Hospitality

Luxury is Defined by Experience, Not Price

Published

1 year ago

October 4, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager – Northern Emirates

How does Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel differentiate itself in the luxury segment?

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel redefines luxury with its exceptional blend of exclusivity, exceptional service and a profound commitment to social responsibility. Situated in the breathtaking view of the Arabian Gulf, our resort offers a serene retreat, setting a standard for secluded luxury itself.

Guests are welcomed with attentive services and bespoke experiences, ensuring that every guest’s needs and desires are met with precision and care. Every aspect of the guest experience is thoughtfully designed to deliver a truly unparalleled and extraordinary stay.

Beyond its opulence, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel is a leader in sustainable luxury, implementing eco-friendly practices that minimize environmental impact. The resort utilizes electronic registration for its guest’s registration, provides Electric Vehicle Charging station, adheres to rigorous waste reduction and recycling programs. We also engage in community initiatives, and partner with local communities to promote sustainability. Our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices further enhances its appeal, resonating with discerning travelers who value both luxury and social responsibility.

With a focus on superlative service and meticulous attention to detail, how does your team ensure that every guest enjoys a personalized stay?

At Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, our team ensures every guest enjoys their stay with us through a commitment to exceptional services. Our staff undergoes extensive training to anticipate guest needs and deliver exceptional service, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful and tailored. We use advanced technology to track guest requests and act on it immediately. We utilize guest profiles and past stays to provide customized recommendations and anticipate future needs. Our team maintains these records to ensure that every detail, from the room preferences to dietary restrictions, is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience.

Can you share how Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel elevates the dining experience to match the luxurious ambiance of the property?

Guests are treated to high-quality, expertly prepared dishes by our skillful chefs, using fresh, premium ingredients that highlight both local and international flavours. The elegant dining spaces such as Arabesque Restaurant – an all-day-dining restaurant; Dragon’s Place – where you can enjoy the finest Asian fusion delicacies; Nojoom Lounge – where you can enjoy Shisha with a mix of your favourite dishes; and, Bahi Café – all day savoury pastries, all are designed to complement the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel’s opulent atmosphere and refined décor that creates a captivating environment.

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel is described as a heritage retreat with a contemporary spirit. How do you blend traditional elements with modern luxury?

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel is a stunning example of traditional architecture blended with contemporary design. We artfully merge traditional Arabian elements with modern luxury to create a unique and immersive experience.

Our luxury hotel rooms & suites combine the convenience of modern designs and the rich feel of the Arabian architecture. The Arabesque detail in the design, the use of ‘Mashrabiya’, the warm brocades and the subtle gold touches create a unique and distinguished feel.

Our luxury restaurant features a mystical One Thousand and One Night, shaped in the form of a half crescent, with the hanging Arabian royal handmade lamps, mounted torches and warm design.

As an upscale 5-Star brand, what strategies do you employ to attract and retain discerning travelers who seek a luxurious yet distinctive environment?

To attract and retain discerning travelers who seek a luxurious yet distinctive environment, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, as an upscale 5-star brand, employs a range of sophisticated strategies. We offer exceptional services through tailored services and bespoke amenities that cater individual preference most especially those who are celebrating special occasion, like we offer unique and personalized sand-writing on the beach, crafted for guest’s special occasion.

As known for its luxury and guest experience, we ensure that guests can enjoy our series of special pool activities, such as offering our dynamic aqua aerobics program led by our experienced team. This program provides a refreshing workout in the pool, combining fitness with fun in a vibrant and social setting.

On environment part, we ensure the active participation in our environmental initiatives during their stay with us, such as simple waste segregation in their room, minimizing the use of plastics, conserving water & energy in their room. This ensures a luxurious stay yet aligns with eco-conscious values.

How does the private beach setting contribute to the experience at the Hotel?

A private beach setting at Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel greatly enhances the guest experience. This unique feature allows guests to enjoy unparalleled privacy and seclusion, with dedicated lifeguards and premium amenities such as plush loungers, umbrellas and also features shaded areas provided by lush trees allowing guests to relax in natural environment. The setting also allows options to order food and beverages directly from the beach.

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel recently collaborated with Dr. Linen in the 360 Weave Textile Recycling Initiative. Can you elaborate on the significance of this initiative for your hotel and how it aligns with your broader sustainability goals?

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel recently collaborated with Dr. Linen in the 360 Weave Textile Recycling Initiative, handed over 745 kilograms of old linens and uniforms that can no longer be used. The initiative transforms discarded linens and uniforms into new, useful materials, ensuring that they are repurposed effectively and contributing to a reduction in textile waste.

The initiative is a significant step to address the growing concern of textile waste and aligns with Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel’s broader sustainability goals. By participating in this initiative, we made a substantial impact on waste reduction, resource conservation, and overall environmental responsibility.

Is luxury defined by price or by experience?

Luxury is primarily defined by experience rather than price, and this extends to environmental care as well. Luxury involves exceptional service, the ability to provide quality, unique and memorable experiences and a commitment to sustainability. By integrating environmental care into luxury experience, brands not only offer refined comfort but also demonstrate a responsible approach to preserving the natural world. The combination of exceptional service, quality and environmental stewardship defines the modern concept of luxury.

Hospitality

PIZZAEXPRESS UNVEILS FESTIVE MENUS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Festive PizzaExpress holiday spread featuring sparkling wine, mashed potatoes with turkey, creamy sauce, signature Dough Balls with dip, Christmas-themed decorations, and a pizza topped with cherry tomatoes and basil, alongside pasta dishes on a marble table.

PizzaExpress invites guests to celebrate the festive season with specially curated Christmas and New Year dining experiences, combining seasonal flavours, signature dishes, and a lively social atmosphere. Available throughout December and culminating in a vibrant New Year celebration, the festive menus have been designed to bring people together over food, music, and celebration.

“As the festive season approaches, we wanted to create menus that feel celebratory, comforting, and perfect for sharing,” said Nitin Makhijani, General Manager, PizzaExpress. “Our Christmas and New Year offerings bring together seasonal ingredients, familiar favourites, and a vibrant atmosphere, making PizzaExpress a welcoming place for guests to celebrate with friends and family.”

For Christmas, guests can enjoy a festive set menu, offering a selection of seasonal starters, mains, and desserts inspired by classic holiday flavours. Highlights include creamy Cranberry Brussels Sprouts, Turkey Truffle Dough Balls, festive pizzas such as the Christmas Feast and Brussels & Porcini Truffle, and indulgent desserts including Speculoos Gingerbread Tiramisu and KitKat Stuffed Dough Balls

A selection of festive beverages and cocktails are also available to complement the dining experience.

The celebrations continue into New Year’s Eve, where guests can look forward to an extended festive menu featuring unlimited starters, seasonal pizzas, delicious pastas, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts, paired with a wide selection of beverages

From savoury dishes like Barbecue Burnt Ends pizza and creamy Cajun Chicken pizza to festive desserts and signature cocktails, the New Year menu is designed for relaxed, social dining as guests countdown to midnight.

Blending festive flavours with its signature dining experience, PizzaExpress offers a relaxed yet energetic setting for both Christmas gatherings and New Year celebrations, making it a popular choice for groups looking to enjoy great food and a lively atmosphere during the holiday season.

Hospitality

DINE WITH FRONT-ROW VIEWS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE BEACH JBR

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Night view of JBR Beach in Dubai with colorful fireworks lighting up the sky above Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, illuminated waterfront buildings, and palm trees in the foreground.

As December unfolds and temperatures drop, evenings at The Beach JBR are best spent outdoors. With open-air terraces, beachfront tables and uninterrupted sea views, the destination comes alive after dark, accompanied by live local musicians, nightly drone shows and a midnight fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Against this backdrop, dining takes center stage, with restaurants across The Beach JBR rolling out curated New Year’s Eve menus designed for long, celebratory evenings by the water.

New Year’s Eve Dining Highlights

Bombay Bungalow

Bombay Bungalow hosts New Year’s Eve dining indoors and outdoors, offering vegetarian, non-vegetarian and kids’ menus. Indoor dining is priced from AED 500 for vegetarian and AED 575 for non-vegetarian, while outdoor dining is available from AED 600 for vegetarian and AED 650 for non-vegetarian. Menus feature classic Indian dishes designed for sharing, making it well suited to family and group celebrations.

Eataly at The Beach

Eataly welcomes the New Year with a celebratory dining experience on 31 December from 8 PM to 1 AM. Guests can enjoy a specially curated New Year’s Eve menu, with minimum spend ranging from AED 550 to AED 1,950, depending on seating location, for an unhurried Italian dinner to close out the year.

Claw BBQ

Claw BBQ brings comfort-driven dining to New Year’s Eve with a three-course turkey menu priced at AED 125, featuring a starter, traditional turkey with all the trimmings and dessert. For those continuing the celebrations into the night, New Year’s Eve party packages are available from AED 475.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s presents a curated New Year’s Eve set menu priced at AED 799 for adults and AED 399 for children, featuring appetisers, mains, rice or noodles, dessert and mocktails in a festive setting.

La Mezcaleria

La Mezcaleria marks New Year’s Eve with its Midnight Glitz celebration on 31 December, offering a high-energy dining and party experience. Packages start from AED 800, combining bold Mexican flavours with live entertainment in an open-air setting.

Zou Zou

Zou Zou’s New Year’s Eve special menu showcases Turkish and Lebanese flavors, beginning with cold and hot mezze, followed by mixed grills, lamb shank with saffron rice and indulgent desserts such as baklava. Packages are priced at AED 699 (indoor), AED 999 (indoor with view) and AED 1,199 (outdoor view).

Awani

Awani’s New Year’s Eve set menu features a generous selection of cold and hot mezze, followed by a choice of mains including mixed grill, kebabs, fish sayadiyeh or signature chicken dishes. Indoor dining is priced at AED 900, while outdoor dining is AED 1,100.

Eat Greek Kouzina

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR offers an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetizers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, making it a lively, casual way to count down to midnight.

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR is offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetisers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, paired with front-row views of the fireworks.

Bla Bla

Bla Bla’s New Year’s Eve celebration, “A BLA-st from the Past,” combines dining and entertainment across the Restaurant, Rooftop, Pool Area and Tent. Restaurant dining is priced at AED 900 indoors and AED 1,300 outdoors, with rooftop and pool minimum spends available, alongside VIP options.

Yula Lounge

Yula offers a New Year’s Eve experience with entry tickets priced between AED 950 and AED 1,200, depending on seating location. Food and drinks are available à la carte, with premium areas offering prime positioning for the evening celebrations.

With midnight fireworks overhead, drones lighting up the sky at 8PM and 10PM and festive menus served by the panoramic sea views, The Beach JBR sets the stage for a New Year’s Eve that’s best enjoyed outdoors, around the table and in good company.

Hospitality

BIG SAM TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS CITY WALK UNPLUGGED KEEPS THE FESTIVE ENERGY GOING

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Close-up of a person wearing a black hoodie against a vibrant red and white gradient background with dramatic lighting effects.”

City Walk Unplugged turns up the festive atmosphere this week with a run of live performances across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, led by a standout headline set from Big Sam. Part of Dubai Shopping Festival and now in its fourth season, the open-air music series continues to transform City Walk into a vibrant evening destination, bringing together live sound, roaming entertainment, and a lively open-air atmosphere.

This Week at City Walk

Wednesday, 24 December

Sound Avenue Band – Live Performances

Christmas Eve at City Walk sets the tone with Sound Avenue Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their feel-good sound creates a relaxed yet festive backdrop as visitors gather to dine, stroll, and ease into the holiday evening.

Thursday, 25 December

RedLine Band – Live Performances
Redline Band brings live music to Christmas Day with performances at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm, adding warmth and energy to the destination. Their sets offer an easy-going soundtrack for a laid-back Christmas evening by the fountain and indoor Courtyard.

Friday, 26 December

MK Band – Live Performances
The weekend begins with MK Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their upbeat sound helps carry the festive momentum into Friday night, setting the pace for an evening of music and a lively open-air atmosphere.

Saturday, 27 December

Maya Mashhour and Band – Live Performances
Earlier in the evening, Maya Mashhour and Band set the tone with live performances at 6:20pm and 7:30pm, delivering a smooth and melodic sound that eases the destination into the night ahead of the headline act.

Big Sam – Live Performance
Big Sam headlines the weekend with a standout live performance at 8:30pm, bringing his signature soulful sound and strong stage presence to City Walk Unplugged. Known for his powerful vocals and ability to connect with audiences, his set is expected to be one of the defining moments of the week, drawing visitors together for a high-energy yet intimate evening in the indoor Courtyard and fountain area.

Roaming Performances & Dance Shows

Across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, specially choreographed dance performances will appear throughout City Walk, adding spontaneous bursts of movement and energy across key areas of the destination.

Festive Setting Across City Walk

The destination continues to embrace the season with festive décor, including the signature Christmas Tree at the fountain, decorative installations at key entrances and enhanced seasonal touches throughout the C2 licensed dining district.

Shop, Dine & WIN During DSF

Win the new ARCFOX Alpha S when you spend AED 300 or more at participating City Walk outlets using the TICKIT Rewards App and enjoy an added highlight to your weekend at the destination.