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
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS AT ARTISAN BAKERS’ THE GARDEN CONCEPT

Artisan Bakers has announced the reopening of its The Garden Concept following a complete refurbishment and expansion, marking an important evolution for the brand’s sixth outlet in Dubai. The refreshed space brings together elevated design, an enhanced menu, and a more seamless guest experience, while staying true to Artisan Bakers’ roots as a warm, neighbourhood bakery and café.
Founded more than 23 years ago and formerly known as Bakemart, Artisan Bakers is a home-grown UAE brand built on European artisanal baking traditions and a deep commitment to craftsmanship. Founded by master baker TK Khaleel, the brand is known for its 18-year-old sourdough culture, preserved in the Puratos Sourdough Library in Belgium, and its focus on handcrafted breads, pastries, and all-day café offerings made using premium ingredients. Today, Artisan Bakers operates six locations across Dubai, combining time-honoured techniques with a modern, community-led café experience.

Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Quoz (Industrial Area 3), the reimagined The Garden Concept has been designed as a relaxed yet elevated space that invites guests to slow down and stay awhile. Open daily from 8 AM – 11 PM, the interiors draw inspiration from classic European café warmth, layered with natural woods, stone textures, and soft lighting. Through its collaboration with The Garden Concept, the space introduces the garden-inspired elements throughout the dining area, including lush greenery, floral accents, and koi fish features, creating a calming indoor-outdoor atmosphere.
The menu at The Garden Concept has been thoughtfully refined to match the upgraded space while remaining rooted in Artisan Bakers’ core offering. Alongside the brand’s full signature bakery range, the refreshed menu introduces upgraded savoury dishes, refreshed breakfast favourites, and a stronger focus on specialty coffee. Weekly specials will rotate exclusively at this location, while a newly introduced Business Lunch (AED 89 for 2 two-course meal and AED 103 for a three-course meal) adds to its all-day appeal.
Signature dishes at The Garden Concept include the Benedict Royale (AED 55), a refined take on the breakfast classic featuring perfectly poached eggs and rich hollandaise, and the Prawn Chilli Herb Cream with Saffron Rice (AED 68), a comforting yet elevated dish that showcases bold flavours and careful technique. Other highlights include Fish & Chips with Tartare Sauce and Artisan’s Morning Delight Toast, while bakery favourites such as the Plain Croissant, Pain au Chocolat, Pistachio Croissant, Mango Mousse Cake, and Kifaya Cake remain at the heart of the experience.
A standout feature of the outlet is the live baking counter, where guests can watch artisan breads and pastries being prepared in real time, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to transparency and craft. The space also features improved display systems for cakes and viennoiserie, a dedicated coffee station, and an enhanced grab-and-go section designed for guests on the move.
With the reopening of The Garden Concept, Artisan Bakers continues to strengthen its presence across Dubai, offering spaces designed for every part of the day, whether stopping in during a morning walk for freshly baked croissants, settling in for a relaxed lunch, or picking up artisanal breads and cakes to take home. Thoughtfully designed and rooted in craftsmanship, the refreshed The Garden Concept brings together elevated café culture and everyday comfort, reaffirming Artisan Bakers as a neighbourhood favourite where guests return time and again.
Hospitality
BLINGWOOD LAUNCHES AS THE MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST MICRO-DRAMA OTT PLATFORM

BlingWood launches as Middle East’s first dedicated micro-drama OTT platform, expanding access to vertical short-form series through multilingual and dubbed content for diverse audiences. The platform features original vertical micro-dramas that combine regional storytelling with global production standards, serving changing viewing habits and demand for short-form premium content, with early BlingWood Originals including titles such as Kadak Coffee, Dooriyan Hi Hai Zaroori, and Forget Me Not.
Designed for today’s digital-first audiences, BlingWood delivers sharp, snappy, and engaging narratives through a proprietary micro-drama format. Each series consists of 30 episodes, with each episode running for two minutes, creating a complete 60-minute mini-series. This structure enables immersive storytelling in digestible chapters, maintaining narrative depth and character development while aligning with modern attention spans.
BlingWood’s content offering is entirely curated and professionally produced. Unlike user-generated platforms, all programming is scripted, written, and produced by industry professionals to ensure consistent editorial and production quality. The platform features professionally produced micro-drama series available in eight or more languages through original, dubbed, and localized versions, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Korean, and others, reinforcing its commitment to language accessibility and cross-market reach. BlingWood focuses on original micro-dramas that resonate culturally while meeting international benchmarks, with the slate spanning romance, character drama, and high-concept fiction, including titles such as Bot Ne Bana Di Jodi and The Perfumer.

Commenting on the launch, Mohammad Faizan, Founder & CEO of BlingWood, said: “With BlingWood, we are introducing a new storytelling format to the Middle East that reflects how audiences consume content today. Micro-dramas allow us to deliver powerful, emotionally engaging stories in a concise format, without compromising on quality or narrative depth. Our vision is to create a platform that champions regional voices while operating at global production standards, positioning the Middle East as a key player in the future of short-form entertainment.”
The launch comes at a time of rapid global growth for the micro-drama category, which has demonstrated strong engagement and monetization potential. Globally, the format has attracted more than 830 million viewers, with approximately 60 percent identified as paying users. Leading platforms in the space have reported significant year-on-year growth, pointing to sustained audience retention and repeat viewing behavior, with BlingWood’s Originals line-up built around this high-retention episodic model.
BlingWood has been strategically designed for rapid global expansion, with an initial focus on key markets including the UAE and India, followed by a broader international rollout. While global in ambition, the platform remains rooted in regional storytelling, offering narratives that reflect local culture while appealing to a worldwide youth audience, supported by a growing slate of BlingWood Original micro-drama series.
With its launch, BlingWood aims to redefine how premium entertainment is created and consumed in the Middle East, establishing micro-drama as a mainstream OTT format and setting a new benchmark for short-form storytelling in the region.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE EID IN STYLE WITH A LUXURIOUS STAYCATION AT KEMPINSKI PALM JUMEIRAH

This Eid, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah invites guests to enjoy a serene seaside escape in the heart of the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Available from March 20–22, the hotel invites families and friends to savour a long weekend of relaxation, connection, and celebration. Available with 40% off and free cancellation up to 3 days before arrival, perfect for an effortless Eid escape.
Whether it’s the first sunrise over the Gulf, laughter shared over breakfast, or quiet moments on a private terrace, each select suite offers a stage for unforgettable memories:
- Ocean Two-Bedroom Suite – 163 m² of refined space with sweeping Arabian Gulf views, a master king bedroom, and a second twin bedroom with en-suite, perfect for family stays.
- Palm Two-Bedroom Suite – 163 m² overlooking the tranquil Palm Jumeirah Lagoon, featuring a generous living area and two beautifully appointed bedrooms.
- Two-Bedroom Suite with Private Pool – 350 m² of ground-level luxury, complete with a private pool and two ensuite bedrooms, offering a peaceful retreat from city life.

Every suite has been designed to blend comfort, elegance, and panoramic views, perfect for capturing those picture-perfect Eid moments, from morning coffees by the window to sunset reflections on the terrace.
Plan Your Eid Escape
The offer is available exclusively for stays from March 20–22, 2026. Whether it’s a family getaway, a friends’ retreat, or a quiet luxury break, Kempinski Palm Jumeirah transforms your Eid into a celebration of style, connection, and memorable moments.
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