Hospitality
We Don’t Just Tick Boxes; We Build a Culture of Food Safety and Sustainability
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
A NEW YEAR OF INDULGENCE: ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI INTRODUCES JANUARY’S MUST-EXPERIENCE MOMENTS
The New Year marks a time to reconnect, explore new experiences, and enjoy the region at its best during the winter season. This year, ME by Meliá Dubai invites guests to ease into the months ahead with a thoughtfully curated collection of seasonal experiences designed to be enjoyed at any pace.
Whether it’s discovering a brand-new daytime brunch, enjoying relaxed dining under the stars, stepping away from the workday for a leisurely business lunch, unwinding with indulgent spa rituals, or beginning to plan Iftar gatherings ahead of the holy month, there is something to suit every mood and moment as the year begins.
BRUNCH:ED
Just launched, BRUNCH:ED is ME by Meliá Dubai’s newest Saturday experience, an elevated daytime brunch set on the hotel’s terrace. Guests are invited to enjoy a carefully curated international buffet featuring hot and cold selections, interactive live cooking stations, and vibrant live entertainment, all set against stunning panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline.
The experience includes a generous spread of freshly prepared dishes, from vibrant seasonal salads and handmade pasta crafted at live stations to perfectly grilled favourites hot off the flame, all finished with an irresistible selection of decadent desserts designed to satisfy every sweet craving.
For those looking to extend the experience, the afternoon continues with an after-party, allowing guests to soak up the atmosphere and keep the energy going well beyond brunch.
After Dusk Ramadan Edition
Experience the spirit of Ramadan at ME by Meliá Dubai’s Level 1 terrace, where guests are invited to gather for a heartwarming Iftar served at sunset. Set within an elegant and refined setting, the experience features a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional and contemporary flavours, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere that makes each evening of the holy month truly special.
Wellness by ME – AWAKEN
After the busy festive period, it’s time to slow down, unwind, and truly rejuvenate. Wellness by ME, the hotel’s spa, invites guests to fully restore with a 60-minute Tailor-Made Royal Massage, a therapeutic treatment combining dry techniques and deep oil stretching to release muscular tension, improve flexibility, and respond to each body’s individual needs.
To elevate the experience further, guests may enjoy a complimentary add-on of either a 30-minute body scrub or an additional 30-minute massage. The wellness journey also includes full access to the pool and sauna, along with a refreshing beverage to complete this moment of relaxation.
Central Restaurant – Business Lunch
This January, Central Restaurant welcomes guests to step away from the hustle and enjoy a well-deserved pause with its Business Lunch, a thoughtfully crafted experience designed to inspire warmth, connection, and culinary delight. Curated by the Executive Chef, the seasonal menu highlights comforting flavours and refined touches, celebrating the very best of the season in every dish.
Guests can savour standout creations such as the Charming Broccoli, featuring smoky charred broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon; the luxuriously smooth Golden Velvet Soup; the refreshing Papaya Mist, with delicate smoked salmon and vibrant edamame; the Coral Catch, a warm, succulent grilled prawn and nutty bulgur salad; the aromatic Sun Souvlaki, with tender chicken, soft pita, and creamy tatziki; and the decadent Ricotta Fold, silky spinach and ricotta ravioli finished with butter and parmesan.
For a comforting finish, an assortment of desserts provides the perfect sweet ending. This midday experience is the ideal retreat from a busy day, offering both flavour and relaxation.
Whether dining solo, taking a well-earned break from the day or gathering colleagues for a networking lunch, this midday experience offers a deliciously memorable way to savour the season.
Grill by ME
January is the perfect season for al-fresco dining! Guests are encouraged to enjoy a relaxed yet elegant evening at ME by Meliá Dubai’s striking Pool Terrace with Grill by ME. Set inside the architectural icon that redefined the city’s skyline, this new open-air dining experience pairs contemporary style with effortless comfort – the kind of place where chilled beats, live grill stations, and ME Dubai’s signature modern energy come together seamlessly. Guests can explore a thoughtfully curated buffet featuring fresh salads, handmade pasta crafted at interactive stations, sizzling grilled favourites, and decadent desserts, all designed to elevate simple flavours with finesse.
Perfect for intimate evenings or vibrant gatherings with family and friends, Grill by ME offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Dubai after dark.
The Cabana Experience
Soak up the winter sunshine in ultimate style with the Cabana Experience. Perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the pool, or simply lounging in comfort, each cabana is designed to be a private oasis. Standard room guests can enjoy a cabana for AED 250 (for two people), complete with two refreshing beverages of choice, mineral water, cooling towels and a hand fan, plus sun protection by Deeper Beauty to keep everyone perfectly pampered under the sun. Suite guests receive a complimentary cabana with the same indulgent inclusions. Whether it’s sipping a chilled drink poolside, cooling off in the pool, or simply basking in the rays, the Cabana Experience transforms an ordinary day into a sun-soaked escape full of relaxation, fun, and effortless luxury.
Deeper Beauty – Sun Care Elevated
ME by Meliá Dubai proudly continues it’s collaboration with Deeper Beauty, a UAE-born SPF brand that seamlessly blends inclusivity, sustainability, and high-performance skincare. Crafted to protect and celebrate every skin tone, Deeper Beauty’s lightweight, non-white cast formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without compromise, making it especially suited for darker complexions. Perfect for sun-soaked days by the pool or outdoor adventures, it ensures skin stays nourished, protected, and radiant.
Whether applied before a relaxing cabana day or on-the-go, Deeper Beauty makes sun protection effortless, effective, and suitable for every skin tone.
Whatever the experience, ME by Meliá Dubai is the perfect place to spend January – a destination to indulge, unwind, relax, and reconnect.
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.
-
Tech News1 year agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR9 months agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech Interviews2 years agoNavigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News6 months agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
News10 years ago
SENDQUICK (TALARIAX) INTRODUCES SQOOPE – THE BREAKTHROUGH IN MOBILE MESSAGING
-
Tech News2 years agoBrighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
VAR1 year agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Editorial1 year agoCelebrating UAE National Day: A Legacy of Leadership and Technological Innovation


