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We are in the business of bringing happiness to our customers

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Brooklyn Creamery

Exclusive interview with Romil Ratra, The Brooklyn Creamery

Highlights of your journey in the hospitality industry and how it has shaped your leadership approach?

My journey in the hospitality industry began at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, leading to a diverse career trajectory. Over the past 29 years, I’ve had the privilege of moving through the ranks from a corporate management trainee to managing established ventures. 

Hospitality, as an industry, is fast paced and keeps one on their toes, fostering out-of-the-box thinking and innovation by design and requirement.

My leadership approach is deeply influenced by my early experiences in luxury hospitality, where attention to detail, exceptional service, and a relentless focus on guest satisfaction were paramount. Today, the same translates into going above and beyond for a great customer experience, focusing on delivering the right product and making sure that service channels are exceptional and we are where our consumers are.

The Brooklyn Creamery offers a unique range of ice creams with health-conscious ingredients. How do you ensure these products stand out in a competitive market?

The Brooklyn Creamery stands out in a competitive market by prioritizing health without compromising on taste. We understand that consumers are increasingly looking for better-for-you options that align with their dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.

Our approach combines cutting-edge food science with an unwavering commitment to quality. We use natural ingredients, avoid added sugars, and focus on creating products that are not only delicious but also nutritious. By staying attuned to global health trends and continuously innovating, we ensure that our ice creams not only meet but exceed the expectations of health-conscious consumers.

What inspired your new product line of latest guilt-free protein ice cream bars?

We have been noticing the shift in consumer sentiment towards protein rich diets and snacks.

Protein has taken a center stage in health conversations and across age groups, our TG is focusing on understanding protein needs through different life stages – it is visible everywhere – in gyms, in health centers, in influencer communities, on social media. It is no surprise that the global growth in the protein ice cream market is predicted to grow at 11% per year to 2030.

The Brooklyn Creamery is driven by these mined insights and what our consumers tell us and thus, came in the protein ice cream bars. The format is stickless, as we understand that a big percentage of usage is post/pre-gym and/or as a snack and we wanted to keep it easy to consume. As a company, we focus on all touchpoints and not just the product or the health benefit.

Can you share an example of a recent innovation at The Brooklyn Creamery?

One of our recent innovations that I’m particularly proud of is the 99-calorie fudge sundae.

We launched it in February 2024, and it sold out within 25 days, which speaks volumes about its popularity and the market’s readiness for such innovative products. The UAE market in particular, is very receptive to trying new formats, and this motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries. The success of this product underscores the importance of understanding consumer preferences and delivering products that not only meet but exceed their expectations.

How do you ensure that your products bring happiness to your customers while aligning with their dietary goals?

We are in the business of bringing happiness to our customers. Ice cream is universally perceived as a product that brings joy, whether it’s part of a family gathering, a date night, or a quick treat to uplift your day. With The Brooklyn Creamery, we ensure that this happiness comes without any guilt but added health benefits. Our products are designed to align with dietary goals, being low in calories and free from added sugars, so our customers can indulge without worry. By offering delicious, healthier alternatives, we provide the best of both worlds—happiness and health.

As an avid gastronome, how do your personal culinary interests and experiences influence the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery?

My personal culinary interests and experiences impact the product offerings at The Brooklyn Creamery when it comes to new product development and flavors and to some extent, I’d also like to say global trends as I’m an avid traveler too.

I have a deep appreciation for fine foods and innovative culinary techniques, which inspires me to push the envelope in our product development. Whether it’s experimenting with new flavors, textures, or health-conscious ingredients, my passion for gastronomy drives our commitment to excellence. This personal touch ensures that our products are not only nutritious but also delightfully flavorful, offering a unique culinary experience to our customers. Having an experienced RnD team, food technologists to execute the vision or an idea is a blessing!

Hospitality

MELIÁ DUBAI INTRODUCES GRILL BY ME: A SOPHISTICATED AL-FRESCO DINING EXPERIENCE

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Grill by ME outdoor buffet station at ME by Meliá Dubai with fresh salads, grills, and interactive dining setup at poolside terrace

From the architectural icon that redefined Dubai’s skyline comes a new reason to linger after sunset. ME by Meliá Dubai, the visionary masterpiece and newly honoured with a One Key distinction by the MICHELIN Guide 2025 proudly unveils its latest culinary offering – Grill by ME.

A relaxed yet refined dining affair set beside the hotel’s striking pool terrace, Grill by ME offers guests an elevated open-air buffet where contemporary dining meets effortless style. Bringing together live grill stations, curated beats, and ME by Meliá Dubai’s signature modern energy, the new concept is designed for both intimate evenings and vibrant gatherings – a place to unwind, connect, and savour the city’s unmistakable atmosphere.

The menu celebrates simplicity with style,  from fresh salads and handmade pasta to sizzling grills and decadent desserts, all prepared at interactive stations. Every element is thoughtfully curated to create a dining experience that feels relaxed, refined, and distinctly Dubai.

Priced at AED 180 per person including soft beverages, Grill by ME runs Monday to Sunday, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, at the hotel’s pool terrace. Little foodies aged six to eleven dine at half price.

Recently awarded a One Key distinction by the MICHELIN Guide 2025, ME by Meliá Dubai continues to push boundaries in design, hospitality, and dining. As the only hotel in the world designed inside and out by Zaha Hadid, it remains one of the city’s most iconic destinations – where every detail, from architecture, ambience and service is a work of art.

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Hospitality

SUN SIYAM IRU VELI GENERAL MANAGER MASDHOOQ SAEED HONOURED AS BEST GENERAL MANAGER – HOSPITALITY IN MALDIVES AT WORLD GM AWARDS 2025

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Masdhooq Saeed receiving World GM Awards 2025 trophy on stage at hospitality awards ceremony

Sun Siyam Iru Veli proudly celebrates the achievement of its General Manager, Masdhooq Saeed, who has been awarded Best General Manager – Hospitality in Maldives at the World GM Awards 2025. This recognition is especially significant as he becomes the first Maldivian to receive this prestigious title, marking a milestone moment for both the resort and the nation’s hospitality industry.

Masdhooq’s journey is one of dedication, growth, and vision. Beginning his career in 2001 at the Front Office as a receptionist, he advanced through roles in reservations and villa hosting before moving into management. His steady rise was built on humility and hard work, leading him to join Sun Siyam in 2023 as the General Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Veli. Masdhooq has transformed the resort’s guest experience and strengthened its position as one of the Maldives’ most admired all-inclusive destinations. His forward-thinking leadership has led to remarkable results, from achieving an 8% revenue increase above target in 2024 to driving record-breaking occupancy levels of 90% in early 2025.

Masdhooq’s achievement is a proud moment for all of us,” said Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam. “His journey reflects the very essence of The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, built on passion, perseverance, and purpose. What sets him apart is not only his results, but his heart. He leads with empathy, empowers his team, and reminds us that true hospitality is about people first. We are incredibly proud to have him represent Sun Siyam and the Maldives on the global stage.

A leader defined by empathy and purpose, Masdhooq is deeply committed to nurturing local talent, advancing sustainability, and cultivating a culture of inspired excellence. Through mentoring and leadership development, he has created opportunities for growth and empowerment across departments. He is dedicated to fostering a culture where excellence is inspired, always with the quiet belief that “anything is possible” and that “luxury is a feeling.”

The World GM Awards, also known as the Golden Tree Awards, recognise outstanding General Managers from across the globe for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and service excellence. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process based on performance, guest satisfaction, and community engagement by an expert panel of hospitality professionals.

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Hospitality

THE FUTURE IS SET FOR TOURISM’S NEXT ERA AS THE INAUGURAL TOURISE SUMMIT OPENS

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Speaker in traditional Gulf attire presenting on stage with large blue "TOURISE" text backdrop

With the bold ambition to rewrite the rules of travel, the inaugural TOURISE Summit under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister was officially opened today by H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE.

TOURISE ushers in a new era for global tourism, uniting ministers, delegates, and visionaries from around the world as the premier platform dedicated to shaping the future of global tourism.

Taking place from November 11-13, 2025, immediately following the 50th United Nations Tourism General Assembly, TOURISE is reimagining the way that sectors interact to find opportunities where competitors become partners where investments are optimized and where fragmented silos converge. The event aims to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions and catalyze transformative initiatives that will shape the next 50 years of the global tourism sector.

During his opening speech today, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb noted that there has never been a more urgent or opportune moment for convergence of sectors to shape global tourism, with the tourism sector having rebounded to historic highs, with international arrivals and investment surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, he cautioned that at the same time, the sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities: rapid technological disruption, a generational shift toward sustainable and experience-driven travel, and an imperative to build resilience in the face of economic and environmental uncertainty and growing fragmentation around the globe.


His Excellency recognised that TOURISE has arrived at this inflection point, when the world is hungry for new models, new partnerships, and new solutions.

 “TOURISE is more than an event,  it is a platform for action where we will solve for the challenges all together that have long limited tourism’s full potential among them are challenges in skills, investment, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation. It’s a space where we will work hand in hand to deliver the best outcomes for everyone: returns for investors; more accessible destinations and affordable experiences for travelers; jobs and prosperity for communities as the demand for travel increases. We are not here just to discuss ideas. We are here to act. That is why TOURISE exists.”

Over the course of its three days, TOURISE is set to host a number of key panels and talks featuring global leaders from across sectors. Notable global speakers include:

  • Ariane Gorin, CEO, Expedia 
  • Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, Founder, onepoint5  
  • Gloria Guevara, Interim CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council 
  • Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Incoming Secretary General of UN Tourism 
  • Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus 
  • Francis Suarez, Mayor, Miami 
  • Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports 
  • Lucia Penrod, Co-Founder & Owner, Nikki Beach 
  • Sébastien Bazin, CEO, Accor 
  • Eduardo Santander, CEO, European Travel Commission (ETC) 
  • Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Founder, Nvisible Productions  
  • Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport 
  • Steve Hafner, Co-Founder & CEO, Kayak.com 

The speaker line up showcases how TOURISE unites leaders from sectors rarely seen together, creating counterintuitive, boundary-breaking collaborations. These convergences are not just novel; they are the engine for new business models, improved traveler experiences, sustainable destination development and investment strategies that could only emerge from such a unique, multi-sector platform.

The Summit will cover the big questions redefining travel’s future from AI-powered experiences and frictionless borders to destination design, investment, and the race for tomorrow’s travelers, and transform them into action through high-powered ministerial dialogues, boardroom dialogues, main-stage keynotes and innovation showcases.

The winners of the very first TOURISE Awards will also be announced this evening, recognizing those places that exemplify destination excellence and cater to the evolving expectations of the modern traveler.  

Powered by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, TOURISE is more than a three-day summit, it is an always-on, global platform. Crucially, the conversations sparked in Riyadh will continue year-round platform through collaboration and cross-sector partnerships, turning bold ideas into real-world solutions.

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