Hospitality
The Muse and Views and Beyond: Inside Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah with Shadi Refai

At the shimmering edge of Palm Jumeirah, one hotel continues to shape the future of hospitality in the UAE: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. At its helm is Shadi Refai, Hotel Manager with more than 25 years of experience, who blends strategy with empathy to lead one of the city’s most dynamic destinations.
A Leader Evolved: From Operations to Visionary
Throughout his career, Refai’s leadership has transformed significantly. Initially, he focused on operations, where structure and performance were paramount. However, over time, his role expanded into one that emphasizes people-first thinking, strategic agility, and cultural awareness.
“I lead with clarity of vision, but I leave room for creativity,” he says. “I see myself as both a strategist and a coach.”
Notably, his experience in opening major properties such as Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and the Palm Jumeirah taught him to unify diverse teams under one shared vision. Today, he leads as both a strategist and a coach, balancing operational excellence with emotional intelligence.
Building Morale with Humor, Fairness, and Heart
Naturally, managing a flagship property through its pre-opening phase and beyond requires more than just systems—it requires soul. According to Refai, fairness, humor, and heart aren’t soft values; they’re serious leadership tools.
“We lead by listening. We recognize, we reward, and we keep the energy human,” he explains. This human-first culture is reflected in standout moments—from launching the lively Negroni Lounge to curating brunches that balance fun with flavor.
Sustainability by Design, Not Slogan
While many brands talk about sustainability, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah has woven it into its very structure. As Refai notes, “It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about rebuilding from the ground up.”
For example, smart HVAC systems optimize energy without compromising comfort. Additionally, car park exhausts and kitchen ventilation have been re-engineered for efficiency. The property even generates solar power for its spa, leading to significant reductions in both emissions and costs.
“We’ve saved AED 285,000 per month in cooling costs alone,” Refai adds.
Moreover, digital upgrades like paperless check-ins and mobile keys cut down on waste while enhancing the guest experience.
Ten F&B Concepts, One Unified Experience
With 10 distinct F&B venues, from Barfly by Buddha Bar to the family-focused Imagination Brunch, consistency and innovation are top priorities.
Through cross-training, clear strategy, and open communication, Refai ensures each venue has space to thrive. “Innovation lives in the details,” he adds, noting how each Negroni venue found its twist—from tableside service to live jazz pairings.
Hospitality Rooted in Human Connection
Despite the scale, Refai’s mission is simple: create a space where everyone feels seen and heard.
“We’re not just running a hotel. We’re creating moments of belonging—for guests, for our team, and for the community,” he says.
He stays visible on the floor, connects with team members daily, and reinforces inclusivity as both a company value and a personal mission.
What’s Next: Trends That Matter
Looking ahead, Refai is tracking several key shifts:
- –Tech-savvy hospitality that balances digital with personal
- –Purposeful travel, where sustainability and ethics influence bookings
- –Curated culinary experiences that are local, authentic, and engaging
- –Inclusivity as a standard, not an option
Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, under his guidance, is ready.
For more on this, make sure to check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator
Hospitality
TIMES SQUARE CENTER FOSTERS COMMUNITY TOGETHERNESS THIS EID WITH MR. KIND


Times Square Center will mark Eid Al Fitr with a three-day family experience from 20–22 March 2026, running 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily, featuring the beloved mascot Mr. Kind.
Under the theme “LOVE EID – A Day of Caring, Sharing & Fun!”, the event invites families to experience a lively programme of interactive shows, creative workshops, and engaging activities designed to entertain children while sharing positive messages around kindness, courage, and friendship.


Young visitors will also receive a complimentary Mr. Kind’s Book of Missions, packed with activities, badge stickers, and access to a library of transformational songs and missions that extend the fun beyond the event.
Event schedule
- Mr. Kind Village Workshop (Creativity corner) : 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Ground Floor
- Mr. Kind Show + Meet & Greet: 4:15 – 5:00 PM & 6:00–6:45 PM | Ground Floor
- Mr. Kind Parade: 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM | Roaming throughout the Mall
With music, performances, and interactive experiences throughout the day, Times Square Center aims to provide a friendly space for families to connect and share meaningful moments together.
At Times Square Center, the safety and wellbeing of our community remain a priority. We encourage everyone to follow any guidance or protocols issued by the relevant authorities.
Hospitality
BKRY PARTNERS WITH BROOKI BAKEHOUSE FOR EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION CROOKIE

This Ramadan, bkry unveils an exclusive collaboration with Australia’s cult-favourite Brooki Bakehouse by introducing the bkry Brooki Crookie. Priced at AED 39 per piece, this special edition pastry will be available daily until the end of Ramadan in limited quantities exclusively at the bkry pop-up in Marsa Boulevard.
Thoughtfully developed as a celebration of shared creativity and experimental baking, the collaboration brings together bkry’s artisanal approach with Brooki Bakehouse’s globally renowned flavours. Designed to be enjoyed as a moment of indulgence after sunset, the Crookie reflects both brands’ craftsmanship, curiosity, and comfort-led baking.
At the heart of the collaboration is the Crookie: a buttery, flaky croissant filled and topped with wholewheat brown-butter cookie dough, and enveloped with Tanzanian milk chocolate. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, gooey centre, the Crookie offers a layered textural experience that combines richness with subtlety.


To mark the official launch, bkry Founder and Head Chef Kameel and Brooki Bakehouse Founder Brooke Bellamy will be present at Marsa Boulevard on Saturday, 28 February at 8:00 PM, celebrating the partnership and their shared passion for innovative baking.
Founded by Brooke Bellamy, Brooki Bakehouse is an Australian-born bakery known for its indulgent, cult-favourite baked goods and playful approach to classic flavours. What began in Brisbane has grown into a globally recognised brand with a loyal international following, driven by Brooke’s distinctive style and community-led storytelling. Celebrated for bold flavours, generous textures, and modern comfort baking, Brooki Bakehouse brings a globally relevant perspective to the collaboration, making it a natural partner for bkry’s experimental, craft-led approach.


Available throughout Ramadan at bkry’s Marsa Boulevard pop-up, the bkry x Brooki collaboration reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to meaningful partnerships and thoughtful experimentation – bringing together global influence and local craftsmanship in moments designed to be shared and savoured, setting the tone for a collaboration everyone has been waiting for.
Hospitality
THE BILTMORE VILLAS DUBAI INTRODUCES EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE VILLA STAYCATIONS THIS EID


The Biltmore Villas Dubai unveils a limited-time Exclusive Private Villa Staycation, inviting guests to indulge in a rare blend of seclusion, sophistication, and resort-style living within one of Dubai’s most prestigious luxury villa resorts.
Conceived for discerning guests who appreciate privacy and understated luxury, the fully serviced villas offer the spaciousness of a private residence complemented by the attentive service and refined amenities of a world-class resort. Each villa is appointed with a private temperature-controlled swimming pool, an in-villa cinema, and secure underground parking with direct access to the residence, all set within a gated enclave with round-the-clock security.
Guests booking during the promotional period will enjoy a curated collection of premium benefits:
- 25% off the Best Available Rate
- AED 1,000 daily resort credit
- Underground secure parking
- Complimentary 60-minute daily padel session
- Complimentary daily fitness classes
- Complimentary daily laundry service
The experience offers an elegant urban retreat where privacy, generous living space, and personalized hospitality come together to create an exceptional staycation in the heart of Dubai.
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