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

TIMES SQUARE CENTER FOSTERS COMMUNITY TOGETHERNESS THIS EID WITH MR. KIND

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Times Square Center will mark Eid Al Fitr with a three-day family experience from 20–22 March 2026, running 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily, featuring the beloved mascot Mr. Kind.

Under the theme “LOVE EID – A Day of Caring, Sharing & Fun!”, the event invites families to experience a lively programme of interactive shows, creative workshops, and engaging activities designed to entertain children while sharing positive messages around kindness, courage, and friendship.

Young visitors will also receive a complimentary Mr. Kind’s Book of Missions, packed with activities, badge stickers, and access to a library of transformational songs and missions that extend the fun beyond the event.

Event schedule

Mr. Kind Village Workshop (Creativity corner) : 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Show + Meet & Greet: 4:15 – 5:00 PM & 6:00–6:45 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Parade: 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM | Roaming throughout the Mall

With music, performances, and interactive experiences throughout the day, Times Square Center aims to provide a friendly space for families to connect and share meaningful moments together.

At Times Square Center, the safety and wellbeing of our community remain a priority. We encourage everyone to follow any guidance or protocols issued by the relevant authorities.

Hospitality

BKRY PARTNERS WITH BROOKI BAKEHOUSE FOR EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION CROOKIE

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Ramadan, bkry unveils an exclusive collaboration with Australia’s cult-favourite Brooki Bakehouse by introducing the bkry Brooki Crookie. Priced at AED 39 per piece, this special edition pastry will be available daily until the end of Ramadan in limited quantities exclusively at the bkry pop-up in Marsa Boulevard.

Thoughtfully developed as a celebration of shared creativity and experimental baking, the collaboration brings together bkry’s artisanal approach with Brooki Bakehouse’s globally renowned flavours. Designed to be enjoyed as a moment of indulgence after sunset, the Crookie reflects both brands’ craftsmanship, curiosity, and comfort-led baking.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Crookie: a buttery, flaky croissant filled and topped with wholewheat brown-butter cookie dough, and enveloped with Tanzanian milk chocolate. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, gooey centre, the Crookie offers a layered textural experience that combines richness with subtlety.

To mark the official launch, bkry Founder and Head Chef Kameel and Brooki Bakehouse Founder Brooke Bellamy will be present at Marsa Boulevard on Saturday, 28 February at 8:00 PM, celebrating the partnership and their shared passion for innovative baking.

Founded by Brooke Bellamy, Brooki Bakehouse is an Australian-born bakery known for its indulgent, cult-favourite baked goods and playful approach to classic flavours. What began in Brisbane has grown into a globally recognised brand with a loyal international following, driven by Brooke’s distinctive style and community-led storytelling. Celebrated for bold flavours, generous textures, and modern comfort baking, Brooki Bakehouse brings a globally relevant perspective to the collaboration, making it a natural partner for bkry’s experimental, craft-led approach.

Available throughout Ramadan at bkry’s Marsa Boulevard pop-up, the bkry x Brooki collaboration reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to meaningful partnerships and thoughtful experimentation – bringing together global influence and local craftsmanship in moments designed to be shared and savoured, setting the tone for a collaboration everyone has been waiting for.

Hospitality

THE BILTMORE VILLAS DUBAI INTRODUCES EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE VILLA STAYCATIONS THIS EID

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The Biltmore Villas Dubai unveils a limited-time Exclusive Private Villa Staycation, inviting guests to indulge in a rare blend of seclusion, sophistication, and resort-style living within one of Dubai’s most prestigious luxury villa resorts.

Conceived for discerning guests who appreciate privacy and understated luxury, the fully serviced villas offer the spaciousness of a private residence complemented by the attentive service and refined amenities of a world-class resort. Each villa is appointed with a private temperature-controlled swimming pool, an in-villa cinema, and secure underground parking with direct access to the residence, all set within a gated enclave with round-the-clock security.

Guests booking during the promotional period will enjoy a curated collection of premium benefits:

25% off the Best Available Rate
AED 1,000 daily resort credit
Underground secure parking
Complimentary 60-minute daily padel session
Complimentary daily fitness classes
Complimentary daily laundry service

The experience offers an elegant urban retreat where privacy, generous living space, and personalized hospitality come together to create an exceptional staycation in the heart of Dubai.