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Happy employees translate to happy customers

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Exclusive interview with Yunib Siddiqui, Group CEO and proprietor of Jones the Grocer

Congratulations on the Heathrow opening, how does this milestone impact your business, and what can travelers expect at this new location?

Thank you! The opening of Jones the Grocer at Heathrow is a significant milestone because it is our first store in Europe. It certainly demonstrates that our wonderful brand, in its various formats, can successfully scale alongside entrenched players in the West.  At over 550sqm, this is our largest full-service restaurant at an airport and features an open kitchen with a live grill, a traditional pizza oven and a stylish bar serving fine wines and cocktails. Many dishes, familiar and loved by our customers in the Middle East, are served at London Heathrow. For those on the go there is also a ‘grab and go’ with freshly made pastries, sandwiches, toasties, salads, wraps, and a selection of beverages and exceptional coffee. This dual offering ensures a gourmet experience for every traveler, whether they have time to sit and dine or need something quick and delicious before they fly away.

Can you share some key insights into your global franchising strategy and the challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered along the way?

The first and most important thing is to work with a partner who is a) passionate about food and b) consistently wants to deliver the most memorable experience. These two points underpin our strategy. Concurrently we look at financial capacity, access to locations and a strong team which can operate our franchise system. In my experience everything must work in tandem to deliver mutual success. Our biggest challenge is always the supply chain. We need to make sure every ingredient we specify is available and if not, then test recipes with substitute ingredients to ensure consistency. In terms of opportunities – well, there are so many given we’ve only just begun to venture outside the Middle East!

What innovative concepts and strategies have you implemented at Jones the Grocer that have helped propel the brand to new heights in the culinary world?

We’ve introduced several concepts that set us apart. The first one is this idea that a gourmet grocery can be successfully and meaningfully combined with casual dining. Then we took this one step further by designing our stores where food is theater. Whether it’s a walk-in cheese room, someone slicing meats, a barista pouring a flat white, a chef cooking on an open flame, it’s all open and visible to the customer. Many of our stores are designed to host cooking classes and some even hold live music events. We often use our fabulous retail products as ingredients on our menu, and this is a key objective now and going forward.

We’ve also embraced technology to enhance the customer experience, with initiatives like our online store and loyalty programs. Sustainability is another key focus; we’ve implemented eco-friendly practices across our operations, from sourcing locally produced ingredients to reducing plastic use. These strategies align with our values of quality, community, and sustainability.

From your perspective, what are the latest trends in the gourmet food and beverage sector?

We’re seeing a growing demand for transparency in sourcing and sustainability in the gourmet food and beverage sector. Customers are more conscious about where their food comes from and how it’s produced. There is also a trend towards experiential dining, where the focus is on creating memorable experiences rather than just serving food, which as I mentioned earlier has always been part of the Jones concept.  Additionally, the integration of technology, such as AI and data analytics, is playing a significant role in personalizing customer experiences and optimizing operations. Finally, health and wellness continue to be a major trend, with an increased demand for organic, plant-based, and allergen-free options.

August is the month of happiness, so how does Jones the Grocer create an environment that promotes happiness and satisfaction for its customers and staff?

At Jones the Grocer, we believe happiness comes from a sense of community and belonging. For our customers, we create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere in our stores, where they can enjoy high-quality food and connect with others. We regularly host events and workshops that bring people together and foster a sense of joy and camaraderie. For our staff, we prioritize a positive and supportive work environment. We invest in their professional growth and well-being, providing opportunities for training, development, and team building. Happy employees translate to happy customers, and that’s a key part of our philosophy.

As someone deeply passionate about gourmet food, how do your personal culinary interests and experiences influence the offerings at Jones the Grocer?

My passion for gourmet food is deeply intertwined with the vision for Jones the Grocer. I often travel to explore food, and am constantly exploring new culinary trends and ingredients, which helps to keep our menu innovative and exciting.  I also enjoy cooking, which gives me a deeper understanding of technique and flavour. I like simple food, nothing too fussy. I like the dish and its ingredients to sing on the plate. This passion is also reflected in our commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and supporting artisanal producers.

Hospitality

A Normal Day Rolls Out a Fresh Menu at Dar Al Wasl’s Neighbourhood Bistro

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A Normal Day launches new menu at Dar Al Wasl bistro, featuring globally inspired dishes and neighbourhood dining.

Located in the heart of Dar Al Wasl, Jumeirah, A Normal Day has quickly established itself as one of Dubai’s most talked-about neighbourhood dining spots. Conceived by a team of locally raised creatives, the bistro strikes a balance between sophistication and ease – somewhere you can drop by for a quick coffee and pastry in the morning, linger over lunch with friends, or settle in for dinner that feels both relaxed and refined.

The new menu builds on that philosophy, introducing a line-up of dishes that are inventive yet grounded, drawing inspiration from both global flavours and local tastes, while embracing the spirit of everyday eating and easy eating.

Breakfast has been refreshed with new favourites including Turkish Eggs, with poached eggs, tzatziki, and crunchy citrus oil served with pizza bread; Mushroom Toast, where sourdough is layered with truffle provolone, sautéed mushrooms, chewy onions, and macadamia nuts; and the Sour Cherry Muffin, a
fresh-from-the-oven bake with white chocolate, sesame, and a side of raspberry butter.

For lighter bites and starters, the menu brings bold sharing plates: Foul Madames Dip with fava beans, tahini, cumin, and spices; classic Tzatziki with fresh cucumber and herbs; Charcuterie Chips, pairing house-made crisps with salami, pickle chilli, mayo, paprika, and parmesan; and Roasted Beetroot with Feta and Nuts, combining baked beetroot with smoked feta, caramelised walnuts, and rocket.

New main courses showcase the bistro’s playful, globally inspired approach: Casarecce with Trapanese Pesto and burrata; the Kimcheesburger, with kimchi cabbage, kimchi mayo, cheddar, and fries; crisp Chicken Schnitzel with herb butter and coleslaw; and the Focaccia Sandwich, stacked with beef mortadella, fresh figs, pesto, and stracciatella.

To close, Date Pudding takes its place on the menu permanently – making a comeback from their Test Kitchen Series. It’s a moist date cake with toffee sauce and ice cream, offering the perfect sweet ending. With art-lined walls, warm interiors, and a buzzing energy that flows from morning to late, A Normal Day
continues to redefine what dining out in Dubai feels like: creative, comfortable, and always memorable.

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Hospitality

Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine

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Cancaro's product lineup

As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead.  With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.

What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen.  In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.

DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.

Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:

  • Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
  • Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
  • Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.

“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”

Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.

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Hospitality

DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

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Alessia Zecchini, world champion freediver, in yellow and black wetsuit smiling by the ocean before diving event at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”

Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.

This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.

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