Hospitality

Shifting the focus from brick-and-mortar to service-driven hospitality

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

Anand’s journey from a seasoned hotelier within the corporate world to the founder and CEO of LEVA Hotels is a testament to determination, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in hospitality. With over two decades of experience working for some of the world’s largest hotel chains, Anand gained invaluable insights into the industry’s intricacies and the evolving needs of travelers.

After spending more than two decades immersed in the hospitality industry, Anand began to notice a significant gap between the offerings of traditional hotel chains and the changing desires of modern travelers. Guests were no longer satisfied with cookie-cutter experiences; they craved authenticity, personalized service, and a deeper connection to the destinations they visited. Recognizing this shift in consumer behavior, Anand saw an opportunity to create a new kind of hotel experience—one that would prioritize meaningful interactions, local immersion, and genuine hospitality.

Thus, the idea for LEVA Hotels was born. Anand envisioned a brand that would cater to the needs of discerning travelers who sought more than just a place to stay—they wanted a personalised experience that would leave a lasting impression. LEVA positioned itself within the 3 and 4-star segment, offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and affordability. Unlike traditional hotel chains that focused solely on standardization and consistency, LEVA aimed to create properties that felt distinct, authentic, and welcoming.

But building a brand from scratch in a fiercely competitive market was akin to navigating a maze with blindfolds with securing funding, the lifeblood of any startup venture, proved to be one of the most daunting challenges. Anand found himself knocking on countless doors, pitching his vision to skeptical investors who were hesitant to bet on an unknown entrepreneur in an unfamiliar market.

Despite facing multiple rejections, Anand refused to succumb to despair. His unwavering belief in his vision and his relentless determination propelled him forward, driving him to explore every possible avenue to bring his dream to life. When traditional sources of funding dried up, Anand made the difficult decision to tap into his personal savings, a move that underscored his commitment to the cause.

With an initial investment of AED 10,000 and a strategic partnership with Ahmed Khalaf Ahmed Khalaf Al Otaiba from Siraj Holdings, along with the involvement of Co-Founder, Noni, Anand was able to kickstart operations and lay the groundwork for future growth. This modest funding, while meager in comparison to the monumental task at hand, served as a lifeline for LEVA Hotels in its infancy, providing the necessary resources to overcome initial hurdles and establish a foothold in the competitive hospitality market.

LEVA underwent a comprehensive branding exercise to refine its identity and positioning in the market. Collaborating with a renowned branding firm, Anand and his team worked tirelessly to craft a brand story that would resonate with their target audience. The result was a brand that stood out for its emphasis on art, design, technology, and human capital—a brand that promised a fresh perspective on hospitality and travel.

While starting the brand may have been a success, maintaining its momentum required a team of dedicated individuals committed to excellence. Central to LEVA’s success is its “People First, World Focused” philosophy, spearheaded by Anand himself. Recognizing that exceptional guest experiences are rooted in a motivated and skilled workforce, Anand prioritized employee well-being and career development. Through training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways for advancement, he cultivated a culture of excellence and innovation at LEVA, where every team member felt valued and empowered.

Looking ahead, Anand’s vision for LEVA Hotels is one of continued growth and expansion. In just five years, LEVA has grown to 10 hotels in key cities across the globe, including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, and Ethiopia. Anticipating further growth, Anand has set his sights on entering new markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. By staying true to its core values of authenticity, innovation, and guest-centricity, LEVA is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape and set new standards for excellence in the industry.

Anand’s journey from a corporate hotelier to an entrepreneurial trailblazer is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to putting people first. By daring to dream big and refusing to settle for the status quo, Anand has not only built a successful business but has also created a brand that is redefining the future of hospitality—one unforgettable experience at a time.

Hospitality

A SIZZLING VALENTINE’S ROMANCE AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN

Published

19 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Indulge in a romantic four-course dinner paired with a bottle of Prosecco

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with an intimate dining experience at The Grill, Marriott Al Forsan. Couples are invited to indulge in a sizzling four-course dinner, thoughtfully crafted for the occasion and perfectly paired with a bottle of Prosecco.

Set against a warm and elegant ambiance, it’s the ideal setting for a memorable night together.

Date: Saturday, 14^th February
Time: 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Venue: The Grill, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Hospitality

PROJECT CHAIWALA AND OATLY INTRODUCE THE KARAK CLUB AT DXB AIRPORT

Published

19 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Project Chaiwala (PCW), Dubai’s homegrown chai brand founded in 2017 by Justin Joseph and Ahmed Kazim, has partnered with Swedish oat-based dairy alternative brand Oatly to launch The Karak Club, exclusively at Dubai International Airport (DXB). For a limited time, the world’s busiest international airport will welcome travellers from every corner of the globe to experience the UAE’s beloved karak chai with a plant-based twist.

With the support of travel and retail partner Lagardère Travel Retail, The Karak Club will be live across DXB Terminal 3 and select Terminal 1 outlets from December 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026. The concept reimagines Dubai’s unofficial national drink using Oatly’s non-dairy alternatives in innovative formats such as iced chai, smoothies, shakes, and soft serve. Travellers can also purchase limited-edition merchandise, including postcards, custom playing cards, luggage tags, stickers, and tote bags, celebrating the collaboration.

“This is Project Chaiwala showcasing Dubai’s unique flavour to the world through Oatly’s plant-based magic, turning karak from a fresh milk tradition into a global lifestyle experience,” said Ahmed Kazim, Co-founder of Project Chaiwala.

“Born from our first Karak Club community event at Project Chaiwala’s Cinema Akil flagship in Alserkal Avenue, this DXB edition targets young, global urban travellers seeking authentic flavours of Dubai’s third-culture identity in a modern, accessible way. As a homegrown brand with global aspirations, we’re proud to champion Dubai’s multicultural spirit at DXB, following our representations at SXSW 2025 with Museum of the Future, EXPO 2020, and COP28,” added Justin Joseph, Co-founder of Project Chaiwala.

“We’re honoured to bring the Karak Club to DXB, one of the world’s cultural melting pots, through our collaboration with Project Chaiwala and Lagardère Travel Retail UAE. Together, we’re celebrating the heritage of karak chai, reimagined with Oatly as a delicious alternative to the traditional dairy-based drink. In a moment of taste bonanza and rising non-coffee based beverages, Project Chaiwala’s creativity and Lagardère’s commitment to delivering lifestyle experiences at DXB enable us to bridge cultures through flavour for travellers and the wider airport community”, says Dimitri de Martignac, Regional Director Oatly MEA.

Founded after countless chai breaks between Justin Joseph and Ahmed Kazim during their time as colleagues in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Project Chaiwala was inspired by the founders’ brainstorming sessions and travels to Darjeeling and West Bengal’s tea estates, inspired by their love for getting the perfect cup of chai. Their first pop-up at Etisalat Beach Canteen led to the opening of the flagship Cinema Akil café in Alserkal Avenue in 2018, a cultural hub that captures the brand’s ethos of “Blending Tradition, Brewing Innovation.” The café’s offerings include the signature Clove-Chocolate Karak, vada pav, cheese toast, spicy chana, and Karak Groove Sessions with local DJs.

Evolving from a lifestyle café into an omnichannel brand, Project Chaiwala successfully pivoted during the 2020 pandemic, expanding into packaged retail with handcrafted tea blends now available at Spinneys, ENOC, Careem, Noon, and Amazon. The brand currently employs over 20 team members across café, retail, and B2B operations — including corporate outlets at ENBD and Standard Chartered, and more than 100 HORECA accounts. Through proceeds from its clay kulhar cups, Project Chaiwala supports ethical initiatives promoting education, clean water access, and women’s empowerment.

Activation Locations at DXB:

● Project Chaiwala, Concourse C, S34, Terminal 3

● Project Chaiwala, Daily DXB, Concourse B, Terminal 3

● Project Chaiwala, Concourse A, Terminal 3

● FIX Coffee, Daily DXB, Terminal 1

Hospitality

DUBAI’S HAG AL LEILA CELEBRATIONS DRAW STRONG ENGAGEMENT ACROSS CITYWIDE ACTIVATIONS

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Families and children queue around a colourful HAG AL LEILA activation inside a Dubai shopping mall, where staff distribute sweets and lead festive activities in a decorated central atrium

Dubai’s Hag Al Leila celebrations concluded this week with strong engagement across a wide-ranging programme of community, cultural, and destination-based activations, marking the opening moment of the Season of Wulfa and setting the tone for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Observed across the city, Hag Al Leila in Dubai brought residents and visitors together through shared moments rooted in generosity, participation, and the exchange of sweets. From heritage-led experiences and neighbourhood gatherings to activations in major destinations, the programme reflected how the tradition continues to be lived and shared across generations.

Across the programme, activations recorded strong footfall and sustained participation, with high levels of engagement from families, children, and wider communities. Public response reinforced Hag Al Leila’s role as a shared cultural moment, experienced through familiar rituals that encourage connection, participation, and a gentle transition into the reflective rhythm of Ramadan.

Key activations across Dubai helped translate the tradition into diverse contemporary settings while remaining grounded in cultural authenticity. Dubai Hills Mall hosted one of the season’s most visible celebrations, adapting the traditional door-to-door custom into a guided, child-led experience within a major retail destination. Cultural institutions led by Dubai Culture delivered neighbourhood-rooted programming, including heritage trails, workshops, and creative activities designed to introduce younger audiences to the meaning and rituals of the occasion.

Dubai Municipality activated public spaces and community venues across the city, embedding Hag Al Leila within everyday neighbourhood life and ensuring broad public access to the celebration. At the Museum of the Future, the tradition was reimagined through an interactive cultural programme combining storytelling and hands-on activities, while the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s student design initiative, delivered in collaboration with Patchi, engaged young people directly in cultural storytelling through contemporary creative expression. More than 45 activations unfolded across retail destinations, cultural venues, and community hubs, delivered in collaboration with a range of public and private partners as part of the wider Season of Wulfa programme.

Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed the Authority’s commitment to raising awareness of Hag Al Leila’s cultural significance, saying: “Hag Al Leila represents an authentic Emirati tradition that reflects the essence of our heritage and embodies generosity, kindness, and tolerance. It is also a powerful expression of our pride in our national identity. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen community engagement, introduce the youth to our customs, and deepen their sense of belonging.”

Al Gurg added: “Each year, we celebrate this occasion through programmes hosted across our cultural sites to highlight the meaning, symbolism, and beauty of Hag Al Leila. We seek to preserve the custom in the Emirati collective memory, underscore its value, and showcase how it fosters harmony within the community. These efforts also help future generations connect with their roots and cultivate national pride.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Hag Al Leila continues to resonate because it is experienced in familiar, shared spaces across the city. This year’s programme demonstrated how simple, community-centred moments can create meaningful connections, particularly for younger generations. The strong engagement we saw across activations reflects the city’s appreciation for traditions that bring people together and naturally set the tone for the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

With Hag Al Leila setting the tone across the city, the Season of Wulfa now moves into its next phase, as Dubai prepares to observe Ramadan through a programme of cultural, community, and citywide experiences shaped by reflection, connection, and shared responsibility.