Hospitality

Every moment spent is nothing short of extraordinary

Published

1 year ago

July 5, 2024

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.

Hospitality

PIZZAEXPRESS UNVEILS FESTIVE MENUS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Festive PizzaExpress holiday spread featuring sparkling wine, mashed potatoes with turkey, creamy sauce, signature Dough Balls with dip, Christmas-themed decorations, and a pizza topped with cherry tomatoes and basil, alongside pasta dishes on a marble table.

PizzaExpress invites guests to celebrate the festive season with specially curated Christmas and New Year dining experiences, combining seasonal flavours, signature dishes, and a lively social atmosphere. Available throughout December and culminating in a vibrant New Year celebration, the festive menus have been designed to bring people together over food, music, and celebration.

“As the festive season approaches, we wanted to create menus that feel celebratory, comforting, and perfect for sharing,” said Nitin Makhijani, General Manager, PizzaExpress. “Our Christmas and New Year offerings bring together seasonal ingredients, familiar favourites, and a vibrant atmosphere, making PizzaExpress a welcoming place for guests to celebrate with friends and family.”

For Christmas, guests can enjoy a festive set menu, offering a selection of seasonal starters, mains, and desserts inspired by classic holiday flavours. Highlights include creamy Cranberry Brussels Sprouts, Turkey Truffle Dough Balls, festive pizzas such as the Christmas Feast and Brussels & Porcini Truffle, and indulgent desserts including Speculoos Gingerbread Tiramisu and KitKat Stuffed Dough Balls

A selection of festive beverages and cocktails are also available to complement the dining experience.

The celebrations continue into New Year’s Eve, where guests can look forward to an extended festive menu featuring unlimited starters, seasonal pizzas, delicious pastas, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts, paired with a wide selection of beverages

From savoury dishes like Barbecue Burnt Ends pizza and creamy Cajun Chicken pizza to festive desserts and signature cocktails, the New Year menu is designed for relaxed, social dining as guests countdown to midnight.

Blending festive flavours with its signature dining experience, PizzaExpress offers a relaxed yet energetic setting for both Christmas gatherings and New Year celebrations, making it a popular choice for groups looking to enjoy great food and a lively atmosphere during the holiday season.

Hospitality

DINE WITH FRONT-ROW VIEWS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE BEACH JBR

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Night view of JBR Beach in Dubai with colorful fireworks lighting up the sky above Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, illuminated waterfront buildings, and palm trees in the foreground.

As December unfolds and temperatures drop, evenings at The Beach JBR are best spent outdoors. With open-air terraces, beachfront tables and uninterrupted sea views, the destination comes alive after dark, accompanied by live local musicians, nightly drone shows and a midnight fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Against this backdrop, dining takes center stage, with restaurants across The Beach JBR rolling out curated New Year’s Eve menus designed for long, celebratory evenings by the water.

New Year’s Eve Dining Highlights

Bombay Bungalow

Bombay Bungalow hosts New Year’s Eve dining indoors and outdoors, offering vegetarian, non-vegetarian and kids’ menus. Indoor dining is priced from AED 500 for vegetarian and AED 575 for non-vegetarian, while outdoor dining is available from AED 600 for vegetarian and AED 650 for non-vegetarian. Menus feature classic Indian dishes designed for sharing, making it well suited to family and group celebrations.

Eataly at The Beach

Eataly welcomes the New Year with a celebratory dining experience on 31 December from 8 PM to 1 AM. Guests can enjoy a specially curated New Year’s Eve menu, with minimum spend ranging from AED 550 to AED 1,950, depending on seating location, for an unhurried Italian dinner to close out the year.

Claw BBQ

Claw BBQ brings comfort-driven dining to New Year’s Eve with a three-course turkey menu priced at AED 125, featuring a starter, traditional turkey with all the trimmings and dessert. For those continuing the celebrations into the night, New Year’s Eve party packages are available from AED 475.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s presents a curated New Year’s Eve set menu priced at AED 799 for adults and AED 399 for children, featuring appetisers, mains, rice or noodles, dessert and mocktails in a festive setting.

La Mezcaleria

La Mezcaleria marks New Year’s Eve with its Midnight Glitz celebration on 31 December, offering a high-energy dining and party experience. Packages start from AED 800, combining bold Mexican flavours with live entertainment in an open-air setting.

Zou Zou

Zou Zou’s New Year’s Eve special menu showcases Turkish and Lebanese flavors, beginning with cold and hot mezze, followed by mixed grills, lamb shank with saffron rice and indulgent desserts such as baklava. Packages are priced at AED 699 (indoor), AED 999 (indoor with view) and AED 1,199 (outdoor view).

Awani

Awani’s New Year’s Eve set menu features a generous selection of cold and hot mezze, followed by a choice of mains including mixed grill, kebabs, fish sayadiyeh or signature chicken dishes. Indoor dining is priced at AED 900, while outdoor dining is AED 1,100.

Eat Greek Kouzina

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR offers an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetizers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, making it a lively, casual way to count down to midnight.

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR is offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetisers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, paired with front-row views of the fireworks.

Bla Bla

Bla Bla’s New Year’s Eve celebration, “A BLA-st from the Past,” combines dining and entertainment across the Restaurant, Rooftop, Pool Area and Tent. Restaurant dining is priced at AED 900 indoors and AED 1,300 outdoors, with rooftop and pool minimum spends available, alongside VIP options.

Yula Lounge

Yula offers a New Year’s Eve experience with entry tickets priced between AED 950 and AED 1,200, depending on seating location. Food and drinks are available à la carte, with premium areas offering prime positioning for the evening celebrations.

With midnight fireworks overhead, drones lighting up the sky at 8PM and 10PM and festive menus served by the panoramic sea views, The Beach JBR sets the stage for a New Year’s Eve that’s best enjoyed outdoors, around the table and in good company.

Hospitality

BIG SAM TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS CITY WALK UNPLUGGED KEEPS THE FESTIVE ENERGY GOING

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Close-up of a person wearing a black hoodie against a vibrant red and white gradient background with dramatic lighting effects.”

City Walk Unplugged turns up the festive atmosphere this week with a run of live performances across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, led by a standout headline set from Big Sam. Part of Dubai Shopping Festival and now in its fourth season, the open-air music series continues to transform City Walk into a vibrant evening destination, bringing together live sound, roaming entertainment, and a lively open-air atmosphere.

This Week at City Walk

Wednesday, 24 December

Sound Avenue Band – Live Performances

Christmas Eve at City Walk sets the tone with Sound Avenue Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their feel-good sound creates a relaxed yet festive backdrop as visitors gather to dine, stroll, and ease into the holiday evening.

Thursday, 25 December

RedLine Band – Live Performances
Redline Band brings live music to Christmas Day with performances at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm, adding warmth and energy to the destination. Their sets offer an easy-going soundtrack for a laid-back Christmas evening by the fountain and indoor Courtyard.

Friday, 26 December

MK Band – Live Performances
The weekend begins with MK Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their upbeat sound helps carry the festive momentum into Friday night, setting the pace for an evening of music and a lively open-air atmosphere.

Saturday, 27 December

Maya Mashhour and Band – Live Performances
Earlier in the evening, Maya Mashhour and Band set the tone with live performances at 6:20pm and 7:30pm, delivering a smooth and melodic sound that eases the destination into the night ahead of the headline act.

Big Sam – Live Performance
Big Sam headlines the weekend with a standout live performance at 8:30pm, bringing his signature soulful sound and strong stage presence to City Walk Unplugged. Known for his powerful vocals and ability to connect with audiences, his set is expected to be one of the defining moments of the week, drawing visitors together for a high-energy yet intimate evening in the indoor Courtyard and fountain area.

Roaming Performances & Dance Shows

Across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, specially choreographed dance performances will appear throughout City Walk, adding spontaneous bursts of movement and energy across key areas of the destination.

Festive Setting Across City Walk

The destination continues to embrace the season with festive décor, including the signature Christmas Tree at the fountain, decorative installations at key entrances and enhanced seasonal touches throughout the C2 licensed dining district.

Shop, Dine & WIN During DSF

Win the new ARCFOX Alpha S when you spend AED 300 or more at participating City Walk outlets using the TICKIT Rewards App and enjoy an added highlight to your weekend at the destination.