Hospitality
Luxury is Defined by Experience, Not Price
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
STEP ABOVE THE CITY: FIVE CURATED MOMENTS ON THE 122ND FLOOR ONLY AT AT.MOSPHERE BURJ KHALIFA

Some experiences are defined by where they take place. At.mosphere, perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, is one of them. For a limited time, five distinct moments trace the day’s passage, from sunrise to midnight, each tied to the rhythm of the city below. Priced at AED 122, the experience follows its setting with intention, offering the city from a perspective reserved for the rarest of visits.
From first light to nightfall, At.mosphere invites you to rise above the city, where the skyline stretches endlessly and each dish draws your attention as much as the view. This isn’t just dining; it is an experience worth savouring.
The Five Daily Experiences at At.mosphere Lounge
Sunrise in the Sky – Breakfast
Start your day above the city. Freshly baked pastries and signature coffee come with uninterrupted views of Dubai as it wakes, making mornings feel a little more special.
Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Midday Pause – Lunch
Take a break from the rush. Lunch here is simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy days, with dishes that keep you going while the city moves below.
Time: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Twilight Indulgence – Afternoon Tea
As the afternoon softens, enjoy a sweet treat and a cup of tea. The city carries on below, while up here you can just take a moment for yourself.
Time: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Sunset Aperitivo – Cocktails & Bites
Golden hour glows over the skyline. Sip a signature cocktail, nibble on light bites, and watch the city shift as the sun sets.
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Midnight in the Sky – Drinks
When Dubai comes alive at night, two signature drinks and ambient sounds make for a quiet, memorable evening above it all.
Time: 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
Five moments. Five moods. One destination. At.mosphere Lounge gives you a view of Dubai you won’t forget.
Hospitality
MÖVENPICK HOTEL APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN DUBAI INVITES GUESTS TO A RELAXED SUMMER ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai welcomes guests to experience a seamless blend of comfort, space, and convenience with its thoughtfully designed rooms and apartments, ideal for a stress-free city escape.
Located moments away from iconic attractions, the property offers a tranquil retreat amidst the vibrancy of Downtown Dubai. Whether for a short staycation or an extended getaway, each apartment is designed to provide a sense of ease, combining modern interiors with practical living spaces.
Guests can unwind in spacious accommodations featuring fully equipped kitchens, dedicated living and dining areas, and serene bedrooms, creating a home-away-from-home experience tailored for both leisure and business travellers.
Perfect for the summer season, the hotel presents an inviting setting for those looking to slow down and recharge, while still staying connected to the energy of the city. From relaxing mornings in light-filled spaces to evenings spent exploring nearby landmarks, every stay is curated to offer both comfort and flexibility.
With warm, intuitive service and a focus on guest well-being, the property continues to deliver experiences that are both comfortable and memorable.
Hospitality
THE AGILITY AND RESILIENCE OF THE UAE HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Words by Professor Scott Richardson, PhD. Academic Dean, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches
The UAE’s hospitality sector has, despite major unprecedented situations over the last few years, consistently demonstrated strong resilience, supported by strategic planning and long-term investment. This resilience is built on four key factors: continued government support and foreign capital investment in hospitality attractions and large-scale events, strong air connectivity and ease of travel, diversified guest and visitor experiences, and world-class infrastructure. These elements position the nation as one of the most adaptable markets in the world, where operational excellence is reinforced by a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to shifting global conditions with agility and empathy.
The Role of Education in Driving the UAE’s Hospitality Sector
The UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 outlines an ambitious vision to increase the sector’s contribution to AED 450 billion in GDP while attracting 40 million visitors annually. Tourism has a direct correlation to hospitality, and the sector is already performing strongly. Over the first nine months of 2025, hotels across the Emirates welcomed more than 23 million visitors, up nearly 5% on the same period in 2024. By late 2025, the UAE’s hotel inventory had reached approximately 1,260 properties with 216,900 rooms, and occupancy reached 79.5% between January and November. Looking ahead, the market is projected to add over 26,000 new hotel rooms across more than 100 projects through 2026, highlighting a substantial development pipeline that will shape the sector’s growth trajectory. As both capacity and demand rise, the focus inevitably shifts towards the people behind the experience, reinforcing the need for a workforce equipped to support this growth and deliver unparalleled visitor experiences.
Educational institutions are uniquely positioned to drive this growth. By embedding real-world training, critical thinking, and adaptability into academic frameworks, they ensure that graduates enter the industry prepared to navigate complexity without compromising on service standards. Through our curriculum here at Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, for example, students not only acquire world-class operational and management skills, but also embrace the Emirati Hospitality Identity in everything they do. They are prepared to deliver service grounded in the warmth of Emirati customs, guest etiquette, and cultural storytelling, while ensuring a modern guest experience. In this way, our graduates are prepared to respond to any operational challenges while meeting the nuanced expectations of a diverse and international guest base.
Industry Collaboration
Collaboration between tourism boards, private-sector operators, and education institutions helps hospitality professionals develop the skills required to navigate periods of uncertainty, while maintaining high service standards. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, our programmes are designed in close collaboration with public and private sector partners to support the UAE’s Emiratization goals and larger 2030 Tourism Strategy, empowering local talent with the tools and leadership capabilities needed to shape the future of the nation’s hospitality sector. Emiratis currently represent 41% of the student body, including 21% of BSc students and 59% of MSc students who are Emirati women, underscoring our commitment to advancing inclusive talent development, while supporting long-term workforce stability. As educators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom, for our future leaders to grow alongside an industry that continues to evolve quickly.
Looking Ahead: Building a Workforce for a Resilient Hospitality Sector
Agility has become a defining feature of the UAE’s hospitality sector, evident in the way service is delivered, guest expectations are managed, and how teams maintain composure under pressure. The impact of recent regional airspace closures, which left many travelers unexpectedly stranded, highlights this. Hotels across the country worked closely with local authorities to provide extended accommodation and meals for affected travelers at no extra cost, with some properties opening additional rooms, ensuring all guests were looked after. It’s a testament to the sector’s high responsiveness and commitment to guest wellbeing, even in the most unexpected situations.
The UAE’s position as a leading global destination is the result of sustained investment, robust infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, it is essential to nurture talent that is ready to strengthen that position, responding with agility, professionalism, and genuine care for every guest. By placing education at the center of this progression, we can reinforce the foundation of the sector, equipping our talent to maintain high service standards through periods of change and uncertainty, while supporting the UAE in rebuilding and delivering the world-class hospitality it’s renowned for.
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