Hospitality
Açaí Isn’t Just a Superfood, It’s a Movement for the Planet
Exclusive Interview with Ryan Black, CEO & Cofounder, SAMBAZON
SAMBAZON’s presence at Gulfood 2025 highlights your global reach. What are your key objectives for participating in this major event?
SAMBAZON’s participation in Gulfood 2025 underscores our commitment to expanding the global reach of açaí and driving awareness around sustainable superfoods. Our key objectives include:
– Showcasing our new branding and product innovations to industry leaders and consumers.
– Strengthening relationships with existing and potential distribution partners across the Middle East and beyond.
– Reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and Fair Trade by educating stakeholders on how responsible sourcing impacts both people and the planet.
– Aligning with emerging food trends to position açaí as a key player in the evolving health and wellness movement.
What trends in the food and beverage industry, especially around superfoods like açaí, do you anticipate seeing at Gulfood 2025?
– Functional foods & beverages: Consumers are prioritizing nutrient-dense foods with health benefits, and açaí is at the forefront with its antioxidant-rich profile.
– Plant-based and clean label nutrition: There’s a growing demand for organic, minimally processed, and transparently sourced products like ours.
– Sustainable and ethical sourcing: With heightened awareness about environmental impact, brands with traceable supply chains and strong sustainability commitments like SAMBAZON will continue to gain traction.
– Exotic superfruits in everyday diets: Açaí’s versatility makes it a perfect fit for smoothies, bowls, and on-the-go nutrition, aligning with the trend of convenient yet nutritious eating habits.
Can you share more about SAMBAZON’s Fair Trade initiatives and how they’ve impacted local communities in the Amazon?
SAMBAZON was founded on the principle of conscious capitalism, ensuring that our açaí supply chain is ethically and sustainably managed. Through our Fair Trade Certified program, we:
– Pay premium wages to family farmers in the Amazon, fostering economic growth in rural communities.
– Reinvest in local infrastructure projects, including schools, healthcare facilities, and clean water initiatives.
– Promote biodiversity and rainforest preservation by supporting sustainable harvesting techniques.
To date, our Fair Trade Fund has generated over $1 million in direct contributions to Amazonian communities, helping create a more sustainable future for both people and the planet.
Açaí has become a global superfood sensation. What do you believe fueled its rise, and how has SAMBAZON shaped that narrative?
– Health & wellness movement: As people seek nutrient-dense foods, açaí stands out for its antioxidants, healthy omegas, and low sugar content.
– Social media & food culture: Açaí bowls became an Instagram sensation, influencing their popularity worldwide.
– Sustainability & ethical sourcing: Consumers are drawn to brands with purpose, and SAMBAZON’s commitment to Fair Trade and sustainability has helped differentiate us.
– Product innovation: We’ve played a pivotal role in making açaí accessible through frozen packs, ready-to-eat bowls, and beverages.
SAMBAZON pioneered the first certified organic and Fair Trade açaí supply chain, making it possible for people around the world to enjoy açaí while supporting the Amazon and its communities.
What are some common misconceptions about açaí?
Despite its global popularity, açaí is still misunderstood in several ways.
– “Açaí is only a dessert.” In reality, açaí is incredibly versatile – great for smoothies, bowls, drinks, and even savory applications.
– “All açaí is the same.” Not true! Quality varies based on sourcing, processing, and ingredient transparency. SAMBAZON ensures premium quality with organic and sustainably harvested açaí.
– “Açaí is high in sugar.” Pure açaí contains no added sugar – it’s naturally low in sugar, with rich antioxidants and healthy fats.
From an NFL player to a social entrepreneur, your journey is inspiring. What motivated you to transition into the food industry and start SAMBAZON?
The journey to founding SAMBAZON was fueled by a passion for healthy living, sustainability, and making a positive impact. While traveling in Brazil, I was introduced to Açaí and discovered the incredible nutritional benefits of açaí and saw an opportunity to bring it to the world in a way that was ethical and environmentally responsible.
Our goal wasn’t just to build a brand but to create a business model that protects the Amazon rainforest, supports local communities, and delivers high-quality nutrition to consumers. That vision still drives us today. We are a Triple Bottom Line company.
Gulfood is all about discovering what’s next. What’s the next big thing in food delivery that you believe will disrupt the industry?
The future of food delivery is evolving rapidly, with several disruptive trends coming up.
– Sustainable packaging & zero waste solutions: Consumers demand more eco-friendly packaging, and brands will need to innovate to reduce plastic waste.
– On-demand superfoods & functional beverages: Consumers want quick access to high-nutrition products, and we expect a rise in superfood-based grab-and-go solutions.
SAMBAZON is already positioned for this shift with our ready-to-eat bowls and beverages, making superfoods more convenient and accessible.
Hospitality
Bobi Bowl Celebrates Hari Kemerdekaan Indonesia with Free Dessert on August 17
Dubai-based Indonesian restaurant Bobi Bowl is marking Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia, or Indonesian Independence Day, on August 17 with a sweet thank-you to the UAE community that has supported its journey.

Guests dining in at Bobi Bowl on August 17 will receive a complimentary serving of Klepon Merah Putih, a special edition of the traditional Indonesian dessert created for the occasion. The chewy glutinous rice balls are filled with palm sugar and coated in freshly grated coconut. While klepon is traditionally green, Bobi Bowl has coloured this special version red to reflect the colours of the Indonesian flag.
The celebration comes as Bobi Bowl reflects on the past few months, which have not always been easy, but were made possible by the incredible support of the UAE community. As part of the occasion, Bobi Bowl also hopes to continue sharing the flavours of Indonesia with more people across the country.
Among its Indonesian best sellers are Beef Rendang, tender beef slow-cooked in a rich blend of spices and coconut; Beef Empal Gepuk, a sweet and savoury Indonesian beef dish cooked for 18 hours until exceptionally tender; and Nasi Ayam Geprek, crispy fried chicken served with fiery sambal.

This August 17, Bobi Bowl invites the community to celebrate Indonesia’s independence, one bowl and one sweet ending at a time. Bobi Bowl is located at Ground Floor, Shop No. 12, Wasl Port Views Building 5, Al Mina Street, opposite the Port Police HQ, Dubai.
Hospitality
Radisson Hotel Group introduces Türkiye’s first Radisson Blu branded residence with the opening of Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal.

Radisson Hotel Group announces the opening of Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal, the first Radisson Blu branded residence in Türkiye, further strengthening its presence in the country, with a property combining the flexibility of long-stay living with the services and standards of the Radisson Blu brand. Located on Istanbul’s rapidly developing Asian side, the new property offers spacious contemporary residences, extensive wellness facilities and convenient access to the city’s major business districts, transportation hubs and leisure attractions.
Offering 200 contemporary serviced apartments, including one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal is designed for both short and extended stays. Guests can enjoy all-day dining, a lobby lounge, flexible meeting facilities, a fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, while many residences offer panoramic views of the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands.
Accommodation
Designed around the needs of today’s modern traveler, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal offers much more than accommodation. Whether visiting Istanbul for a short business trip, an extended assignment or a family getaway, guests can enjoy spacious living areas, thoughtfully designed interiors and personalized hospitality in surroundings that offer both flexibility and comfort. With contemporary social spaces, premium amenities and seamless connectivity throughout the city, the hotel provides a residential experience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Meetings & Events
Whether hosting a board meeting, workshop or private event, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal offers six contemporary meeting spaces, including two boardrooms and four flexible event rooms. Supported by the Radisson Meetings concept and modern audiovisual technology, every event is delivered with seamless service and personalized hospitality.
“With Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal, our goal was to create more than just a place to stay—we wanted to create a place where guests truly feel at home while enjoying the quality, comfort and personalized service that define the Radisson Blu experience. Whether visiting for business, an extended stay or leisure, guests can enjoy the flexibility of a residential setting together with the trusted standards of the Radisson Blu brand. We look forward to welcoming our guests to a new residential hospitality experience on Istanbul’s Asian side,” says Burak Aydın, General Manager of Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal.

Dining
Dining at Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal has been designed to complement the hotel’s residential concept, creating welcoming spaces where guests can enjoy everything from a relaxed breakfast to informal business meetings and evening gatherings.
The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant offers a carefully curated menu featuring both international favorites and locally inspired cuisine in a contemporary setting. Whether starting the day with a generous breakfast or enjoying dinner after a busy day in the city, the restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the warm hospitality of the Radisson Blu brand.
At the heart of the hotel, the Lobby Lounge & Bar serves as a natural meeting point for guests throughout the day. Designed as a comfortable social space, it offers premium coffee, light bites, signature beverages and a welcoming environment for informal meetings, casual conversations or moments of relaxation.
Wellness & Leisure
The hotel features modern fitness facilities, indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna, spa facilities and dedicated relaxation areas designed to promote wellbeing in a calm and elegant environment. Panoramic views across the Marmara Sea further enhance the experience, creating an atmosphere where guests can disconnect from the city’s pace while enjoying moments of tranquility.
“The introduction of Radisson Blu Residences to Türkiye marks an exciting new chapter for our portfolio in one of our most important growth markets. Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal demonstrates our commitment to bringing diversified hospitality offerings to the country while continuing to create long-term value for our owners, guests and local communities,” says Baran Türkel, Managing Director, Development & Franchise Services, Türkiye.
Location
Ideally positioned on Istanbul’s Asian side, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal offers excellent connectivity to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, the M4 Metro Line, Marmaray and Istanbul’s major motorway network. Guests can easily reach the Istanbul Financial Center, Pendik Marina, Bağdat Avenue and the Princes’ Islands, making the property an ideal base for both business and leisure travel.
Hospitality
Address Jabal Omar Makkah Enhances Summer Pilgrimage Experiences with Night Umrah Stays
As the summer evenings bring cooler temperatures to the Holy City, Address Jabal Omar Makkah invites pilgrims to experience the tranquility of Night Umrah, where worship, reflection, and comfort come together in one of Makkah’s most sought-after locations.
Located just steps from Al Masjid Al Haram, the spiritually centered luxury hotel offers guests the opportunity to perform Umrah during the peaceful evening hours before returning to refined hospitality, panoramic Haram-view accommodation, and thoughtfully designed experiences that place spirituality at the heart of every stay. Drawing on its exceptional location and guest-focused hospitality, the hotel continues to offer an experience centered on ease, comfort, and meaningful spiritual connection.
A Peaceful Time for Night Umrah
As temperatures become more comfortable after sunset, many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during the evening, when the atmosphere around Al Masjid Al Haram becomes calmer and more serene. With its unrivalled proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, Address Jabal Omar Makkah allows guests to move effortlessly between worship and rest, making the Night Umrah experience both convenient and deeply meaningful.
Whether preparing for evening prayers, returning after Tawaf and Sa’i, or embracing quiet moments of reflection, guests are welcomed into an environment thoughtfully designed around the rhythm of pilgrimage, allowing more time to focus on what matters most.
Moments Above the Holy City
Among the hotel’s most remarkable experiences is the iconic Sky Musallah, an elevated prayer hall set on a skybridge between the 36th and 38th floors. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest suspended prayer hall overlooking the Holy Kaaba, the Sky Musallah offers panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing an extraordinary setting for prayer and quiet contemplation above the city.
As evening falls and Al Masjid Al Haram is illuminated, guests can experience moments of serenity in one of Makkah’s most distinctive spiritual landmarks, creating memories that remain long after their pilgrimage has ended.
An Experience Rooted in Comfort and Spiritual Connection
Following moments of worship at Al Masjid Al Haram, guests can retreat to elegantly appointed Haram-view rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, tranquility, and uninterrupted views of the Holy Kaaba and the city skyline. Dining experiences at The Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge celebrate Saudi and Hejazi flavors, with menus thoughtfully structured around prayer and fasting schedules.
Combining exceptional proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, refined hospitality, and experiences inspired by the spiritual rhythm of Makkah, Address Jabal Omar Makkah provides an ideal setting for pilgrims seeking a meaningful Night Umrah experience this summer. The hotel’s recent international recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards further reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
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