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Designing destinations – How STORY Hospitality Weaves Culture, Comfort, and Convenience into its Sublime Spaces

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STORY Hospitality

By Victor Abou-Ghanem, CEO, STORY Hospitality

More than just places to stay, STORY Hospitality’s hotels are immersive experiences. By blending cultural authenticity with contemporary luxury, the brand creates spaces that inspire, delight, and stand the test of time.

Great hospitality design transcends aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that shape experiences. Whether it’s an awe-inspiring lobby, a room that tells a story with every detail, or a restaurant that transports guests, the best hotels masterfully blend beauty with belonging.

A challenging balance to strike, yet STORY Hospitality does it exquisitely.

With a luxury hotel portfolio that spans the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian Ocean, the Abu Dhabi-based brand (the hospitality arm of Abu Dhabi Capital Group) takes a deeply considered approach to design. Each property is a poetic reflection of its surroundings and heritage, making way for cultural authenticity to flow throughout the guest experience.

And while the vision is robust, the challenge lies in execution, often bringing larger-than-life concepts to realisation while ensuring it all remains functional, timeless, and sustainable.

Striking the right balance between form and function

Luxury and comfort are central to STORY Hospitality’s approach, but designing a hotel is never just about looks. Each design decision must also serve the overall guest journey.

“Functionality is critical,” says CEO Victor Abou-Ghanem.

“Guests should feel at ease in our spaces. But we also understand the impact of aesthetics – sometimes, bending practical rules to captivate the eyes and heart is worth it.”

That means prioritising practicality where it matters most – ergonomic seating, intuitive room layouts, and seamless workspace integration – while allowing for creative expression to tell a broader story. Statement pieces that become social media moments are encouraged, while high-touch surfaces, like corridor walls, are designed with durability in mind.

A story in every space

What sets STORY Hospitality apart is its ability to craft a distinct narrative for each property. Instead of rolling out a standardised design template, the brand takes inspiration from the local culture and history of each destination.

One standout example is STORY Rabat, designed by the renowned Studio MHNA. The hotel pays tribute to Zyriab, the 9th-century visionary who redefined art, music, and culture.

The design blends Moroccan soul with European sophistication, featuring intricate hand-carved details, majestic courtyards, and the warm and inviting glow of traditional lanterns. In the guest rooms, Sabra (vegetable silk derived from aloe vera cacti), a shimmering fibre used in Moroccan garments, adds a rich textural layer to the décor.

This is just one of several examples, where STORY Hospitality delves into the details of local culture and proudly shines a spotlight on them through each property’s design.

Turning concept into creation

A strong concept is only the beginning. Turning a design vision into a functioning hotel, on time and within budget, is one of the loftiest challenges in the industry.

“Execution is always the hardest part,” CEO Victor admits.

“Hospitality projects involve multiple stakeholders, and time is always a factor. Delays cost money, so we have to deliver quality without compromising deadlines.”

Sustainability is another indispensable consideration. All STORY properties hold Green Key certification, an internationally recognised mark of eco-conscious hospitality. From energy-efficient lighting and smart building systems to low-flow water fixtures and locally sourced materials, sustainability is woven into each property’s design philosophy.

Balancing trends with timeless design

Hotels must remain relevant for years, even decades, after they open.

STORY Hospitality approaches this challenge by ensuring that core design elements are timeless, while allowing for flexibility in how spaces are activated. “Sometimes, it’s not about changing the physical space but about how you curate it,” Victor notes. “A conference corridor can feel entirely different depending on how a coffee break is set up. Lighting can completely transform a spa – or any space’s – ambience. These details keep a space feeling fresh.”

Going beyond a place to stay

STORY Hospitality believes that hotels go beyond just places to stay, they’re part of a journey. Whether a guest is travelling for business, relaxation, or adventure, the hotel experience should complement and enhance their trip, shaping their memories along the way.

“We’re in the business of crafting experiences. Travellers don’t just want a bed for the night, they want a connection to the destination. Our role is to be part of that story.”, Victor concludes.

What does the future of hospitality design look like?

As the industry evolves, STORY Hospitality is keeping an eye on emerging trends that align with its brand values. Smart and contactless technology, AI-enabled personalisation, and carbon-neutral hotel initiatives are all on the horizon.

By embracing innovation while staying true to its commitment to cultural authenticity, guest comfort, and sustainability, STORY Hospitality is proving that great design isn’t just about how a hotel looks – it’s about how it makes people feel.

Hospitality

YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE INTERESTING AT SIYAM WORLD

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Part of the Lifestyle Collection of Sun Siyam, Siyam World has never really done “ordinary.” And with two of its most high-energy island experiences now firmly on the weekly roster, families, groups and anyone with a competitive streak have even more reason to book that trip.

Lace Up: The Siyam World 3K Wellness Run:

Every week, guests gather at the start line for the Siyam World 3K Wellness Run, where good vibes meet great views. Clearly marked pathways guide the way to a marathon-style route around the island but the rules are simple: go at your own pace, take in the views, and enjoy the moment. Run it, jog it, or power-walk it with a smoothie in hand. No judgment here. Cross the finish line and you’ll earn an exclusive Siyam World 3K Run badge, the most stylish souvenir you’ll take home, and the ultimate bragging rights for completing a 3K on the most epic island in the Maldives. It’s all about moving, smiling, and enjoying the moment.

Game Faces On: The Amazing Race

For families and groups ready to turn up the heat, The Amazing Race is exactly what it sounds like, chaotic, competitive, and seriously good fun. Teams of up to five kick off at the starting point before racing across the island, completing challenges and hunting down clues at every turn. Five challenges. Multiple locations. Zero time to waste. It’s a test of speed, teamwork and quick thinking with a generous helping of chaos thrown in for good measure. And the rewards? Very worth running for. The winning team takes home a complimentary excursion, second place hits the waves on a banana boat, and third place gets behind the wheel at the Maldives’ first-ever resort based electric go-kart circuit. Not a bad consolation prize.

Whether you’re chasing that runner’s high, racing your kids across the island, or just looking for something a little different from the usual sun-lounger routine, Siyam World delivers. Every experience is designed to bring people together, keep the energy high, and create the kind of memories that don’t fade with the tan.

A World Beyond Your Wildest.

Siyam World’s summer offer makes it easier than ever to say yes. Save up to 45% off, enjoy USD 150 resort credit, and settle in to Premium 24hrs WOW! All-inclusive from the moment you arrive. Stay 4 nights and a seaplane transfer is on the house — stay 7 and that extends to two guests, plus a floating breakfast for two. And for families, children under 12 stay completely free when sharing with adults. The only question is how long you can stay. Book your stay NOW.

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Hospitality

MAMMA & ME: A HEARTFELT ITALIAN MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION AT FALCONE

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This Mother’s Day, FALCONE – the award-winning Neapolitan pizzeria in Al Barsha – invites mothers and their children to celebrate with Mamma & Me, a warm, interactive afternoon centred on homemade Italian food, creativity and family quality time.

Taking place on Sunday 10 May from 1pm to 4pm, the event is designed to create meaningful moments between mothers and their children through a hands-on, chef-led pizza-making workshop.

During the workshop, children will create their mother’s favourite pizza using a selection of toppings, while mothers will prepare their child’s favourite pizza in return. Each pizza will be served in a heart shape, adding a festive touch to the occasion and forming a memorable, photo-friendly centrepiece for the table.

To continue the celebration throughout the day, Mother’s Day cards will be placed on tables for daughters and sons to write and draw personalised notes.

Mamma & Me is a relaxed family experience where food, shared time at the table and small gestures turn a simple meal into something special. It is the perfect way for families to create unforgettable memories with their mothers this Mother’s Day.

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Hospitality

THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY CONSUMPTION IN THE UAE

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Exclusive interview with Lucas Xie, General Manager Keeta UAE

The UAE’s food and hospitality ecosystem is evolving rapidly; how would you define Keeta’s role in shaping this transformation today?

    The UAE’s hospitality ecosystem is entering a more mature and nuanced phase; where growth is increasingly defined by quality, consistency, and the ability to meet evolving consumer expectations.

    At Keeta, our role is to support this evolution in a practical and sustainable way. We focus on enabling better everyday experiences, helping customers access trusted choices while ensuring that convenience is paired with reliability and value.

    At the same time, we see ourselves as part of a broader ecosystem. The UAE is home to a diverse mix of long-standing institutions and emerging concepts, and our role is to support their continued growth by providing the infrastructure, visibility, and operational support needed in a digital-first environment.

    Our role is to strengthen both sides of the experience, enhancing how people engage with food while supporting the resilience of the restaurant sector.

    Your career spans major platforms like Baidu Waimai and Ele.me. What core lessons from scaling in China are most relevant to the UAE market today?

      A key lesson I have learnt from scaling in China is that long-term success is built on consistency and trust, rather than short-term drivers alone.

      While speed and convenience are essential, what ultimately matters is delivering a reliable experience that customers can depend on over time. This is what builds lasting engagement.

      Another key takeaway is the importance of using data in a meaningful way. Data is most valuable when it enables better decisions; helping platforms and restaurant partners understand behavior, improve operations, and adapt to changing needs.

      At the same time, each market has its own unique characteristics. The UAE stands out for its diversity, strong regulatory environment, and high expectations for service quality. What translates best is a disciplined approach to execution, combined with the ability to adapt to local dynamics with precision and respect.

      How do you see the relationship between delivery platforms and restaurants evolving—from transactional to strategic partnerships?

        The relationship is naturally evolving into a more integrated and collaborative model. Restaurants today are looking for partners who can contribute to their long-term growth, beyond simply facilitating orders. This includes supporting areas such as demand planning, menu optimization, and understanding customer behavior.

        At Keeta, we approach this as a partnership built on shared success. Our focus is on enabling restaurants to operate more efficiently, reach the right audiences, and maintain the quality and identity that define their brand.

        This is particularly relevant in the UAE, where many businesses are deeply rooted in the community, and where sustainability is closely linked to maintaining authenticity and consistency.

        Keeta operates at the intersection of logistics and technology; how is data shaping decision-making for restaurant partners?

          Data plays an increasingly important role in how decisions are made across the ecosystem. For restaurant partners, it offers clear visibility into customer preferences, ordering patterns, and evolving trends. This allows them to make more informed decisions around menu design, pricing, and operations.

          From a logistics perspective, data enables greater efficiency; helping optimize delivery times, improve reliability, and enhance the overall customer experience. Our focus is on ensuring that these insights are practical and actionable. The objective is not to provide more data, but the right insights that can support tangible improvements in day-to-day operations.

          Keeta has been rapidly strengthening its presence in the UAE, what have been the key drivers behind this growth? And could you share any recent milestones or initiatives that signal Keeta’s long-term commitment to the region?

            Our progress in the UAE has been driven by a clear focus on building a strong  foundation aligned with the country’s economic vision.

            Since launching in September 2025, Keeta has expanded to cover all seven emirates, with an approach centered on operational excellence, local partnerships, and long-term ecosystem contribution.

            A key part of this has been supporting SMEs. Today, we have integrated over 5,000 UAE-based SMEs onto our platform, supporting the UAE’s transition toward a diversified, innovation-led economy.

            Looking ahead, our strategy is focused on two priorities: technology investment and SME empowerment.

            This is reflected in our recent partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), where we are working to accelerate the digital transformation of SMEs and strengthen the broader food delivery and logistics ecosystem.

            Our commitment to the UAE is long-term, focused on building a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven hospitality landscape.

            Given the UAE’s position as a global trade and logistics hub, how are ongoing supply chain dynamics and regional developments shaping the way food delivery platforms operate and scale locally?

              Operating in a global hub like the UAE requires both agility and resilience.

              The strength of the country’s infrastructure provides a solid foundation, and comes with high expectations for consistency and reliability.

              For platforms, this means working closely with partners to navigate changes in supply, demand, and operational conditions. It also reinforces the importance of strong systems and real-time insights to maintain stability.

              It also reinforces the role of delivery platforms in maintaing continuity, ensuring that customers have dependable access to food, while enabling restaurants to adapt to changing conditions.

              What strategic priorities are guiding Keeta’s long-term roadmap in the UAE, particularly as the market matures and competition intensifies?

                As the market evolves, our focus remains on building long-term value across the ecosystem.

                This includes enhancing everyday value for customers through consistency and reliability. It also involves deepening our partnerships with restaurants, supporting their growth while preserving what makes them unique. Finally, we continue to invest in operational excellence and technology to meet evolving expectations and ensure a high-quality experience across all touchpoints.

                Our approach is grounded in contributing meaningfully to the ecosystem, supporting its growth in a way that is balanced and aligned with the UAE’s broader vision.

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