Hospitality
The Co-Kitchens Releases ‘Scaling Your Food Business Operations 2024’ Report

The Co-Kitchens has announced the launch of its latest report, “Scaling Your Food Business Operations 2024,” tailored for F&B professionals at all levels. With the report unveiling hard truths and proven strategies, the report equips readers with actionable guidance to navigate and overcome industry hurdles.
“Drawing from Dubai and London’s vibrant F&B sectors, the report features case studies, market overviews, and strategies covering branding, marketing, product development, and operations. Backed by data and industry expertise, it provides practical insights for F&B ventures. As readers delve into the report, we highlight the pivotal role of co-kitchens in the F&B ecosystem, showcasing how they foster innovation and serve as catalysts for culinary ventures,” comments Shahzad Bhatti, Founder of The Co-Kitchens.
Key Industry Drivers
In 2023, the global economy grappled with mounting inflationary pressures driven by various factors, such as supply chain disruptions, increased energy prices, and wage pressures. In the UK, inflation surged significantly, hitting 11.1% in October 2022, its highest level in 41 years, resulting in a notable increase in the cost of living. London’s restaurant sector faced challenges, with a reported decline in reservations by 12% since 2019, impacting profitability. However, as of December 2023, the UK’s inflation rate stands at 4.0%, showing improvement from its peak.
Meanwhile, in the UAE, inflation remained moderate compared to global trends, reaching 4.9% in January 2023 and decreasing to 2.5% by December 2023. Rising inflation led to a higher cost of living, affecting basic necessities like housing and healthcare. Income variability compounded the issue, with median household disposable income experiencing slight decreases in both the UK and the UAE, resulting in less disposable income for non-essential expenses, including dining out and restaurant meals.
Key Operating Trends
“2023’s challenging economic environment presented unique opportunities for shared kitchen space operators like The Co-Kitchens. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, these spaces became increasingly attractive to individuals seeking to start or expand food-related businesses. The Co-Kitchens experienced a significant increase in business inquiries, with a 65% rise in London and a remarkable 215% increase in Dubai from 2022 to 2023,” comments Bhatti.
Positioned as hubs and testing grounds for aspiring food entrepreneurs, shared kitchen spaces capitalized on the growing demand for smaller batch-cooked food, often made with higher-quality ingredients. The surge in home cooking also led to increased demand for essential cooking ingredients, meal kits, and kitchen equipment from grocery stores. Online food delivery platforms adapted their offerings to include ingredients and cooking instructions, bridging the gap between dining out and home cooking. Collaboration with food producers, retailers, and delivery services further facilitated home cooking ventures, opening new revenue avenues in this evolving market.
2024 Opportunities
In 2024, The Co-Kitchens is poised to embrace transformative trends and seize emerging opportunities in the F&B industry. Advancements in technology offer profound profiling capabilities, enabling F&B brands to better understand their customer demographics.
Moreover, inventory management undergoes a paradigm shift with the integration of AI algorithms. Rather than stockpiling ingredients, businesses leverage AI forecasting systems to analyse historical data and anticipate demand accurately. This strategic approach minimizes excess stock, reduces wastage, and optimizes resource allocation, ultimately cutting costs and environmental impact.
“AI algorithms empower businesses to predict orders and optimize operational strategies proactively. From forecasting manpower requirements to tailoring pricing strategies based on customer behaviours, AI-driven insights enhance operational efficiency and establish a competitive edge in the dynamic F&B landscape. As The Co-Kitchens continues to evolve, our commitment to technological advancements ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation in the industry,” adds Bhatti.
Value Proposition
The Co-Kitchens is purposefully crafted to support growing food businesses, embodying a core philosophy of democratizing entrepreneurship in the food industry. By providing small-scale culinary ventures with access to fully equipped kitchens without prohibitive costs, we enable them to establish their presence in the market. Our kitchens house all essential tools and facilities for food preparation and cooking, complemented by professional cleaning services and dedicated maintenance staff to ensure hygiene and safety standards are maintained.
Currently operating in Dubai and London, two dynamic culinary landscapes, The Co-Kitchens stands at the heart of flourishing culinary scenes where diverse tastes, global influences, and innovative trends converge. In Dubai, with locations in Jebel Ali and Al Sufouh, aspiring food entrepreneurs can tap into a thriving market and benefit from the city’s role as a hub for local and international culinary enthusiasts.
“The Co-Kitchens not only provides essential shared spaces equipped with state-of-the-art facilities but also serves as vibrant hubs for collaboration, community-building, and the realization of culinary dreams. Our strategic presence in the global culinary capitals of Dubai and London underscores our commitment to supporting and shaping the future of the food industry on an international scale,” concludes Bhatti.
Hospitality
Cluster 2 Signs an Agreement to Advance Smart Airport Operations in Saudi Arabia

Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cluster 2 at the Paris Air Show to deliver next generation digital solutions that enhance airport efficiency, security, and collaboration across Saudi Arabia. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus International, Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in Middle East and Africa, and Mr. Saad A. Alajlan, General Manager of Commercial Operations and Business Development at Cluster 2.
The partnership will introduce advanced technologies including Agnet Turnaround by Airbus , a smart platform that enables real-time coordination of airport operations. This will empower Cluster 2 to streamline workflows, enhance on-time performance and elevate the passenger experience across its network of 22 international and domestic airports.
Through this MoU, Airbus and Cluster 2 aim to raise operational standards, improve situational awareness and drive seamless collaboration between ground staff, security teams and control rooms.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to driving digital innovation in aviation. With Agnet Turnaround, we are enabling smarter, safer and more connected airports that align with the Kingdom’s vision for the future of transportation.”, said Antoun Farra, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space in Saudi Arabia.
“Airports are vital gateways to the Kingdom, and digital transformation is at the heart of our strategy. Partnering with Airbus allows us to enhance safety, reduce response times and create a unified operations ecosystem across our airports.”, commented Eng. Badr Al-Dalami, Chief Executive Officer of Cluster 2.
With multiple communication and automation capabilities, Agnet Turnaround is a smart and secure solution which aims at solving daily operational challenges for aviation stakeholders and enhancing On Time Performance (OTP).
Hospitality
How Innovations Group Is Powering the UAE’s Hospitality Workforce

Exclusive Interview with Nikhil Nanda, Director, Innovations Group

What are the current hiring trends in the UAE’s Hospitality sector, and how have they evolved in past few years?
Over the past few years, the UAE’s Hospitality sector has seen a remarkable shift—not so much in the types of roles being hired, but in the volume and flexibility of those roles. With the exponential growth of new hotel developments, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, hiring numbers have surged.
The most significant evolution has been the rise of flexible and seasonal staffing models, particularly for back-of-house roles. Hotels are now opting for part-time or short-term workforce models—often deployed through staffing companies—to meet peak seasonal demands. For instance, during high tourist seasons, roles like housekeeping and cleaning staff are brought in for 2–4 month stints, ensuring optimal operations without long-term cost commitments.
Are there any specific roles or skillsets that are particularly in high demand across the hospitality industry today?
Yes, there’s a clear surge in demand for back-of-house roles, including housekeeping, public attendants, lifeguards, and general cleaning staff.
This demand is closely tied to the unexpected rise in summer tourism. Traditionally, the summer was a relatively quieter season, but with more tourists choosing the UAE year-round, hotels have had to adjust. Many were not prepared for the increased occupancy, which has pushed operational teams to scale up support functions rapidly and efficiently.
Would you be able to share percentage growth of the hiring graph in this segment?
We’ve observed a 70% increase in back-of-house hiring over the past five years. This growth is directly tied to rising hotel openings, the UAE’s push to become a global tourism hub, and the increasing preference for flexible staffing models that allow employers to scale efficiently during high and low seasons.
How are hospitality employers in the UAE adapting their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent?
Hospitality employers are becoming increasingly strategic and global in their talent sourcing. They are now tapping into new geographies such as Eastern Europe (e.g., Moldova, Georgia), East Asia, Kazakhstan, and large parts of Africa, especially for English-speaking back-of-house staff. These regions are emerging as rich talent pools that offer both diversity and reliability.
Retention, on the other hand, is being driven by improvements in workplace culture—including the introduction of flexible shifts, cultural sensitivity programs, team engagement initiatives, and third-party staffing models that enable work-life balance. Hotels understand that talent today prioritizes not just pay, but respect, growth, and a positive work environment.
What solutions does Innovations Group offer to support large-scale or high-volume hospitality staffing needs in the region?
At Innovations Group, we specialize in scalable hospitality staffing solutions that cater to both ongoing and project-based needs. Whether it’s a pre-opening ramp-up or managing peak-season demand, we provide:
- – Volume hiring support for new and expanding hotels
- – Experienced back-of-house talent from an existing, vetted pool
- – Flexible work models (monthly, seasonal, or quarterly contracts)
- – Deployment-ready staff with prior hospitality experience
- – Geographically diverse sourcing through our global recruitment channels
What sets us apart is our ability to move quickly and match hotels with hospitality professionals who understand the pace and standards of UAE’s hospitality sector. This blend of speed, scale, and service makes us a trusted partner to many leading hotel brands in the region.
Hospitality
Phat Buns UK Opens First Global Franchise in Sharjah UAE

Sharjah is about to get a serious upgrade in the burger department. UK cult favourite Phat Buns is heading to the UAE, bringing its signature mix of unapologetically bold flavours, viral-worthy visuals, and stacked burgers that are engineered to impress.
Founded in Leicester in 2019, Phat Buns has become a street food success story, and co-founded by a literal aerospace engineer, there’s precision behind every layer. From the smash patty technique to the way the sauces hit the palate, Phat Buns isn’t just built different, it’s smart. As co-founder Ahtesham Moosa puts it, “With endless combinations, no two visits need to be the same”.
From well-loved menu staples like the PHAT Classic – a 4oz Aberdeen Angus beef smashed patty burger with melted cheddar cheese, or a fried chicken loaded fries, with grilled mushroom and halloumi. To one of the legends – 4oz Aberdeen Angus BBQ flavoured, 12-hour smoked pulled rib meat sandwich, topped with lettuce, tomato and cheddar.

But that’s just the beginning…
PHAT Buns’ Build-a-Burger concept puts you firmly in the driver’s seat. Fancy a double smash patty stacked with crispy halloumi and a drizzle of that iconic PHAT sauce? Sorted. Prefer spicy chicken with jalapeños and a buttery pretzel bun? You got it. From protein and cheese to sauces and toppings, you call the shots – every burger is made exactly how you want it.
While Sharjah’s will offer a different menu, tailored to local tastes, customers can still expect the same vibrant energy that Phat Buns’ fans love. Think neon lights, bold colours, and a design that gives nods to the street food culture. The experience, as well as the burgers, are ones to be photographed for social media!
The Sharjah expansion marks a new era of growth for the brand. From starting as a single location in the UK to a now growing international footprint, Phat Buns is not one to miss. It has proved fast food can be both fun and elevated, and with a rocket scientist in the kitchen, you can trust the launch will go off with a bang.
-
Tech News12 months ago
Denodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
Tech Interviews1 year ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
VAR3 months ago
Microsoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech News1 year ago
Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
VAR10 months ago
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Tech Features1 year ago
The Middle East to Lead with Next-generation Mission Critical Communication Advancement
-
Features1 year ago
Security in the Cloud Age: Combating Risks with Hybrid Cloud Solutions
-
Automotive1 year ago
Al-Futtaim Automotive Builds On 23-Year Legacy of Trust & Leadership in UAE’s Pre-Owned Car Market to Sell Over 25,000 Used Vehicles in 2023