Hospitality
AI Should Empower, Not Replace, Human Hospitality
Exclusive Interview with Samir Abi Frem, CEO, Lokalee
Tell us about your journey in hospitality and the vision behind Lokalee
I’m the CEO of Advanced Digital Technology, developers of Lokalee. Prior to founding Lokalee in 2020, I worked for 20+ years in global hospitality IT, most recently as Corporate VP of IT with Rotana Hotels Management. Lokalee has allowed me to combine my passion for technology and hospitality.
Lokalee was born out of a vision to transform the way travellers experience their trips. We recognised a gap in the market for a content platform that seamlessly connects travellers with the hotel they’re staying at, and the authentic local experiences destinations have to offer.
What does Lokalee do and how does the platform help hotel owners and operators?
Lokalee is an AI-powered guest companion allowing guests to access hotel services and browse and book unique local experiences on one digital platform. From learning about the hotel’s facilities and promotions, ordering room service or extra pillows, to chatting with the concierge and booking unique local experiences, Lokalee brings all this together under one digital experience for the guest, while seamlessly integrating with a hotel’s existing apps and systems. Guests can browse and book everything a hotel and the destination have to offer, curated by our local experts and supported by our global partners.
Specifically designed for hotels and holiday homes, Lokalee was developed to help hoteliers enhance their guest experience and increase customer satisfaction, drive commission and ancillary revenue, and improve operational efficiency.
From your perspective, what is the biggest challenge hoteliers face right now?
Providing highly personalised guest experiences is a key priority for hoteliers in response to ever-evolving needs and expectations of travellers, but it’s often also one of their key challenges. We help hoteliers digitise their guest journey and provide unique and personalised local experiences and facilitate the way to book these by complementing the hotel concierge team. AI technology plays a pivotal role in this. Hotel staff can offer recommendations, but they rely on personal knowledge and experience, which may not always align with every guest’s preferences. AI-powered platforms, such as Lokalee, use advanced data analytics to predict individual guest behaviours and anticipate their choices. This helps hotels refine offerings, provide upsell opportunities for in-room services, dining, and curated activities through more personalised offers and promotions.
How can AI-powered tools streamline hotel operations, particularly in enhancing efficiency and guest services?
The growing integration of AI in the hospitality sector presents opportunities across all aspects of hotel operations. Many guest requests such as booking airport transfers, ordering in-room dining and providing directions, can be addressed by AI-powered tools such as Lokalee, freeing up staff to focus on more complex and high-touch customer service. This not only boosts efficiency but ensures a quicker, smoother experience for guests.
Besides tracking and monitoring guest preferences and behaviour in real time, AI is much faster and more efficient than humans in collecting and processing this data to continually refine services. This means it can predict guest needs, suggest tailored experiences based on previous interactions, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
What advice can you give hotels that are considering implementing AI powered solutions?
My advice is to start small and scale gradually. Begin with a pilot program to test the technology, then ensure the solution integrates smoothly with existing hotel software and platforms to avoid operational disruptions. Train your employees to work alongside the AI solutions so they can step in when necessary and leverage the technology effectively, and communicate transparently with your guests to let them know that they are interacting with an AI tool.
How can hoteliers maintain the human, personal touch while leveraging AI tools?
At Lokalee, we recognise that while AI has the power to enhance the guest experience, it’s essential that we keep the human element at the forefront of everything we do. Our goal is not to replace human interaction, but to empower hotel teams and elevate the guest experience through smart, personalised interactions.
AI may assist with guest inquiries, but if a more complex request arises, it can seamlessly escalate the interaction to a staff member. This ensures that the guest experience remains personal, with the right balance of automation and human touch. Every hotel has its own unique culture and personality, and we understand that it’s essential for this to shine through every guest interaction, whether AI-driven or human.
What are the key advancements in AI that you’re most excited about, and how will they shape the future of hospitality?
Personally, I’m excited about the ability of AI to understand and engage in human-like conversations, which is rapidly advancing thanks to improvements in natural language processing (NLP). This technology will enable more intuitive communication between guests and hotel systems, whether through chatbots or messaging platforms. Soon, guests will be able to make reservations, request services, or get local recommendations simply by speaking or typing in natural language. This breakthrough will ensure an even more frictionless, instant, and personalised experience, enabling guests to interact with the hotel in a way that feels more like communicating with a human.
Lokalee has recently been acquired by Beaconsmind, after successfully securing funding early last year, what’s next in Lokalee’s growth journey?
The acquisition by beaconsmind and Swissnet AG presents an exciting opportunity for us to accelerate our growth and further solidify our position as a leader in AI-driven hospitality solutions. The group adds complementary strengths and capabilities that will allow us to enhance and expand our offerings, bringing cutting-edge technologies that align with Lokalee’s vision of enhancing the guest experience. With beaconsmind’s expertise in location-based services, IoT, and proximity marketing, we’ll be able to leverage advanced geolocation and real-time engagement capabilities to deliver even more contextually relevant, personalised content to guests.
The acquisition opens the door to new markets and strategic partnerships. beaconsmind and Swissnet AG have established networks in key hospitality and technology sectors, and we can leverage these connections to accelerate our growth. We’ll have greater access to larger hotel chains, resorts, and destinations, enabling Lokalee to provide its AI-driven digital concierge services to a wider audience and drive adoption at scale.
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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