Hospitality
Precision, Passion, and Fresh Produce – That’s My Recipe
Interview with: Mohamad Albalkhi, Executive Chef, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts
What inspired you to pursue a career in the culinary arts, particularly in the luxury market?
My culinary journey began on the family farm, surrounded by fresh and organic produce. From the age of 13, I was captivated by the joy of cooking, preparing meals with the fresh produce from our farm. Although I initially worked as an accountant, my passion for cooking never died. When my workplace launched a culinary school offering a three-year diploma, I took the opportunity to turn my love for cooking into a career. There’s nothing more fulfilling than creating exquisite dishes and sharing them with others.
How has your experience working with a variety of cuisines—Arabic, Italian, French, and Indian—shaped your approach to creating unique dining experiences?
My journey through Arabic, Italian, French, and Indian cuisines has significantly shaped my approach to crafting unique dining experiences. Each cuisine has brought its own lessons: French cooking taught me the art of precision and elegance, Italian cuisine highlighted the value of simplicity and quality, and Indian flavors introduced me to the complexity of spices. Combining these diverse influences allows me to create dining experiences that blend different traditions, resulting in truly memorable meals for our guests. Of course, my deep connection with Arabic cuisine forms the heart of my culinary approach. Having grown up surrounded by these vibrant flavors and cooking them from a young age, I bring an authentic touch to every dish, ensuring that our Arabic offerings are both heartfelt and exceptional.
As an Executive Chef at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, what are your key priorities for the dining outlets under your leadership?
As the Executive Chef, my main goal is to ensure that each dining experience at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is both distinct and unforgettable. I am dedicated to upholding the highest culinary standards across all our venues, ensuring each restaurant offers its own unique identity and flavor profile.
Our approach to dining revolves around crafting seasonal menus that highlight the finest ingredients and showcase a variety of cooking styles. We blend traditional techniques with modern innovation to create dishes that are as visually appealing as they are flavorful. From artfully prepared contemporary classics to inventive twists on global cuisines, every dish is designed to offer a memorable culinary experience.
We emphasize a thoughtful approach to cooking, with each menu reflecting a deep understanding of flavor combinations and presentation. Whether it is through the use of refined techniques or the introduction of bold, new flavors, our goal is to provide a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. By focusing on these elements, we ensure that every meal at our hotel is a distinctive and exceptional part of our guests’ stay, creating a culinary journey that is both enjoyable and memorable.
Can you share an example of a new trend or dining style you’re excited to introduce at Mövenpick?
One trend I am excited to introduce at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is the focus on sustainable, farm-to-table dining. We are embracing locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that reduce our environmental footprint. For instance, we have developed a menu that features organic produce and locally sourced seafood, paired with innovative cooking techniques that highlight the natural flavors of these ingredients. This approach not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability but also delivers a fresh and authentic dining experience that our guests will truly appreciate.
How do you approach mentoring and developing your culinary team to ensure both their growth, and the success of the hotel’s dining experiences?
I mentor my culinary team by creating a dynamic and nurturing environment where personal growth and culinary excellence go hand in hand. I emphasize hands-on learning and encourage experimentation with new techniques and ideas. Regular feedback and personalized training help each team member enhance their skills while staying motivated. By setting clear, achievable goals and offering opportunities for career advancement, I aim to cultivate a passionate and skilled team that consistently elevates our dining experiences and contributes to the hotel’s success.
How do you foster a collaborative environment among your team?
Fostering collaboration is all about promoting open communication and a sense of shared purpose. I organize regular team meetings to discuss ideas and address challenges, making sure everyone’s voice is heard. Encouraging a culture of mutual respect and support helps build trust and camaraderie. I also implement cross-training, so team members can learn from each other and appreciate different roles within the kitchen. This collaborative spirit not only boosts creativity and efficiency but also strengthens our collective drive to deliver outstanding dining experiences.
Hospitality
TUTTOFOOD 2026 IS SET TO WELCOME OVER 100,000 VISITORS TO MILAN’S VIBRANT STAGE, MARKING NEW MILESTONES IN INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
TUTTOFOOD, Southern Europe’s leading food business platform, taking place from 11 to 14 May 2026 in Milan, is set to deliver strong international growth in its 2026 edition. With 80% of exhibitors already confirmed, including a record-breaking 30% international presence, participation is expected to rise by 15–20% compared to the previous editions.
In 2025, the Exhibition established itself as a must-attend event on the European trade show calendar, attracting a significant presence of international TPOs and professional visitors from around the world. Top countries included United Arab Emirates, Spain, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, China, the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, and South Korea. The show welcomed 95,000 professional visitors from over 100 countries, with 3,000 international top buyers and 4,200 exhibiting companies from around 70 countries – nearly double the numbers from previous editions.
These outstanding data confirm the Exhibition’s role as a strategic hub connecting producers, distributors, and global markets.
The international outlook is reinforced by the partnership between Fiere di Parma, the host of the Exhibition, and Koelnmesse’s international network. This collaboration positions TUTTOFOOD within a broader trade ecosystem alternating with Anuga, and further enhances its internationalization and standing as a key global marketplace.
Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma said: “The strong results already achieved by the second edition of TUTTOFOOD reflect the energy and international appeal of Milan, a city that embodies innovation and connection. They show the power of strategic, system-wide collaborations. Alongside our key partnership with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, whose programs attract top global agrifood buyers, one of the Exhibition’s greatest strengths is the collaboration between Fiere di Parma and Koelnmesse, the organizer of Anuga in Cologne, held in alternate years to TUTTOFOOD.”
Cellie continued: “This alternating schedule will soon become a key reference point for global food business leaders, creating a unique model within the international trade fair landscape — a strategic platform linking Milan and Cologne, two European cities with deep trade fair traditions and a shared spirit of innovation. Together with Cibus, which in Parma during odd-numbered years celebrates Made in Italy and the excellence of Geographical Indication products, they form a truly global food galaxy.”
Six months ahead of the event, early confirmations from 34 countries further highlight the Exhibition’s international appeal and the strong business opportunities available across its pavilions.
In 2026, following the success of the 2025 edition held at Chic Nonna restaurant, TUTTOFOOD will once again host an exclusive networking event during the days of Gulfood. The event will take place in a central and prestigious location, offering a unique opportunity to connect with key players from across the global food industry.
Buyers Program
TUTTOFOOD 2026 will feature an exceptionally rich Buyers Program organized in cooperation with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, bringing together more than 3,000 top national and international professionals, carefully selected to ensure high-value business matching opportunities. The program will involve leading Italian retail chains, supermarkets, cash & carry operators, discount stores, organized distribution groups, and commercial catering professionals, representing all the key players across the food distribution chain.
Internationally, qualified buyers will arrive from across Europe, Middle East, North and South America, the ASEAN area, China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, with further top-level participation expected from Oceania, South Africa, and Central Asia.
A special emphasis in 2026 will be placed on the foodservice sector, engaging key decision-makers from restaurant chains and hotels. The enhanced focus on the on-board catering area will further expand opportunities for networking and cross-sector dialogue, confirming TUTTOFOOD as a leading global platform for the food industry.
A New, More Accessible Exhibition Layout
TUTTOFOOD 2026 will feature a more compact and visitor-friendly layout, designed to enhance navigation and product discovery. Italian and international exhibitors will be showcased side by side across 90.000 sqm of net exhibition space – 15% more than in 2025 – spread across 10 pavilions. This designfosters cross-market engagement and makes it easier for buyers to explore the full spectrum of the food offering.
Two multi-level pavilions will host the packaged food hub, with product distribution carefully organized to create an immersive visitor experience.
The packaged food hub will extend across multiple interconnected pavilions, offering a comprehensive journey through every segment of the food industry. From dairy and deli products to frozen foods, seafood, and proteins, the exhibition will present a wide variety of categories, with grocery playing a central role across several pavilions.
The upcoming edition will shine a spotlight on emerging, largely unexplored agri-food business segments, driving global consumer trends closely tracked by TUTTOFOOD.
Key pavilion highlights will include a dedicated Beverage section featuring the fifth edition of Mixology Experience — an area within the pavilion where the concept of Beverage Pairing serves as the common thread linking the project to TUTTOFOOD — along with spaces dedicated to innovation in the fresh and processed fruit and vegetable sector.
The revamped Tutto Fruit & Veg area will bring together categories and trends from around the world, including fourth and fifth range products, exotic produce, berries, and processed products, with the participation of highly qualified professional visitors from the fruit & vegetables industry.
Among the key new highlights of the 2026 edition of TUTTOFOOD is the launch of a dedicated special area focused on the organic segment, which is experiencing strong growth across major distribution channel. The special area is called TuttoBio by Natexpo and is conceived as an international organic pavilion gathering certified organic production from Europe and beyond. TuttoBio is designed to bring together supply-chain stories, innovation, and professional networking to the show. The project stems from an international cooperation between Fiere di Parma and SPAS, the organizer of Natexpo, the leading global trade show for organic products based in France.
The experience will be completed by thematic spaces devoted to bakery and snacks, confectionery and coffee, celebrating the diversity and excellence of packaged food from around the world.
This new configuration will streamline visitor orientation and enhance the overall experience of product discovery.
Hospitality
RISING ABOVE THE ORDINARY: SKYDIVE DUBAI CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
For 15 years, Skydive Dubai has transformed Dubai’s skies into a global stage for adventure, innovation and world-class skydiving. Today, millions around the world associate Dubai’s skyline not only with its architectural icons, but also with the unmistakable sight of parachutes floating over the Palm Jumeirah and the desert horizon, a scene that has attracted thrill-seekers from more than 100 countries.
Since its inception, Skydive Dubai has completed upwards of 475,000 tandem skydives, welcomed over 100 celebrities and VIPs, and marked 300 plus sky-high proposals. Today, a team of 95 expert instructors from 35 countries continue to build on that legacy every day, contributing to one of the world’s most iconic skydiving operations.
Beyond tandem skydives, Skydive Dubai is also a hub for professional skydivers and recreational jumpers from around the world. Its Desert Campus serves as a dedicated training centre and launchpad for solo-skydiver progression, including learning how to skydive through the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course. Here, new students train alongside seasoned athletes, touring national teams and visiting professionals, forming a vibrant community built on skill, mentorship and a shared passion for the sport.
This pioneering spirit mirrors Dubai’s own narrative of turning ambition into possibility. Over the years, Skydive Dubai has been at the forefront of major aerial showcases, from international parachuting championships and swoop leagues to record-setting formations and technical jumps involving balloons, wingsuits, helipads and landmark buildings. It has also collaborated with beyond 200 global brands on bespoke projects, brought to life by expert instructors, pilots and operations teams. These defining moments have strengthened Dubai’s standing as a global centre for innovative aerial pursuits and continue to draw international audiences and adventure travellers. This leadership is further demonstrated by Skydive Dubai’s long-standing collaborations with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism on high-visibility projects.
“Marking 15 years is a significant milestone for us, reflecting our journey in helping dreams quite literally take flight. Across the Palm Dropzone, the Desert Campus and our wider ecosystem, we have seen how Skydive Dubai contributes to Dubai’s reputation for distinctive, world-class experiences. The legacy of rising above the ordinary is evident in every skydive and every project, each one raising the bar even higher. Our commitment to safety, disciplined operations and continuous innovation remains central to how we welcome people into the sport and support Dubai’s standing as a leading destination for adventure and aerial pursuits,” said Mohammad Javad, Executive Vice President of Leisure at Shamal Holding.
A fitting expression of that commitment is seen in Skydive Dubai’s most recent collaboration with Dubai Shopping Festival, where a female skydiver suspended 1,000 feet above Dubai completed a BASE jump onto Kite Beach. The world-first stunt, performed from a powered airship over an urban skyline, saw her travel past major landmarks on a minimalist wooden swing built specifically for the challenge. She spent six hours suspended beneath the airship, with routes that included six km over water and the longest stretch covering 14 km from Nad Al Sheba to Kite Beach. The feat adds to Skydive Dubai’s archive of technical, visually striking projects that have become closely associated with the city.
Skydive Dubai’s wider ecosystem includes Inflight Dubai, one of the region’s indoor skydiving facilities where both first-time flyers and seasoned athletes practice and refine body-flight skills. It also includes Gyrocopter by Skydive Dubai, offering guests a unique scenic flights over Dubai’s coastline in two-seater aircraft piloted by certified experts.
Skydive Dubai has set industry benchmarks for safety, expertise and operational excellence, elevating the profile and professionalism of the sport. It contributes to play a distinctive role in Dubai’s adventure landscape, welcoming residents and visitors eager to experience the emirate from a different perspective.
Today, it remains one of the world’s most sought-after skydiving destinations, celebrated by seasoned athletes and first-time jumpers alike, a testament to 15 years of rising above the ordinary.
Hospitality
DIVE INTO DUBAI’S FRESHEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL AT THE WATERFRONT MARKET
This winter, Dubai’s largest food market, the Waterfront Market, invites residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the flavours of the sea at its Seafood Festival, taking place from 10 December 2025 to 7 January 2026.
Known for its exceptional variety and unbeatable freshness, the Market comes alive with a packed month of culinary offers, live entertainment, seasonal décor and exciting giveaways. Highlights include:
- During the Seafood Festival, enjoy exclusive offers from all Waterfront Restaurants, including Paluto Restaurant, BOAT Seafood Restaurant, Yahya Seafood Restaurant and Aylla Seafood Restaurant and Cafe
- Roaming entertainment every weekend, Friday to Sunday, featuring Live roaming music, bubble shows and face painting.
- A vibrant Festive Tree crafted with a seafood theme, bringing a unique seasonal centrepiece to the Market.
- Spend AED 200 or more at the fish market or Waterfront restaurants and receive a complimentary insulated cooler bag perfect for beach days, picnics or weekend getaways and enter the draw to win prizes worth up to AED 5,000 for five winners, each receiving AED 1,000 in Waterfront Market fresh produce.
- Kids can enjoy a fun and educational experience with the Kids Foodie Explorers Passport and Little Rollers trolleys, collecting stamps, discovering new ingredients and receiving a certificate and small prizes along the way.
With over 500 seafood traders offering 260+ varieties from 14 countries, and a live seafood section with 25 varieties sourced from the UAE, Australia, Japan, Korea and Canada, the Market is known for its unmatched freshness, quality and variety. This season’s highlights include Hamour, shrimp, King Fish, Tuna, King Mackerel and Seabream, alongside a wide selection of other fresh catches.
For an even more hands-on experience, the Market-to-Table journey allows customers to select seafood directly from the fish market, have it cleaned onsite, and enjoy it freshly prepared by chefs at the waterfront restaurants – grilled, fried, steamed or crafted into rich curries and soups. From unbeatable seafood and vibrant family fun to scenic waterfront moments, the festival offers a celebration that is fresh, festive and full of flavour.
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