Hospitality

Hospitality in the Middle East: A Look at the Region’s Game Changers

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

By: Mark Lee, General Manager, Media One Hotel

Our strategy over the last few years has really changed and taken onboard the needs and requirements of todays global traveller, whether on a business, leisure or ‘bleisure’ perspective. Whilst there are many aspects that have evolved over this period, I have grouped them into 3 principal focal points that we have focused on at Media One.

Contactless/Tech Savvy hospitality – One of the opportunities that came out of the pandemic was to fast track a more contactless, tech savvy hospitality experience and we jumped on the chance to really take advantage of this. The creation of our own Media One app. which over the ability to sync a number of devices via the guest smart phone; elevator access to the guest room floor, access to the guest room, ability to use smart as tv remote control, digital processing of laundry requirements via QR code. More recently, we have partnered with Ipsotek to use AI software, interfaced with our CCTV cameras to identify VIP guests, manage peak times for high footfall in common areas, identify potential lost/unattended items and also to blacklist any potential guests who have misbehaved from returning again on another occasion.

Sustainable hospitality – Our sustainable journey actually started just before pandemic, but re-commenced in earnest during the summer of 2021. Sine then we have gone single-use plastic free, we produce our own in-house water for guest consumption, we have partnered with Grohe to offer a complimentary still/sparkling water via a dispense unit in our office tower lobby. we partnered with The Waste Lab to re-cycle all of our food waste into compost to re-use in our landscaping areas and we partnered up with Neutral fuels who collect all of our used cooking oil and re-cycle into bio fuel. All of these efforts led to successfully obtaining the Green Key certification in 2023, after successfully passing an exhaustive audit by the local Dubai authorities. Our Sustainable journey continues with our Sustainability committee meeting on a monthly basis to discuss and implement new sustainable initiatives into our daily lives.

Personalised, uncomplicated hospitality – Perhaps the most subjective part of our business, but a crucial one to execute and ‘get right’. One of our values at Media One Hotel is Personalised, and we pride ourselves on personalising and customising bespoke experiences depending on the needs, wants, requirements of the guest – we must see the world through their eyes!

Keeping it simple is key, and really taking on board exactly what the guest wants at a particular time is crucial. Over the last few years we have worked with software called Get My Message, which enables us to facilitate communication with the guest throughout their time with us. Feedback is a gift, and we work with Trustyou to encourage feedback from all guests and then to dissect this feedback into various categories that enable us to work on continuous improvement across departments that have direct and indirect touch points with the guest throughout their stay with us.

I must stress that the above strategies are implemented and executed not only to today’s modern traveller but also to the local community both business and residential. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of immersing Media One Hotel into the local community and to connect with the community across multi-channels.

Hospitality

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

Published

5 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

Published

5 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

Published

5 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
House — AED 450 per person
Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing