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
Park Regis Kris Kin Unveils Level 19 Lounge & Bar – A bold New Chapter in Dubai’s Social and Culinary Scene

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai proudly announces the official opening of Level 19 Lounge & Bar. Located on the 19th floor of this 5-star hotel, the sophisticated yet unassuming venue is perfect for the city’s discerning tastemakers, offering an elegant fusion of modern global cuisine, artisan mixology, and elevated ambiance.
A seamless meld of bold flavors and stylish design, Level 19 Lounge & Bar is more than just a lounge—it is an immersive experience. With sleek and reflective interiors akin to Dubai’s skyline, this venue exudes Dubai’s multicultural essence. Rich maroon, grey, and black interiors complemented by elegant silver accents provide for a dramatic yet embracing atmosphere. The vertical “19” motif punctuates the space, symbolizing its sky-high ambition and location in the building.
The menu at Level 19 Lounge & Bar celebrates culinary artistry with selections crafted to intrigue and impress. From Golden-seared Scallops on Cauliflower Purée to the indulgent Tomahawk Steak, each offering is a masterclass in flavor and presentation. The culinary journey continues with globally inspired creations such as Teriyaki Beef Steak Kebabs and Herb Chicken with Rice Pilaf, each attesting to Dubai’s traditional yet cosmopolitan cultural vibrancy.
The cocktail selection is equally daring, with handcrafted concoctions like The L19 Knock Out and Pinky Butter On Top, drawing their origins from local inspiration and storytelling. These signature drinks, served with style and sophistication, embody the spirit of the lounge—a balance of understated flair and luxury, hence the venue’s tagline of Sultry Sophistication.
Michael Chan, General Manager of Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, shared his vision, “At Park Regis Kris Kin, we understand that today’s guests seek more than just luxury—they seek meaningful experiences. Level 19 Lounge & Bar is designed to be just that: a place where social moments become memories, and where culinary innovation meets cultural authenticity. It’s a celebration of Dubai’s dynamic rhythm—elegant, energetic, and ever-evolving.”
The official opening event was a glittering affair, drawing a distinguished guest list of media personalities, influencers, radio hosts, and representatives from some embassies. The evening highlighted Level 19 Lounge & Bar’s mission to becoming a part of Dubai’s hip cultural and culinary scene.
Hospitality
Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai becomes the first Hotel in the region to partner with Cryptocurrency juggernaut Bybit

Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai has officially signed a breakthrough partnership with Bybit. Held on 9th May at the hotel, the signing ceremony marks the beginning of the region’s first collaboration between a leading hospitality brand and a digital finance juggernaut, paving the way for the future of travel, payments, and lifestyle integration. It also makes Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai Bybit’s first-ever hotel partner.
The official signing ceremony was attended by Helen Liu, COO & Partner of Bybit, Sheikh Almualla bin Ahmed Almualla & Feras Al Sadek of Ghaf Group, and Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai.
This strategic alliance enables Bybit cardholders to unlock up to 30 percent in savings across Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai’s standout offerings. Guests can now enjoy exclusive privileges at signature venues including Belgian Beer Café, Toshi Pan Asian Restaurant, Lucky Voice Dubai, Crystal Bar, and Juzz Bar. The benefits also extend to hotel room suites and serviced apartments, meeting and event spaces, and expert catering services, making everyday moments more rewarding for Bybit’s tech-savvy global community.
“This partnership is a signal of where the future of travel and lifestyle is headed,” said Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai. “As the first hotel brand in the region to join forces with Bybit, we are proud to be part of a digital evolution that places accessibility, innovation, and guest experience at the heart of everything we do.”
The collaboration represents a major leap forward in integrating cryptocurrency into real-world travel, making everyday luxuries more attainable for Bybit’s tech-forward community. Whether booking a weekend staycation, planning a corporate gathering, or heading out for a night of exceptional dining and entertainment, Bybit users will find Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai more connected, convenient, and future-ready than ever before.
“Bybit is on a mission to integrate crypto payments into every spending and daily luxuries for our community. UAE Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs and crypto fans, and this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting them throughout their crypto journeys around the world,” said Helen Liu, COO & Partner of Bybit.
The Bybit Card boasts year-round offers including exclusive travels, early access to premium events, and an expanding network of global partners. The digital-native crypto and fiat card is one of the fastest growing payment solutions of its kind with over 1.7 million cards issued worldwideworld wide.
The benefits are reserved for Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai guests who use their Bybit Card for eligible payments at the hotel only.

Hospitality
United Foods Company reports strong FY2024 performance

United Foods Company announced financial results for the full year ended 31 December 2024.
Against a backdrop of geopolitical volatility and rising costs, United Foods achieved significant growth in revenue and profitability and reinforced its strong financial and market position, delivering on its long-term strategy for development. Total gross revenue rose to a record AED 601.7 million, supported by a 5.9% increase in sales volumes.
Profitability strengthened as gross profit increased 8% to AED 99.6 million, supported by improved cost controls, procurement optimisation, and product mix enhancements. Net profit before tax increased 11% to AED 33.9 million. Net profit after tax remained stable at AED 30.8 million.
The Board of Directors proposed a cash dividend of 100% of the paid-up capital for 2024, equivalent to AED 1 per share or AED 30.25 million in total. This proposed dividend payout, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, reflects the Group’s strong financial position and its continued focus on delivering value to its shareholders. United Foods Company is one of only three companies in the UAE to propose 100% cash dividend.
Fethi Khiari, Chief Executive Officer at United Foods Company, commented, “In all, 2024 was a milestone year of achievement for United Foods. We increased sales volumes and revenue, protected margins, continued to deliver dynamic, high-quality products and diversified our product portfolio to better delight our customers. These key initiatives have enabled us to reinforce our robust position in the UAE and in all the markets we serve.
I am pleased to announce that under the recommendation of the Board, there will be 100% cash dividend of the paid-up capital for 2024 in line with our sustainable and progressive dividend policy, at our Annual General Meeting. We would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and trust in us.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to our strategic path that will enhance value for our shareholders, as we continue to scale our operations and invest in automation and efficiency. Our commitment to Emiratization remains core to our corporate vision, and we are proud to be building a business that is both future-fit and locally rooted.”
Operational and strategic highlights:
- The Group invested AED 12.8 million in capital expenditure, primarily directed towards the installation of two new product lines: fractionation unit and PET blowing machine to produce bio-degradable bottles.
Operational performance and outlook
Throughout 2024, United Foods maintained a sharp focus on cost efficiency and working capital management. Total assets rose to AED 439.4 million, while equity increased to AED 344.5 million. The Group continued investing in manufacturing upgrades and digital tools to drive long-term competitiveness.
Strategic efforts to support national priorities of food security also gained traction, with new initiatives to advance Emiratization across departments. These efforts position the Group to contribute meaningfully to national development while attracting and retaining skilled local talent. United Foods remains focused on expanding regional distribution, enhancing product innovation, and deepening its ESG practices, ensuring long-term sustainable value creation for all stakeholders.
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