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People who love to eat are always the best people

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Cucina Del Sul

Exclusive Interview with: Ola El Jaroudi and Tarek Sultani, Founders, Cucina Del Sul

Cucina Del Sul has evolved from a backyard dining experience to a celebrated culinary movement. What inspired you to start this journey?

During COVID, the inner foodie in all of us emerged. I took online Korean cooking classes, while Tarek became obsessed with YouTube tutorials on smoking and grilling large cuts of meat. He created such a mess in our kitchen, and the entire house smelled like BBQ, so I kicked him out to grill in the garden. That’s when we decided to build Cucina Del Sul (Kitchen of Sultani), our outdoor kitchen where we could cook and host friends and family.

What began as a gathering spot for friends and family soon evolved into a vibrant culinary hub, attracting foodies, chefs, and passionate cooks eager to showcase their talents. We began hosting invite-only dining experiences to celebrate Dubai’s homegrown culinary scene, featuring everything from burgers to paellas, braais to BBQs. Each session highlighted a different cuisine.

This marked the birth of the Cucina community—bringing people together over good food. From our villa’s backyard, strangers entered and left as friends. Cucina has since become an incubator and accelerator for culinary talent, helping over a dozen homegrown startups fast-track their journey to market.

Your events combine exceptional food, community, and the magic of the outdoors. How do you strike the perfect balance between these elements?

The balance comes naturally because it reflects the types of events we love to attend, whether at home or abroad.

Creating a complete experience—the food, the setting, the flow, and the vibe—is essential. My decade of experience running an events company ensures every detail is thoughtfully considered to elevate our culinary experiences. But the setting is critical, the UAE is home to incredible landscapes that lend themselves to unique dining experiences, so finding those spots and converting them to backdrops for our events is special and unexpected.

We’re selective about our locations, often turning down venues that lack the personality or charm needed to align with our vision for food events.

Events like Camp Cucina and Meats & Mountains have become iconic. How do you consistently keep these events fresh and engaging?

It boils down to three key points:

Discovery: Foodies are always seeking new culinary experiences. We constantly rotate chefs and discover hidden culinary talents in the community. Even repeat stations are encouraged to offer something new.

Chef-led Experiences: Our events prioritize interaction between chefs and guests, fostering connections and storytelling through culinary art. We only collaborate with chef/owner-operated vendors to maintain authenticity.

Personal Touches: Whether it’s long table decorations, homegrown musical entertainment, or nostalgic treats from our childhood (like churros and sahlab), we infuse every event with a sense of warmth and individuality.

Ultimately, the key to keeping things fresh is staying authentic and trusting the chefs to showcase their creativity with minimal interference.

With milestones like the World’s Best Burger win, how do you see these achievements influencing the culinary reputation of the UAE and the broader MENA region?

The UAE is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, best exemplified by its diverse cuisines and the innovative fusion emerging from its dynamic food scene. The World Food Championships provide us with a platform to showcase the region’s top culinary talent on the global stage. This year, five culinary teams from the region competed in categories ranging from burgers to noodles, vegetarian dishes, sandwiches, and desserts.

Our first major success came in 2022 when Sultan Chatila’s Bull Burger secured third place in the World Burger Championships. The WFC ‘Battle of the Burgers’ event laid the groundwork for local recognition, while our World Food Championship platform brought global acclaim. The Cucina pop-ups and markets generated significant buzz, ultimately leading to the establishment of Eleven Green—now one of the most popular burger joints in the city.

Many other F&B brands have similarly leveraged the Cucina platform and network to transition from niche, home-based dining experiences to thriving commercial ventures.

This year, Hassan Naja’s One More Burger raised the bar even higher, clinching first place in the World Burger Championships—outperforming over 700 competitors from around the world. His journey is just beginning, and we’re organizing exclusive pop-ups to offer food enthusiasts a taste of his exceptional burger while building excitement for his next steps. These winners are already redefining the region’s culinary identity on a global scale.

At Cucina, this is what we stand for: helping culinary talent turn their dreams into global realities. The Middle East has long demonstrated its ability to compete internationally, and our participation in global events like the World Food Championships underscores this on a culinary level. The region’s food scene is truly world-class, and achievements like these only reinforce its prominence.

These milestones embody the spirit of the region, reflecting the passion, creativity, and talent that make this community so extraordinary. We are deeply honored to contribute to shaping and supporting this remarkable journey.

Your platform celebrates both food and the connections it creates. How important is fostering a sense of community to Cucina Del Sul’s identity and success?

Community is at the core of everything we do—without it, Cucina Del Sul simply wouldn’t exist. There’s something truly special about bringing people together over a shared love and passion for food.

From the very beginning, authenticity has been the foundation of our platform. We’ve always focused on sharing our love for food, offering honest recommendations, and introducing people to our favorite hidden gems. We don’t believe in gatekeeping; we only recommend places and experiences we genuinely love and stand behind.

This philosophy is integral to our events and pop-ups. We wouldn’t organize anything unless we could confidently say, “We’d 100% attend this if someone else were hosting it.” That same passion and trust resonate deeply with our community and make everything we do feel authentic.

We also cherish taking these connections offline, where they become even more meaningful. Over the years, we’ve welcomed countless familiar faces returning to our events while embracing many new ones.

These connections—both old and new—are what propel us forward. Our community is truly the heart of Cucina Del Sul.

As we continue to grow, engaging with and nurturing this incredible community will always remain our top priority.

As you continue to grow and redefine the food scene in the UAE, what’s next for Cucina Del Sul?

Community lies at the heart of everything we do—without it, Cucina Del Sul wouldn’t exist. There’s something truly special about bringing people together through a shared love and passion for food.

From the very beginning, authenticity has been the cornerstone of our platform. We’ve always prioritized sharing our love for food, offering genuine recommendations, and introducing people to our favorite hidden gems. We don’t believe in gatekeeping; every place or experience we recommend is one we genuinely love and wholeheartedly support.

This philosophy extends seamlessly to our events and pop-ups. We wouldn’t host anything unless we could confidently say, “We’d absolutely attend this if someone else were hosting it.” That passion and trust are what deeply resonate with our community and make everything we do feel authentic and meaningful.

We also treasure taking these connections offline, where they become even more impactful. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming familiar faces back to our events while also embracing countless new ones.

These connections—both enduring and fresh—are what drive us forward. Our community is and will always be the soul of Cucina Del Sul.

As we continue to grow, fostering and nurturing this incredible community will remain our top priority.

In your opinion, what’s the single most impactful step the hospitality industry can take toward sustainability?

Tarek: Reducing food waste is key. Repurpose old bread, create smaller portion options, redistribute leftovers, and educate both customers and the industry about composting.

Ola: Farming and growing your own produce can also make a huge difference. Using compost from eggshells and leftover food to nourish your garden is a step toward creating a circular system of sustainability.

Hospitality

STEP ABOVE THE CITY: FIVE CURATED MOMENTS ON THE 122ND FLOOR ONLY AT AT.MOSPHERE BURJ KHALIFA

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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.

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Hospitality

KERTEN HOSPITALITY ON CRAFTING EXPERIENCES ROOTED IN STORYTELLING, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

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Exclusive interview Antony Doucet, Chief Experience Officer, Kerten Hospitality

You were part of the editorial team for the Louis Vuitton City Guide. How did storytelling shape your philosophy around guest experience today?

    While I was in Istanbul, I had the opportunity to be part of the editorial team of Istanbul Louis Vuitton City Guide for the food scene. What I learned from this experience is that places are never just places; they are layered stories. At Louis Vuitton City Guide, the work was not simply about listing where to go or eat, but about understanding a destination through its people, rituals, textures and contrasts. That shaped the way I think about hospitality today. A hotel or branded residence should not feel like an isolated object dropped into a location. It should feel like an entry point into a wider cultural narrative – as an integrated part of a lifestyle ecosystem where people live, work, socialise, shop and dine.

    Storytelling is what transforms a stay into a memory, an emotional experience. Guests may remember a beautiful room or a good meal, but what stays with them is often the feeling that they touched something real: a local craft, a neighborhood rhythm, a conversation, a point of view. That is why I believe guest experiences must have emotional depth. Design, music, food, art and community programming are all narrative tools. When used well, they create belonging, curiosity and connection. That is the kind of hospitality we aim to build at Kerten Hospitality: not generic luxury, but meaningful immersion.

    Winning Hospitality Executive of the Year in KSA recognizes leadership impact, what leadership philosophy has guided your journey?

    My leadership philosophy is built around three principles: honesty, generosity, and cultural curiosity. Honesty matters because hospitality is a business of many moving parts, and people need a clear sense of purpose. Generosity matters because our industry is about people taking care of people: guests, teams, owners and communities. Cultural curiosity matters because we operate across very different markets, each with its own codes and aspirations.

    I do not believe leadership in hospitality should be purely top-down. The strongest ideas often come from listening closely to local teams, artisans, residents and guests. You can only create relevant hospitality if you are paying attention to what already exists around you. I also believe in building brands with soul and meaning. Commercial success is key, but the most successful projects are the ones that create emotional relevance.

    Kerten Hospitality entered 2026 with the signing of over 1,000 new keys and multiple openings planned across MENA and Europe. From an experience perspective, how do you scale growth without losing emotional authenticity?

    Scaling without losing authenticity requires discipline. The mistake many hospitality groups make is replicating formulas too literally. At Kerten Hospiltality, we scale through principles, not through sameness. We have a framework of guidelines, not brand standards, on top of which we curate bespoke features for each project. We never copy-paste previous successes; we curate new ones.

    What remains constant is our approach: community integration, design with local relevance, experiences rooted in culture and a strong sense of place. A property in AlUla should not feel like one in Cairo, Zanzibar or in Rome. Each project needs its own local language, social rhythm and ecosystem. To preserve authenticity, we spend time understanding the DNA of each location before finalizing the experience framework. Who are the local artisans What is the creative scene? What are the culinary references? How do residents gather? What can we add of new and fresh value to the destination? These questions matter as much as room typologies or F&B positioning.

    How important is cultural adaptability when designing experiences for the Middle East’s diverse audience?

    It is essential. The Middle East is often seen as one market, but in reality, it is deeply nuanced. The expectations of a guest in Kuwait, Riyadh, Dubai, Jeddah, Aqaba or Cairo can differ significantly in terms of social behavior, privacy, family dynamics, pace and the elements of hospitality itself.

    Cultural adaptability does not mean diluting a brand. It means interpreting it intelligently. In practice, that can influence everything from spatial planning to programming, dining formats, wellness, music, service tone and operating hours. Guests want fresh experiences, but they also want to feel respected and understood. Adaptability is not a compromise; it is a sign of understanding, respect and relevance.

    Have guest expectations in the UAE shifted toward more meaningful cultural immersion rather than luxury alone?

    Luxury remains important in the UAE, but it is no longer enough on its own. Today’s guests are more informed, well-travelled and selective. People still appreciate beauty, comfort and service, but they also ask: what is distinctive here, what can I discover, what story am I part of? There is a growing appetite for experiences that feel curated rather than polished. Value is shifting from display to depth. This is especially true for younger travelers and regional audiences, who often seek places with personality, cultural relevance and emotional credibility.

    In lifestyle destinations, community is woven into the experience through curated programming, cultural partnerships, local dining concepts, and shared social spaces, effectively function as neighborhood hubs. For developers, the advantage comes from attracting locals as well as travelers, fostering stronger loyalty and repeat visits. Also, mixed-use lifestyle developments support year-round activity, increasing ROI and resilience.

    Ramadan transforms social rhythms across the region. How does hospitality design adapt to slower, more reflective guest experiences during this period?

    Ramadan requires hospitality to become more intuitive, respectful and emotionally aware. The rhythm of the day changes, and with it the tone of the guest experience. Energy becomes softer, evenings become more social, and moments of gathering take on deeper meaning. From a design and programming perspective, this means adapting pace, lighting, sound, dining flow and social spaces. Public areas need to feel calmer by day and warmer by sunset. F&B becomes less about volume and more about rituals, generosity and togetherness. Iftar and suhoor are not simply meal periods, they are cultural moments that deserve sensitivity and care. Ramadan is also an opportunity for hospitality to reconnect with values that matter all year: reflection, community, humility and generosity.

    With global economic uncertainty and shifting travel patterns, how resilient is lifestyle hospitality compared to traditional luxury models? 

    Lifestyle hospitality can be extremely resilient when it is rooted in relevance. Traditional luxury often depends on a narrower set of signals: formality, exclusivity and status. Lifestyle hospitality is more adaptive in responding to changing traveler behaviors because it is built around flexibility, social energy, local connection and mixed-use value.

    A strong lifestyle property can attract not only overnight guests, but also residents, remote workers, diners and event audiences. That creates a broader ecosystem and a more diversified demand base. When anchored in place, culture and community, a lifestyle hotel becomes a destination.

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    Hospitality

    CORAL BEACH RESORT SHARJAH SETS UAE HOSPITALITY BENCHMARK AS FIRST SIGNATORY OF GLASGOW DECLARATION ON CLIMATE ACTION

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    Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is proud to announce its recent acknowledgment and listing as a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration Initiative on Climate Action in Tourism. This recognition cements Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s status as the only hotel in the UAE to receive this honour, further enhancing our commitment to sustainable tourism.

    The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is a global initiative launched during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021 aimed at bringing together the tourism sector to cut carbon emissions by half by 2030 and reach net zero as early as possible before 2050, in line with science-based targets.

    Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s recognition aligns perfectly with the Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum Awards 2025 under Sustain Sharjah category, recognition bestowed by Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority on November 19, 2025. This accolade highlights the hotel’s dedication to the Six Pillars of sustainability, particularly focusing on Climate, Waste, Culture, Water, Nature, and Education.

    Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah said, “I am incredibly proud to announce our inclusion among the signatories of the Glasgow Declaration Initiative on Climate Action in Tourism. This achievement not only recognizes our hotel’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also sets a benchmark for hospitality & tourism industry in the UAE. Our efforts—including our innovative waste management system, an on-site water bottling plant, energy-efficient operational systems, and our active partnerships in recycling and tree planting—illustrate our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. By committing to measurable carbon reduction and sustainable operations, we aspire to inspire others in the hospitality industry to follow. At Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, we believe that our initiatives will not only benefit our guests but also make a lasting positive impact on our planet.”

    As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has committed to raise its climate ambition in support of global climate goals. It also has agreed to deliver a climate action plan within 12 months, aligned with the five pathways of the Declaration (Measure, Decarbonize, Regenerate, Collaborate, Finance), report progress on an annual basis, and work in a collaborative spirit, sharing good practices and solutions, and disseminating information.

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