Hospitality

We Don’t Just Tick Boxes; We Build a Culture of Food Safety and Sustainability

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2025

Exclusive interview with Soniya Ashar, Founder, NutriCal

Congratulations on NutriCal’s contribution to Armani/Mediterraneo’s success in the DM Food Elite Programme! Can you share how NutriCal became involved with this prestigious initiative?

Thank you so much! We’re incredibly proud to have been a part of Armani/Mediterraneo’s journey in the DM Food Elite Programme. While NutriCal played a key role, credit equally goes to Emaar Hospitality and their forward-thinking team—particularly their Head of Hygiene, Sustainability, and Culinary. They were already planning to move ahead with a brand-wide commitment to transparency, sustainability, and high standards. When NutriCal came on board, we were able to execute that vision swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that their goals aligned with the rigorous criteria of the DM Food Elite Programme. It was truly a team effort, and it’s rewarding to see the results of such a collaborative partnership.

What specific challenges did NutriCal face while working with Armani/Mediterraneo to meet the program’s rigorous criteria? How were these overcome?

One of the main challenges was the alignment of different functions—culinary, sustainability, and hygiene—all working towards the same goal under a very tight timeline. Emaar Hospitality’s team, led by their Head of Hygiene, Sustainability, and Culinary, had already laid out a clear vision for brand-wide transparency, and NutriCal was brought in to help execute that vision quickly and precisely. This alignment was crucial, as it required a seamless collaboration between our team and theirs to ensure every part of the operation met the program’s rigorous standards.

We also faced the challenge of conducting an accurate, detailed analysis of the nutritional content and traceability of every ingredient and recipe. The program required that we not only meet high nutritional standards but also ensure that every ingredient could be traced back to its source, which added a layer of complexity. To overcome this, we implemented a robust tracking system and worked closely with the culinary team to refine recipes without compromising the quality or integrity of the dishes.

Finally, with such tight timelines, it was essential to maintain precision and speed. By staying agile, maintaining open communication, and focusing on data-driven solutions, we were able to meet the program’s strict criteria and deliver results within the required timeframe. The collaboration and dedication of everyone involved made all the difference in overcoming these challenges.

Dubai Municipality highlighted sustainability, food safety, and innovation as key pillars of the award. How did NutriCal approach these areas to help Armani/Mediterraneo achieve 1st place?

NutriCal is a food intelligence platform that leverages data and AI to optimize all aspects of food operations. For food safety, we ensured complete traceability of ingredients, including allergen checks, using our tech-driven platform to monitor and mitigate risks in real-time. On the nutrition front, we provided data-backed insights to refine dishes, ensuring they met health standards while staying true to Armani/Mediterraneo’s luxurious brand. For sustainability, our platform helped streamline sourcing, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact across operations. By integrating food safety, nutrition, and sustainability with cutting-edge technology, we supported their success in achieving 1st place.

NutriCal played a pivotal role in ensuring nutritional precision and operational excellence. Can you elaborate on how your expertise in these areas translated into success for the restaurant?

NutriCal’s expertise in recipe management and operations was key to ensuring both nutritional precision and operational excellence at Armani/Mediterraneo. We worked closely with their culinary, food safety, hygiene, and sustainability teams to create a seamless workflow that ensured every dish was not only nutritionally balanced but also compliant with stringent regulations. The larger the operation, the more important it is to stay organized, and we helped streamline their processes to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Traceability and transparency were super important, both from a regulatory standpoint and to align with Armani/Mediterraneo’s commitment to high standards. Our platform enabled full traceability of ingredients, ensuring that every item could be tracked from source to plate. This level of transparency is critical, not just for compliance but also for maintaining the quality and safety of every dish.

What distinguishes NutriCal’s approach to food safety compliance and sustainability from other players in the industry?

What sets NutriCal apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just tick boxes for compliance; we go a step further to build a culture of food safety and sustainability that becomes part of our partners’ DNA. We help businesses implement real-time monitoring systems that track food safety standards and reduce risk, and we’re always looking for innovative ways to source more sustainably.

Additionally our unique blend of cutting-edge AI, data, and technology with a deep understanding of the human side of food operations. While our platform provides powerful tools for tracking ingredients, managing recipes, and ensuring compliance, we also recognize the importance of working closely with client teams—chefs, food safety experts, and sustainability officers. This collaboration ensures that technology is implemented effectively and tailored to the specific needs of the operation, driving success in real-world settings.

We also keep a sharp focus on the health and safety of every consumer. Our technology tracks not only food safety but also regulations that directly impact consumer well-being, from allergens to proper ingredient sourcing. This dual approach—leveraging both technology and human insight—ensures that we not only meet regulatory standards but also create dining experiences that are safe, healthy, and sustainable.

How does this award align with NutriCal’s broader mission and vision for the future of the food and hospitality sectors?

This award is a huge step in the right direction for us. At NutriCal, we envision a future where the food and hospitality sectors lead in terms of health, sustainability, and operational excellence. Winning this award with Armani/Mediterraneo is a perfect example of what’s possible when we align those values with high-end dining. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s changing the way people think about food—where the focus is on creating healthy, sustainable dining experiences that also deliver on flavor and luxury. It’s a reflection of our broader vision to make these practices the new standard in the industry.

Collaboration was central to this achievement. Can you describe your experience working with the culinary and sustainability teams at Armani/Mediterraneo?

The collaboration with the culinary and sustainability teams at Armani/Mediterraneo was honestly a highlight of the whole project. From day one, everyone was so open and eager to innovate, which made the process a true partnership. We worked hand-in-hand with the chefs to adjust recipes and make sure they met the nutritional criteria while still reflecting the restaurant’s bold, sophisticated style. The sustainability team was equally passionate about minimizing environmental impact, and we were able to come up with creative solutions together, like reducing food waste and using more sustainable packaging. It was a fantastic, collaborative effort that I believe really contributed to our success.

In your view, how does NutriCal’s work contribute to setting a new standard for the hospitality industry in Dubai and beyond?

NutriCal is leading the charge in setting new industry standards that seamlessly balance sustainability, food safety, and nutrition with culinary excellence. Through our innovative use of AI and data technology, we’re reshaping how the hospitality industry approaches food safety, transparency, and sustainability. Our platform ensures that restaurants not only meet the latest regulatory standards but also drive innovation in sourcing, waste management, and food safety protocols.

While this project was based in Dubai, the impact of our work with Armani/Mediterraneo extends globally, serving as a powerful example of how the hospitality industry can integrate sustainability and health-focused practices at every level. At the core of our approach is a consumer-centric mindset, where the demand for transparency and sustainability is becoming a defining factor in dining experiences. NutriCal’s work is part of a broader cultural shift that is transforming the way people think about food, making healthier and more sustainable choices an integral part of the culinary world.

Hospitality

US$90 BILLION HOTEL PIPELINE SET TO EXPAND GCC AND NORTH AFRICA ROOM SUPPLY BY 27 PERCENT

Published

14 hours ago

September 23, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The GCC and North Africa has US$90 billion worth of hotels and resorts in the pipeline, with 200,000 upcoming new rooms set to boost the region’s existing supply by 27 percent, according to HVS data released ahead of the 2026 edition of Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai from 29 September – 1 October.

With around 88,000 rooms currently under construction and another 25,000 in the final planning stages, over 55% of upcoming hotels in the region are set to be delivered between now and 2030, experts say.

Research from global hospitality consultancy, HVS, shows that Saudi Arabia is the dominant force in the Middle East’s hotel expansion, with 110,000 rooms – around 50% of the regional pipeline – under development in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Diriyah, NEOM, the Red Sea and AMAALA. The scale of development is unprecedented, but equally significant is the increasing diversification of products, from large pilgrimage-focused hotels to luxury resorts, branded residences and upper midscale accommodation, the company added.

With 42,000 rooms in the pipeline, Egypt is the second most active country, with projects in Cairo, the North Coast, the Red Sea and emerging mixed-use destinations. Third is the UAE which, as a comparatively mature market, continues to evolve through destination-led developments, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, where projects such as Wynn Al Marjan Island are further expanding the country’s international appeal.

Hala Matar Choufany, President, Middle East, Africa and South Asia at HVS, said: “The hotel development pipeline across the GCC and North Africa remains one of the most significant globally, reflecting continued investor confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The region’s investment in hotel expansion underscores not only the scale of development, but also the depth of capital that continues to back the region’s tourism ambitions.”

HVS insight shows that capital is being deployed with greater discipline than before, increasingly favouring mixed-use developments, branded residences and phased delivery models that improve project economics and manage risk more effectively. Funding models have also evolved, with increasingly diverse capital structures.

“The region’s hotel pipeline is no longer just a story of scale, it’s one of discipline, with capital deployed with far greater intention. But what’s changed the most is how projects are financed. The sector has moved well beyond the traditional mix of developer equity and bank debt. In Saudi Arabia especially, large-scale destination developments are being underpinned by government-backed investment vehicles and strategic public-private partnerships, while developers across the wider region are diversifying revenue streams through branded residences and mixed-use components,” said Hala Matar Choufany.

The 200,000 new rooms will be delivered in phases, hitting the market progressively rather than all at once. Around 44% are currently being built, with much of the remaining supply expected to be handed over in stages through to 2030 and beyond.

Delivery will also vary between markets, with some operating on long-term timelines and others more immediate, according to HVS. In Saudi Arabia, major destination projects are being delivered in phases extending well into the next decade, while the UAE’s delivery pipeline is shorter term, with a significant proportion expected by 2028-2030. In Egypt, the development cycle is spread across several years, particularly in the North Coast, Cairo and Red Sea destinations.

The high-end hotel segment – luxury and upper-upscale properties – continue to represent the biggest share of hotel supply, reflecting strong investor appetite for premium experiences, branded products and integrated resort destinations. At the same time, there is growing activity in the upper midscale segment, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where brands such as Hampton by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield by Marriott and ibis are expanding to support broader tourism objectives and offer more accessible accommodation options.

Hala Matar Choufany added: “The next phase of the region’s hospitality industry will not be defined solely by the number of hotels delivered. Success will increasingly depend on the fundamentals that support long-term performance. Connectivity remains critical, whether through expanded airlift, transport infrastructure or seamless digital access. Equally important is service delivery: as new destinations emerge, investing in talent, operational excellence and guest experience will be essential to ensuring that new supply translates into sustainable demand and attractive investor returns.

“The outlook for the region remains positive, but, as capital becomes more selective and markets more competitive, future winners will be those destinations that combine ambitious development plans with strong execution, connectivity and service excellence. Ultimately, the focus is shifting from simply building hotels to creating sustainable, globally competitive hospitality ecosystems.”

Ali Shahid, CEO of The Bench, organisersof FHS World, said “This data reflects the extraordinary scale of opportunity across the region, and the increasing sophistication of the region’s hospitality investment landscape. At FHS World, investment and real estate will be at the core of the conference agenda, with industry leaders examining where global capital sees opportunity and how investors are recalibrating for returns.”

FHS World 2026 takes place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 29 September to 1 October, under the theme ‘Reinvest in our Future’. See the full agenda here, and discover the growing list of industry-leading speakers here.

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:

About The Bench

The Bench has built a legacy as a global curator of opportunity, designing transformative forums and summits that empower the hospitality and travel industries to connect, innovate, and thrive.

With over two decades of expertise, The Bench creates platforms that go beyond transactions to inspire collaboration and drive meaningful change.

Each event brings together government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel associations, leading hospitality brands, hotel owners and investors, airlines, destination developers, and more. From flagship gatherings like FHS World (formerly AHIC) and FHS Saudi Arabia, to FHS Africa (formerly AHIF) and AviaDev, The Bench creates events where ideas spark, relationships deepen, and investments take flight.

The Bench thrives on fostering dynamic and forward-looking dialogues, uniting industry pioneers to address challenges, seize opportunities, and co-create the future. Each event is crafted to deliver more than just connections – it’s about transforming ideas into action and building a better tomorrow. Discover more at thebench.com.

Hospitality

Stomping Grounds Marks International Coffee Day With Buy One, Get One Free Coffee and Bottomless Filter

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Stomping Grounds, the Aussie-owned café in Jumeirah 1, is marking International Coffee Day with an offer built around one simple idea: have another cup or three! On Thursday, 1 October 2026, guests who buy any coffee can pick one of two ways to keep going:

•Taking it away? Buy any coffee and get a second one of the same, free.
•Dining in? Enjoy bottomless filter coffee all day.

This year’s International Coffee Day is the first since the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised 1 October in March 2026, acknowledging the millions of farming households whose livelihoods depend on coffee.

“Every cup we pour started with one hardworking farmer and their family. They put in the hard yards all year, then we grind a few grams, push a couple buttons, pull a lever or two, draw a little leaf with the milk and take all the compliments, ” said Ryan Godinho, founder of Stomping Grounds. “So have another cup, ask the team where it came from, and give a quiet nod to everyone who got it here. We’ve been at this since 2015, and the best part is still seeing someone who popped in for a quick coffee settle in an hour later, second cup in hand, chatting with our team. That’s the whole idea.”

The coffee is roasted in Dubai by its partners at Specialty Batch, who have been pioneering the UAE’s specialty coffee scene since 2011 and have filled every grinder at Stomping Grounds since day one. The menu runs from its house blends through to rotating single origins and seasonal micro lots.

On the day, the filter brews will rotate through exceptional coffees from Brazil, Kenya, El Salvador and Colombia. Four countries, no passport required.

The baristas are trained, know their stuff and love a coffee chat. Guests can discover a new favourite micro lot or simply get a recommendation based on what they normally drink.

Whether you stick to your usual order, try something new or settle in for a bottomless cup of filter, it’s a good day to drink a little more and find out what you like.

About Stomping Grounds
Tucked away in Jumeirah 1, off the main roads and away from the malls, Stomping Grounds is an escape from the hustle: close enough to the water for a post coffee wander, far enough from the traffic that you can actually hear yourself think. Owner-operated since opening in 2015, it has a warm, rustic vibe, a menu built for people who properly enjoy eating, and an exceptional coffee programme roasted locally by Specialty Batch. It’s pet-friendly, so four-legged regulars are welcome too, and the team are switched on hospo professionals who care about the details, from the first coffee of the morning to the last plate out of the kitchen.

There’s plenty of free parking nearby, which makes life that much easier. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, a quick cuppa, a laptop session, or one of those “I’ll just pop in for a coffee” visits that somehow turns into brunch. Happens to the best of us.

Terms:
Valid Thursday, 1 October 2026 only, during opening hours. Takeaway: one free coffee per coffee purchased; the free coffee must be the same drink, same size, and
is served on the same visit. Bottomless filter coffee is for dine-in guests only and runs all day with any coffee purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers. While coffee stocks last.

Details
Location: Villa 98, 12D Street (corner of 51st Street), Jumeirah 1, Dubai | Phone: +971 4 344 4451 | Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30am to 8pm; Friday-Sunday: 7:30am to 11pm | Instagram: instagram.com/stompinggroundsdxb | Website: stompinggrounds.me

Hospitality

Tbilisi Youth Art Market is launching its first exhibition project in Tbilisi

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

TYAM – Tbilisi Youth Art Market is launching its first exhibition project in Tbilisi. The project brings together emerging and independent artists, galleries, collectors, cultural institutions, and international experts from the art world.

The event will take place from September 25–27, 2026, at the National Palace of Youth, on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. TYAM is a new platform created to support young and independent artists, increase their visibility, and establish connections with the broader art market.

The first edition brings together artists working in Georgia and abroad under the theme “COEXISTENCE.” The concept reflects the meeting of different generations, artistic practices, perspectives, and approaches within one shared creative space.

The programme includes an Art Market section, public and panel discussions featuring international guests, opportunities for professional networking and the development of an artistic network, as well as a special VIP programme. TYAM aims to become a new point of attraction for Georgia’s and the international creative community, connecting artists with collectors, galleries, institutions, and the wider public.