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MillerKnoll’s Sustainable Approach to Hospitality Design

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Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Stacy Stewart, MEA Regional Director at MillerKnoll

Could you please provide an overview of MillerKnoll?

MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands powering the world’s most renowned design brands, MillerKnoll includes Herman Miller and Knoll, plus Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Geiger, HAY, Maharam, Muuto and NaughtOne. Each brand offers a distinct perspective on design and a full portfolio of products to suit diverse needs.

Could you elaborate on how the company’s vision and sustainability goals aligns with consumer expectations in the hospitality sector?

The hospitality sector has always been important to us in terms of meeting consumer expectations. Purpose-driven design remains central to our vision. We create environments that focus on positive human impact beyond just products. Our commitment to bettering lives through design is our cornerstone, and we strive to create spaces where people want to be.

Additionally, as MillerKnoll, we have set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing our carbon footprint, sourcing better materials, and eliminating waste from our processes, such as single-use plastic packaging and landfill waste. This exemplifies our holistic view of design’s role in creating a greener future for people and our planet. In the hospitality sector, this is especially relevant, as the wellbeing of both visitors and staff is important.

How important is it to MillerKnoll that the brands in the collective produce longevity products?

For us, it’s important that the brands prioritise sustainability and ethical practices to ensure the longevity in their products. A product that lasts longer significantly reduces landfill waste. For example, Herman Miller tests the durability and longevity of their products before adding them to their assortment. You’ll find bags dropped into the seat of a chair, casters spun for days on end, and machines that wouldn’t feel out of place in a repair shop, because we want them to stand the test of time. Many of our brands also offer industry leading warranty terms, for example, Herman Miller offers 12 years, as we recognise your need for products that can stand up to continuous use.

Can you provide an example of a brands’ approach to sourcing materials?

Knoll ensures responsible sourcing of materials, including marble from European quarries close to the manufacturing plants, which reduces transportation needs and ensures fair wages for producers. The iconic Saarinen Table which is manufactured in Graffignana, Italy, is sourced from quarries in Slovenia and Italy, exemplifying this approach.

Another example is HAY, a brand in the collective that focuses on developing long-lasting products that minimise environmental impact using sustainable materials such as recycled materials, FSC-certified wood, and water-based lacquer. Their growing collection of eco-certified products demonstrates the brand’s dedication to sustainability.

Also, NaughtOne’s Ever Chair and Sofa Collection, use materials that are 100% recyclable, and after your use, whether that is 20, 40 or even 100 years – it can be broken down and recycled by hand with common tools. And you don’t need to worry about this part, the sofa can simply be returned to NaughtOne via the company’s take-back programme. NaughtOne will then handle the rest, making sure each of the sofa’s materials make it to the right place.

How does MillerKnoll balance aesthetic value and functionality in the hospitality sector?

Hospitality comes in many forms, but at its essence, hospitality is a relational, place-based activity that seeks to meet people’s basic needs. A hospitality space, especially the entrance, sets the tone for the type of experience guests will have. It’s important to create areas that are welcoming and easy to navigate, where people feel safe. We design spaces to communicate our commitment to providing an elevated experience for everyone who enters the space, both aesthetically and functionally.

What specific needs does MillerKnoll address within the hospitality sector?

Hospitality goes beyond food and drink to deliver a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. Our three design considerations are Protection, Intellectual Welcome and Communal Hub, centered around the journey for individuals and groups. Top of Form

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Hospitality

MENA Hospitality Market Value Set to Top US$487 Billion by 2032 Amid Unprecedented Tourism Expansion

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The value of MENA’s hospitality market is set to grow from US$310 billion in 2025 to more than US$487 billion by 2032, according to data released ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, 27-29 October.

The travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute US$367 billion to the Middle East economy and support 7.7 million jobs this year, says the World Travel and Tourism Council. International visitor spending is expected to reach nearly US$194 billion, up nearly a quarter from 2019, pre-pandemic levels, with domestic spending forecast to hit US$113 billion.

As of Q2 2025, the Middle East’s hotel construction pipeline reached an all-time high of 650 projects with 161,574 rooms. At the end of June, 337 projects, with almost 86,500 rooms, were under construction, with 147 projects due to start by Q2 2026.  

Saudi Arabia tops the Middle Eastern hotel construction chart, with more than 92,000 rooms across 342 projects. Next is Egypt with 127 projects and a record-high room count of over 28,000, followed by the UAE with 100 projects (25,470 rooms); Oman with 27 projects (4,709 keys) and Qatar with 16 projects (nearly 3,500 rooms).

The unprecedented hospitality, tourism and infrastructure expansion reinforces the region’s position as a global magnet for investment, say experts.

Amr El Nady, Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA and Managing Director, Global Hotel Desk at Jones Lang Lasalle, said:Saudi Arabia is targeting 150 million tourist arrivals annually by 2030, while Egypt aims for 30 million international visitors by 2028. Both nations are seeking to significantly increase tourism’s contribution to their GDP, with KSA targeting 10% and Egypt 15%. This strategic focus is driving substantial hospitality investment, with mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and AlUla in KSA, alongside Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Ras Al Hekma, South Med and Red Sea developments.

“The surge in development creates opportunities for both major international hotel operators and boutique brands to diversify their portfolios by introducing new concepts ranging from ultra-luxury desert resorts to culturally immersive heritage properties. The diversification strategy allows operators to cater to evolving traveller preferences while supporting the countries’ objectives of transforming their economies through sustainable tourism growth and positioning themselves as premier global destinations.”

JLL added that liquidity in the hotel investment landscape remains remarkably robust, underpinned by resilient hotel trading performance and increasing tourist arrivals. Performance data shows year on year growth in terms occupancy and ADR metrics, reflecting the sector’s operational strength and market confidence.

Amr El Nady added: “This strong performance has significantly enhanced appetite from regional and international investors – from high-net-worth individuals to institutional players – all seeking high-yielding, income-generating hotel assets and mixed-use developments, particularly across the UAE market. The region’s investment appeal continues to attract diverse capital sources drawn to its strategic positioning and growth potential.

“Last year, JLL forecasted US$1.2 billion in Dubai hotel transactions, and current market activity indicates we are on track to exceed this milestone, further demonstrating sustained investor confidence.”

In the UAE, Dubai’s hospitality sector – which has around 10,000 new rooms on the way between now and 2027 – continues to deliver an outstanding performance, according to the hospitality division at leading real estate advisory group and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell.

“Occupancy levels rose to 81% in H1 2025, an increase of 2.5% year-on-year,” said Vidhi Shah, Director, Head of Commercial Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell. “Meanwhile ADR across Dubai’s hotels and resorts reached US$159, up 4.7%. With its hospitality sector continuing to lead the way in setting new benchmarks in safety, inclusivity and connectivity, Dubai remains a premium, global destination for leisure and business travellers, in turn opening up a plethora of new investment opportunities.”

Oman is also increasingly becoming a hot spot for hospitality investment, with tourism expected to contribute 5% to GDP by 2030 and 10% by 2040 – and overtake transport and logistics to become the country’s second most important industry after hydrocarbons.

Oman is set to boost hotel room inventory by 25% by 2030, with 9,600 new keys on the way in the next five years, and 2,600 by the end of 2025, recent insight from Cavendish Maxwell shows. In H1 this year, more than 1.1 million guests checked in to 3-5 hotels, where revenues rose more than 18% to US$367 million. The strong performance led to almost 5% growth in hospitality employment, with 10,800 people now working in the industry.  

The Middle East’s continued growth in tourism and hospitality is being further boosted by various government campaigns and initiatives across the region to encourage investment, international visits and business set up.

In KSA, upcoming global events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 are boosting already strong demand for real estate, including project in the hospitality sector.  In addition, from January 2026, foreigners will be able to purchase real estate assets in designated zones – a landmark development set to further deepen investor appetite.

Investment and real estate is a key track at FHS World, with more than 30 presentations, panel debates, workshops and one-to-one conversations covering everything from smart capital to sustainability and investment, cross border strategies to building global partnerships, investing in mixed-use projects and much more.  Visit futurehospitality.com/world/agenda for subjects and speakers across the three-day programme.

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Hospitality

Viva Italia! Future Hospitality Summit World showcases Italy’s new golden age of tourism with exclusive Country Pavilion

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The Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World is unveiling a wealth of investment opportunities in Italy’s hospitality sector, with an exclusive pavilion showcasing the country’s new golden age of tourism.

The Italy Pavilion, on show at FHS World, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, 27-29 October, will highlight the growth, evolution and future goals of the country’s hospitality and tourism sector, which is gearing up for a surge in lifestyle and boutique developments, heritage renovations, wellness retreats and sustainability-focussed offerings over the next 3-5 years.

Investor confidence in Italy has been boosted by a robust rebound of international tourism, with record arrivals over the last two years. Overnight stays reached 458.4 million in 2024, with overseas visitors accounting for more than half of them, making Italy the second most popular tourism destination in Europe, after Spain. Italy is seeing the fastest growth among major European destinations.

Marco G. Malacrida, Italia Hospitality founder, said: “Italy’s incredible – and historic – hospitality sector performance last year has created a virtuous circle, with increased demand fueling more investment, which in turn enables Italy to offer increasingly sophisticated hospitality products. The country is seen as a safe haven for capital and a dynamic, growing market that delivers long-term returns, particularly in projects that focus on sustainability, innovation, and premium, experience-led tourism. At FHS World, we will showcase how strong tourism demand, high-spending visitors and year-round appeal – backed by a government and tourist board commitment to facilitate investment, promote sustainability and enhance infrastructure – make Italy a solid choice for investors looking to create financial returns and a cultural impact.”

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While luxury remains a cornerstone of Italy’s hospitality and tourism sector, lifestyle hotels, resorts and unique offerings in emerging Italian destinations and lesser-known regions are seeing the most dynamic growth. Investors are discovering the potential of places beyond traditional destinations such Rome, Florence and Milan, and shifting their focus to regions from Abruzzo to Sicily, Puglia to Piedmont, and Umbria to the Dolomites. There is also huge potential in turning Italy’s historical villas, monasteries and palaces into hospitality icons, while adventure, sports, arts, music and gastronomy tourism are also expanding rapidly.

With investors and travellers increasingly favouring destinations that respect the environment, support local communities and create long term value, Italy is also spotlighting sustainability as a key pillar of its future tourism strategy.

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of the Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: “Italy is open and ready for investment, and we are delighted to help facilitate that investment with our exclusive Italy Pavilion at FHS World.  Demand, diversification and discovery in Italy’s hospitality and tourism sector are creating exciting opportunities to become part of the country’s future – and to play a role in realising the country’s economic, tourism and sustainability goals.  Viva Italia!”

The FHS World Italy Pavilion is one of four country-focused stands at the event, with the Maldives, Albania and the Philippines also featured.

Visit futurehospitality.com/world/country-pavilions for more details, and Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) | Homepage for all things FHS World.

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Hospitality

NANDO’S UAE JUST GOT SAUCIER WITH NEW WINGS AND BOTTOMLESS TUESDAYS!

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There’s something new on the grill at Nando’s UAE, and it’s set to turn up the flavour. The brand has unveiled its all-new Saucy Wings, available in two bold flavours, Honey & Soy and Spicy Brown Sugar, bringing a fresh twist and a little extra fun to Nando’s flame-grilled classics. Launching alongside is Bottomless Wing Tuesdays, a new midweek ritual that invites guests to add unlimited wings, and unlimited flavour, to their week.

The new Saucy Wings take a familiar favourite and turn it up a notch. Honey & Soy glazes each wing in smooth, savoury sweetness, while Spicy Brown Sugar delivers deeper caramelised heat with a gentle kick. Both are flame-grilled to perfection, coated generously, and made for sharing, comfort food that’s simple, bold, and unmistakably Nando’s.

Every Tuesday from 11 AM to 6 PM, diners can dig into Bottomless Wing Tuesdays and enjoy unlimited wings for one hour at AED 80. Running for a limited time from October 21st to November 18th, it’s perfect for flavourful catch-ups and easy midweek gatherings – turning an ordinary lunch or early dinner into something worth talking about.

We wanted to bring something new, but in a way that still feels unmistakably Nando’s,” says George Kunnapally, Managing Director at Nando’s UAE. “Saucy Wings take something everyone already loves and give it a fresh twist – familiar, but more expressive. And with Bottomless Tuesdays, we’re creating an experience that’s all about sharing good food, good flavour, and a bit of fun.

With its flame-grilled roots and unmistakable PERi-PERi spirit, Nando’s continues to evolve its menu while staying true to what it does best, food that’s honest, flavourful, and made to share.

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