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
EMAAR AND LOOTAH BIOFUELS INTRODUCE SUSTAINABLE BIO YACHT FUEL AT DUBAI MARINA YACHT CLUB AND CREEK MARINA YACHT CLUB
Emaar Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Lootah Biofuels, announced the rollout of a sustainable yacht fuel offering at Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) and Creek Marina Yacht Club (CMYC); marking one of the first such initiatives within the GCC’s Leisure Marine sector.
This initiative positions both DMYC and CMYC among the region’s early adopters of sustainable bio yacht fuel solutions for recreational vessels, reinforcing Emaar’s practical approach to sustainability and its alignment with the UAE Net Zero 2050 vision.
Under this collaboration, DMYC and CMYC will begin supplying Sustainable Bio Yacht Fuel (SBYF) produced by Lootah Biofuels, made from recycled cooking oil collected from hotels, residences, and Emaar’s integrated developments. The circular process converts waste oil into a marine-grade biofuel, offering yacht owners a more environmentally considerate fueling option directly at their home marinas.
Nicolas Belleton, of Emaar Hospitality Group, commented: “Sustainability is at the heart of how we operate across our Marinas and Hospitality assets. By introducing Sustainable Bio Yacht Fuel, we are giving our members a tangible, responsible choice that aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals, while setting a new standard for eco-innovation in the leisure marine sector.”
The introduction of SBYF will follow a phased, operational rollout to ensure logistical reliability, consistent fuel quality, and long-term sustainability across marina operations. Yacht owners and club members will have access to SBYF at dedicated refueling points within DMYC and CMYC, providing both convenience and a tangible step toward lower-carbon marine leisure activity.
By implementing this initiative across its Marina portfolio, Emaar continues to take a measured, regionally relevant approach to decarbonisation, focusing on actionable, locally sourced solutions rather than broad claims. The collaboration highlights how circular economy principles can be integrated into Emaar’s Hospitality, Leisure, and Marine operations.
Lootah Biofuels, a UAE-based company specialising in biodiesel blends derived from used cooking oil, will oversee the collection, processing, and supply of SBYF to both Marinas. Its solutions have demonstrated meaningful reductions in carbon emission compared with conventional Marine fuel.
Yousif Saeed Lootah, CEO of Lootah Biofuels, commented: “We are proud to partner with Emaar to bring Sustainable Bio Yacht Fuel to Dubai’s Leisure Marine sector. This initiative demonstrates how locally sourced waste materials can be transformed into high-value energy solutions, supporting both environmental and operational progress across the UAE.”
In its initial phase, sustainable fueling operations at DMYC and CMYC will take place on a scheduled basis, with potential expansion based on uptake and demand. The move is expected to contribute incrementally to reducing CO2 emissions from the region’s Leisure Marine activities.
DMYC already holds esteemed environmental recognitions through its Fish Friendly and Clean Marina accreditations, reaffirming its commitment to responsible and sustainable marine practices. Furthering these efforts, DMYC has introduced a sustainable drinking water initiative through “air water” technology, which converts humidity from the atmosphere into potable water. This environmentally conscious solution has been supplying captains and crew at the marina for the past year. The launch of SBYF builds on this strong foundation, further advancing Emaar’s sustainability agenda within the marine leisure sector in a measurable and impactful manner.
This step forms part of Emaar’s ongoing effort to introduce sustainability across its operations and offerings. By partnering with Lootah Biofuels at Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Creek Marina Yacht Club, the company aims to support the UAE’s climate goals while providing yacht owners and members with a practical, responsible fueling alternative.
“Our goal is to make sustainability actionable, not just aspirational. This partnership is a concrete step toward a cleaner, greener marine experience for all our guests.”, Nicolas Belleton concluded.
Hospitality
WHERE PLAY COMES ALIVE: FUN CITY REOPENS WITH A VIBRANT NEW LOOK AND NEXT-LEVEL EXPERIENCES
Fun City, one of the region’s most loved family entertainment destinations, has officially reopened at Andalusia court, Ibn Battuta Mall, unveiling a brighter, bolder and more exciting world designed especially for children and families. The newly upgraded centre bursts with colour and imagination, bringing together all the fun families already love, now elevated with brand-new experiences, refreshed play zones and even more joyful moments waiting to be discovered.
Stepping into the new Fun City feels like entering a world where play comes alive. A fresh, contemporary design sets the scene, wrapping the space in bold colours and dynamic details that instantly spark excitement. One of the most anticipated additions is the brand-new VR experience, bringing bigger thrills and immersive adventures that take play to an entirely new level. This sits alongside a completely revitalized play area, now larger and filled with creative structures, interactive elements and imaginative spaces that encourage children to explore, climb and let their creativity run wild.
For little ones taking their first steps into the world of play, the new Oops N’ Whoops toddler zone offers a gentle, safe and stimulating environment crafted just for them. Soft textures, cheerful colours and age-appropriate features create a welcoming space where toddlers can learn, discover and build confidence at their own pace. Families will also find more arcade fun than ever before, with a wider selection of games, rides and activities that bring children together in an atmosphere bursting with excitement. The upgraded party room adds an extra touch of magic, giving families a lively and colourful setting for birthdays and celebrations that feel truly unforgettable.
The reopening represents an important moment for the brand. “With our new and improved Fun City at Ibn Battuta, we are thrilled to offer families an elevated experience filled with joy, energy, and creativity,” says Mr. Silvio Liedtke, CEO of Landmark Leisure. “This reopening reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional family entertainment that grows with the needs of the communities we serve.”
To celebrate the reopening, Fun City has introduced special offers designed to make every visit even more rewarding. Families can enjoy unlimited play at the Play area for a month with the AED 159 Play Membership, take advantage of incredible value through the Fun Pass worth over AED 850 for only AED 75, or simply top up online to enjoy up to 20% off on value packages. Even more rewards and surprises can be unlocked through the Fun City App, making it easier than ever for families to enjoy more fun, more often.
For more than two decades, Fun City has been a trusted and beloved indoor play destination across the GCC. The refreshed Ibn Battuta Mall location continues this legacy, bringing families experiences that are not only entertaining but enriching.
The venue is now open and ready to welcome guests daily, inviting them to explore the new space, enjoy the upgraded attractions and create joyful memories together.
Hospitality
SHI WARMS UP JANUARY WITH A CELEBRATION OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE CLAYPOT COOKING
This January, SHI on Bluewaters Island continues its Claypot Menu, celebrating one of the most cherished and time-honoured cooking traditions in Chinese cuisine. Available daily from lunch through dinner, the menu presents a refined selection of claypot dishes, prepared and served using traditional methods that honour authenticity, flavour, and comfort.
Deeply rooted in Chinese culinary culture, claypot cooking is revered for its ability to retain heat, intensify flavours, and creating richness in every dish. The slow, even heat of the claypot allows ingredients to cook gently, preserving their natural textures while allowing sauces, spices, and aromatics to infuse deeply. Traditionally enjoyed during cooler months and shared family-style, claypot dishes symbolise warmth, togetherness, and nourishment.
SHI’s Claypot Menu showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes, including the comforting Tofu Eggplant with Black Bean Sauce, the vegetable-forward Buddha’s Delight, tender Corn-Fed Chicken, flavour-packed Mixed Seafood in Sacha Sauce, and the richly layered Wagyu Beef Claypot. Each dish is served bubbling hot directly to the table, delivering a sensory experience that is both authentic and refined.
Perfect for sharing and lingering, the Claypot Menu at SHI offers guests a soulful winter dining experience—best enjoyed against the backdrop of Bluewaters Island, with views of the Dubai skyline and a setting that invites connection and comfort throughout the season.
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