests we receive, we have introduced new F&B offerings including a modern Indian resto-bar launched in 2022 and thematic nights like Malaysian Nights, Fresh Catch Night in My Square, and Sunday Brunch, Sip n Paint in Republic.

We’ve also introduced contactless check-in and checkout options, as well as digital key technology, to enhance convenience and efficiency while prioritizing guest well-being. For business travelers, and official meetings, we offer advanced audio/visual setup with our hybrid meeting setups.

In essence, at DoubleTree by Hilton Business Bay, we remain dedicated to providing unparalleled service and memorable experiences for our guests, adapting to global shifts in travel and hospitality while upholding the values that define our brand.

How does DoubleTree blend Dubai’s rich culture with modern hospitality?

At DoubleTree by Hilton Business Bay in Dubai, we ingeniously blend the city’s rich cultural tapestry with modern hospitality, creating an unforgettable experience for our guests. Dubai’s vibrant culture is a fusion of tradition and innovation, a concept we wholeheartedly embrace. As the sole hotel within Bay Square, our exterior architecture seamlessly integrates with the area’s distinctive design, reflecting Dubai’s dynamic essence.

Our design concept draws inspiration from the Oud, a traditional Arabic musical instrument. This motif echoes throughout the hotel, from the lobby to the rooms and meeting spaces, with elements such as colors and architectural details evoking the essence of this cherished instrument. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with authentic Arabic hospitality, symbolized by our traditional offering of dates and Arabic coffee. This gesture serves as a heartfelt welcome, immersing guests in the cultural fabric of Dubai from the moment they step foot in our hotel. The aroma of Arabic perfume further enhances the sensory experience, evoking the ambiance of traditional Arabian homes.

How does DoubleTree make a big hotel feel personal for each guest?

At DoubleTree by Hilton Business Bay, we cater to a diverse array of guests, including business travelers, meeting planners, leisure travelers, and families seeking to explore Dubai’s attractions. Situated at a prime location in the heart of Dubai’s bustling hub, we anticipate and meet the unique needs of each guest, offering seamless experiences such as paperless check-in and engaging interactions to ensure their stay is exactly what they desire. Despite being a medium-sized hotel with 238 rooms, our commitment to personalized service is unwavering. We prioritize making every guest feel personally cared for, valued, and respected through various tailored strategies.

Feedback is crucial to us; we actively seek input during their stay to continually enhance our services. Whether guests seek control over their schedule, assistance with event planning, or simply want to enjoy family moments, we tailor our offerings accordingly. Our dedicated team collaborates closely to curate personalized experiences, including excursions and family-friendly amenities, ensuring every stay is unforgettable.

Above all, we embrace empathy and understanding in hospitality. Our team members are trained to attentively listen to guests’ needs and concerns, responding with genuine care and compassion. By fostering a culture of empathy, we ensure that every guest feels seen, heard, and valued throughout their stay, leaving them with meaningful and memorable experiences that resonate long after they depart.

What’s the one word you hope guests use to describe their stay at DoubleTree, and why?

Best. Why? Because it encapsulates everything we aim to achieve during their stay. From the moment they step through our doors, our team, driven by Hilton values and professionalism, works tirelessly to ensure each guest’s experience surpasses expectations.

Our dedication to providing the best experience means that every interaction is infused with warmth and genuine care, making our guests feel like part of the Hilton family. This sense of belonging extends to every aspect of their stay, from the comfort of their rooms to the delightful culinary offerings at our restaurants.

At DoubleTree Business Bay, we believe that the true measure of a successful stay lies in the memories it leaves behind. We want our guests to depart with a sense of fulfillment, eager to return and share their unforgettable experiences with others. “Best Stay. Best Team. Best Food. Best Service. Best Trip. Best People. Best Experience. Best Hotel. ” This captures the essence of our commitment to excellence, ensuring that every stay with us is truly exceptional.

Integrator Media had an interview with Antonia Stuart, Global Brand Director, All Inclusive Collection & Rixos Hotels

What makes Rixos Hotel’s a must-visit destination for travelers?

Rixos Hotel stands out as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an unmatched experience. As pioneers of the all-inclusive, all-exclusive concept, we strive to create an environment where everything is included, ensuring an abundance of choice without compromising on quality. 

Understanding that every person’s journey is unique, our ‘all-inclusive, all-exclusive’ offering is founded on abundance, self-indulgence and creating tailored experiences that meet the needs of each individual.

We are redefining luxury all-inclusive stays through immersive, awe-inspiring experiences across F&B, live entertainment, sports and wellness, and kids and teens activities, promising unforgettable experiences for every guest.

Can you share more about the immersive journey that guests can anticipate during their stay?

At Rixos, our guests enjoy an immersive journey throughout their stay. Our elevated all-inclusive programming and extensive facilities offer a diverse range of activities spanning F&B, sports and leisure, live entertainment, kids and teen activities, spa and wellness. With something for everyone, we cater to all ages and interests, boasting dynamic entertainment programs, premium beverages, and worldly cuisines.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalised service. With a high manning ratio and seasoned team members, we ensure that every guest receives the attention and assistance they deserve. Our personal holiday assistants are on hand to answer questions, make reservations, and plan itineraries, guaranteeing a seamless and tailored stay for each guest. At Rixos, we’re dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression.

What are some of the standout amenities and state-of-the-art facilities that set Rixos Hotels apart?

Our expansive outdoor oases feature lush gardens, swimming pools, and designated entertainment, sports and relaxation areas, meticulously designed to create moments of seclusion and privacy alongside moments of socialisation and energy. Whether guests seek relaxation or energy, our spaces cater to their needs with options for every preference.

Immersive experiences await our guests, from original performances and international concerts to pool parties and engaging activities. Our dedication to daily and varied entertainment ensures that guests are entertained throughout their stay, with professional musical, dance, and theatrical performances to captivate audiences of all ages.

Additionally, our Exclusive Sports Club collaborates with industry experts to offer a range of sports, leisure, and wellness experiences tailored to individual interests and preferences.

For our younger guests, our Rixy Kids Club and Teens Club provide vibrant spaces for learning, play, socialisation, and development, ensuring that every member of the family enjoys a truly unforgettable stay.

Could you paint a picture of the extraordinary culinary adventures awaiting guests during their Rixos experience?

Our generous buffets and elegant á la carte restaurants offer a diverse array of worldly cuisines, with an unwavering emphasis on freshness and quality. Whether you’re craving international classics or local delicacies, our dining options and seasoned chefs cater to every palate.

Known for our generosity, food is always in abundance at Rixos. Guests can enjoy dining flexibility with fully-stocked mini bars and all-day-dining bars, lounges and restaurants, serving up a variety of hot and cold drinks, patisserie delights or savoury snacks.

How does Rixos seamlessly weave the local culture and rich traditions into every aspect of the guest journey?

Through carefully curated moments, we take our guests on a multisensory journey where they can see, touch, taste, and smell the essence of the local surroundings, with architecture and interior design, cuisines and dining experiences, colours and scents inspired by the destination.

We celebrate the fusion of local culture and global influence to create an unforgettable guest experience that celebrates diversity and heritage in equal measure and resonates with the modern world and a global audience.

What is the secret sauce to crafting indelible moments that leave an everlasting imprint on guests at Rixos Hotels?

The secret sauce to crafting indelible moments at Rixos Hotels lies in our pioneering approach to the all-inclusive, all-exclusive concept. Far from a one-size-fits-all experience, our offerings span a plethora of elevated experiences across F&B, sports, wellness, live entertainment, and kids’ and teens’ activities. Synonymous with abundance, generosity, variety, and choice, the Rixos experience never compromises on quality.

In a market where the term ‘all-inclusive’ often carries negative connotations, we’re redefining it by specialising in bespoke stays for every individual. Whether guests are active indulgers seeking adventure, luxe explorers in pursuit of indulgence, couples yearning for romance, or families looking to unwind, we design spaces and experiences tailored to their preferences.

Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Noel Clarke, Senior VP of International for Impossible Foods

What inspired the founding of Impossible Foods?

Impossible Foods was founded with a singular purpose: to positively impact people and the planet by making delicious, nutritious plant-based meat with a fraction of the environmental footprint of meat from animals. People have said this is a lofty goal, but more than a decade later, we’re proving that progress is achievable. Impossible products are now available across four continents and in our two-and-a-half years of business in the UAE, we’ve expanded into more than 200 restaurants in the region.

The journey of creating the first Impossible Burger and the scientific breakthroughs involved

Before we launched Impossible Beef in 2016, the team spent five years working to understand how meat behaves at the molecular level so that we could replicate this same flavour chemistry with plant ingredients. It was during this process that we identified heme as the key ingredient for what makes animal meat so craveable, allowing us to innovate an animal-free version that’s identical to the heme found in soy. This breakthrough was the building block of what would eventually become Impossible Beef, differentiating our product as the plant-based beef that looks, cooks, tastes like animal beef. 

What’s the significance of the Impossible Chicken Nuggets launch in the UAE?

Many consumers know us for our flagship Impossible Beef product, but our Impossible Chicken Nuggets are one of the most accessible entry points to the Impossible brand and the plant-based space more broadly. Since first launching the product in 2021 in the US, Impossible Chicken Nuggets quickly became one of our most popular products because of their broad consumer appeal, versatility, and incredible taste – decisively outranking a leading animal nugget on flavour, texture and overall appearance in a blind taste test. As a result, they’ve become a key component of our international expansion strategy. Including the UAE, Impossible Chicken Nuggets are available in 7 countries and have proven successful in bringing more consumers around the world into the brand. 

How does Impossible Foods balance taste, texture, and nutritional value in its product development?

Every Impossible product is designed to match the animal on the overall sensory experience –– taste, aroma, texture –– as well as nutritional quality. We don’t consider “good enough” or “close enough” a true success. With Impossible, consumers don’t have to choose between taste or nutrition. This is what sets us apart in the marketplace. A great example of this is our Chicken Nuggets product, which not only beats the animal nearly 3 to 1 on taste, but also outperforms animal chicken on nutrition with 0 milligrams cholesterol and 40% less saturated fat. 

How does Impossible Foods address scepticism towards plant-based meats?

It’s normal to see some scepticism with new innovations. For example, we saw this with plant-based dairy and now as the market has matured, these options are just as commonplace as conventional dairy products. Similarly, plant-based meat is just getting started, so we still have a long runway of growth ahead of us. We know that tasting is believing when it comes to these products – once people try Impossible for the first time, more than 1 in 2 intend to do so again. It’s incumbent on us and the rest of the plant-based category to continue raising the bar when it comes to delivering great-tasting, nutrient-dense products. This will allow us as a collective industry to ensure a positive first impression for consumers and create a positive halo effect across the entire space.

What role do you believe plant-based meat alternatives will play in the global food system in the next decade?

Our mission at Impossible is to champion a global food system that is more reliant on plants than it is on animals. Vegans and vegetarians are already doing their part to live a more sustainable, plant-based lifestyle but the folks we have to win over are flexitarians and meat-eaters. Plant-based meat products like ours offer a seamless replacement for the animal meat products that consumers know and love, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for meat-eaters into the broader plant-based category. We have to make this transition easy for people and not force them into lifestyle changes that they’re unlikely to maintain in the long-term.

As a father to five children who wants the best for their future, the following Chinese proverb deeply resonates with me: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”