Hospitality
Happy employees translate to happy customers
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
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE: HEALTHY SIPS FOR DADS WHO PUT WELLNESS FIRST
This Father’s Day, skip the usual gifts and treat health-conscious dads to something that supports their wellbeing from the inside out. UAE homegrown brand Saba Plant-Based offers a range of organic, probiotic-rich drinks crafted using fermentation, live cultures and carefully selected ingredients to support digestive wellness while delivering great taste. Convenient, refreshing and easy to incorporate into daily routines, these functional beverages make thoughtful gifts for fathers looking to prioritise healthy habits.



Water Kefir
Light, fruity and refreshing, Saba Plant-Based’s newly launched Water Kefir is packed with live probiotics that support gut health. This water-based fermented drink is caffeine-free, gentle on digestion and ideal for staying refreshed throughout the warmer months.
Flavours available in Blue Spirulina & Lemon Mint and Dragon Fruit, Strawberry & Lemon.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shots
For dads who appreciate practical wellness solutions, these convenient gut health shots are made with raw apple cider vinegar and designed to support healthy daily habits. Easy to enjoy at home, at work or on the go, they offer a simple addition to any wellness routine.
Flavours available in Cardamom & Ginger and Verbena & Orange Blossom.

Plant-Based Kefir
Made with organic coconut milk and live vegan kefir cultures, this creamy dairy-free alternative is rich in beneficial bacteria that support digestive wellbeing. It can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies and breakfast bowls for a probiotic boost.
Flavour available in Natural, Vanilla and Mango-Pineapple.

Organic Kombucha
As the first brand to locally brew organic-certified kombucha in the UAE, Saba Plant-Based offers a naturally refreshing fermented tea made with live cultures and organic ingredients. Raw, unpasteurised and low in sugar, it provides a flavourful alternative to conventional soft drinks.
Available in Classic, Mango, Raspberry, Peppermint, Hibiscus Basil, Cardamom and Ginger Turmeric.
Whether your father is a fitness enthusiast, wellness advocate or simply looking to make healthier everyday choices, Saba Plant-Based’s range of probiotic drinks offers a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that supports gut health, hydration and overall wellbeing.
The brand’s full gut-healthy product range can be purchased on www.sabaplantbased.ae or at supermarkets across UAE including Kibsons, Spinneys and Waitrose.
Hospitality
ROHINI DUBAI LAUNCHES REFLECTIVE KINTSUGI KAHANI EXPERIENCE FOR CREATIVE AUDIENCES
On 27 June, Rohini will host the Kintsugi Kahani Experience, inspired by the Japanese art of golden repair. Rooted in the philosophy of embracing imperfection, the experience invites guests to explore creativity through a hands-on workshop that celebrates the beauty found in flaws and life’s imperfections.
Throughout the evening, participants will create a meaningful keepsake to take home while engaging with the centuries-old concept of transforming brokenness into something beautiful and unique. Designed as a reflective and creative experience, the workshop offers guests an opportunity to connect with the art form in an intimate and inspiring setting.
Hospitality
GCC Travellers Are Heading Away Earlier for Eid Al Adha, Dragonpass Data Reveals
Dragonpass, the world’s leading provider of digital airport ecosystem platforms, has revealed new travel data showing a notable shift in how travellers across the GCC are planning their Eid journeys, with demand surging before Eid Al Adha rather than during the holiday itself.
According to Dragonpass data, travel activity across the GCC increased by 69% in the week leading up to Eid Al Adha 2026. However, rather than peaking during the holiday period, travel activity declined by 24% during Eid week and a further 18% in the week immediately after, suggesting many travellers chose to depart ahead of the holiday period.
The trend marks a clear contrast to Eid Al Fitr earlier this year, when travel activity across the GCC rose by 6% during the holiday week itself before declining by 20% in the following week. Saudi Arabia recorded the strongest Eid Al Fitr uplift in the region, with travel activity increasing by 25% during the holiday week.
Several GCC markets recorded particularly strong growth in the lead-up to Eid Al Adha. Kuwait saw the largest increase, with travel activity rising by 124.7% week-on-week, followed by Bahrain (+108.5%), the UAE (+79.2%), Qatar (+59.5%) and Saudi Arabia (+58.4%).
Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at Dragonpass, said: “The contrast between Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha is one of the most interesting travel trends we have observed this year. While Eid Al Fitr generated a more traditional holiday-week travel spike, Eid Al Adha saw travellers moving significantly earlier, with demand building before the holiday rather than during it.
“This highlights the dynamic nature of travel behaviour across the GCC and reinforces the importance of understanding how demand shifts around key travel periods. Despite periods of disruption affecting regional travel earlier this year, demand across the GCC has remained resilient, with travellers continuing to prioritise leisure and holiday travel.”
Saudi Arabia remained one of the region’s strongest-performing travel markets throughout both holiday periods. During Eid Al Fitr, the Kingdom recorded the clearest holiday-driven uplift in the GCC, with growth spread across several major airports. Madinah recorded the strongest increase at 58%, followed by Jeddah (29%), Dammam (25%) and Riyadh (22%).
During Eid Al Adha, Madinah again stood out as a key exception to the wider regional trend, recording a 20% increase during Eid week and a further 58% increase post-Eid, reflecting continued religious travel activity around the holiday period.
Looking ahead, Dragonpass expects strong travel demand across the GCC throughout the summer months. The latest Eid travel trends suggest travellers are becoming more deliberate in how they plan journeys around peak holiday periods, while demand for regional and international travel remains resilient. As summer travel gathers pace, these shifting patterns are expected to continue shaping passenger flows across the region.
As aviation connectivity continues to expand across the GCC, understanding how travellers adapt their behaviour around major holidays and peak travel periods will become increasingly important for airports, airlines and the wider travel ecosystem.
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