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Açaí Isn’t Just a Superfood, It’s a Movement for the Planet

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Açaí

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

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

MÖVENPICK HOTEL APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN DUBAI INVITES GUESTS TO A RELAXED SUMMER ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

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Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai welcomes guests to experience a seamless blend of comfort, space, and convenience with its thoughtfully designed rooms and apartments, ideal for a stress-free city escape.

Located moments away from iconic attractions, the property offers a tranquil retreat amidst the vibrancy of Downtown Dubai. Whether for a short staycation or an extended getaway, each apartment is designed to provide a sense of ease, combining modern interiors with practical living spaces.

Guests can unwind in spacious accommodations featuring fully equipped kitchens, dedicated living and dining areas, and serene bedrooms, creating a home-away-from-home experience tailored for both leisure and business travellers.

Perfect for the summer season, the hotel presents an inviting setting for those looking to slow down and recharge, while still staying connected to the energy of the city. From relaxing mornings in light-filled spaces to evenings spent exploring nearby landmarks, every stay is curated to offer both comfort and flexibility.

With warm, intuitive service and a focus on guest well-being, the property continues to deliver experiences that are both comfortable and memorable.

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Hospitality

THE AGILITY AND RESILIENCE OF THE UAE HOSPITALITY SECTOR

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Words by Professor Scott Richardson, PhD. Academic Dean, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches

The UAE’s hospitality sector has, despite major unprecedented situations over the last few years, consistently demonstrated strong resilience, supported by strategic planning and long-term investment. This resilience is built on four key factors: continued government support and foreign capital investment in hospitality attractions and large-scale events, strong air connectivity and ease of travel, diversified guest and visitor experiences, and world-class infrastructure. These elements position the nation as one of the most adaptable markets in the world, where operational excellence is reinforced by a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to shifting global conditions with agility and empathy.

The Role of Education in Driving the UAE’s Hospitality Sector

The UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 outlines an ambitious vision to increase the sector’s contribution to AED 450 billion in GDP while attracting 40 million visitors annually. Tourism has a direct correlation to hospitality, and the sector is already performing strongly. Over the first nine months of 2025, hotels across the Emirates welcomed more than 23 million visitors, up nearly 5% on the same period in 2024. By late 2025, the UAE’s hotel inventory had reached approximately 1,260 properties with 216,900 rooms, and occupancy reached 79.5% between January and November. Looking ahead, the market is projected to add over 26,000 new hotel rooms across more than 100 projects through 2026, highlighting a substantial development pipeline that will shape the sector’s growth trajectory. As both capacity and demand rise, the focus inevitably shifts towards the people behind the experience, reinforcing the need for a workforce equipped to support this growth and deliver unparalleled visitor experiences.

Educational institutions are uniquely positioned to drive this growth. By embedding real-world training, critical thinking, and adaptability into academic frameworks, they ensure that graduates enter the industry prepared to navigate complexity without compromising on service standards. Through our curriculum here at Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, for example, students not only acquire world-class operational and management skills, but also embrace the Emirati Hospitality Identity in everything they do. They are prepared to deliver service grounded in the warmth of Emirati customs, guest etiquette, and cultural storytelling, while ensuring a modern guest experience. In this way, our graduates are prepared to respond to any operational challenges while meeting the nuanced expectations of a diverse and international guest base.

Industry Collaboration

Collaboration between tourism boards, private-sector operators, and education institutions helps hospitality professionals develop the skills required to navigate periods of uncertainty, while maintaining high service standards. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, our programmes are designed in close collaboration with public and private sector partners to support the UAE’s Emiratization goals and larger 2030 Tourism Strategy, empowering local talent with the tools and leadership capabilities needed to shape the future of the nation’s hospitality sector. Emiratis currently represent 41% of the student body, including 21% of BSc students and 59% of MSc students who are Emirati women, underscoring our commitment to advancing inclusive talent development, while supporting long-term workforce stability. As educators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom, for our future leaders to grow alongside an industry that continues to evolve quickly.

Looking Ahead: Building a Workforce for a Resilient Hospitality Sector

Agility has become a defining feature of the UAE’s hospitality sector, evident in the way service is delivered, guest expectations are managed, and how teams maintain composure under pressure. The impact of recent regional airspace closures, which left many travelers unexpectedly stranded, highlights this. Hotels across the country worked closely with local authorities to provide extended accommodation and meals for affected travelers at no extra cost, with some properties opening additional rooms, ensuring all guests were looked after. It’s a testament to the sector’s high responsiveness and commitment to guest wellbeing, even in the most unexpected situations.

The UAE’s position as a leading global destination is the result of sustained investment, robust infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, it is essential to nurture talent that is ready to strengthen that position, responding with agility, professionalism, and genuine care for every guest. By placing education at the center of this progression, we can reinforce the foundation of the sector, equipping our talent to maintain high service standards through periods of change and uncertainty, while supporting the UAE in rebuilding and delivering the world-class hospitality it’s renowned for.

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