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
Viva Italia! Future Hospitality Summit World showcases Italy’s new golden age of tourism with exclusive Country Pavilion

The Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World is unveiling a wealth of investment opportunities in Italy’s hospitality sector, with an exclusive pavilion showcasing the country’s new golden age of tourism.
The Italy Pavilion, on show at FHS World, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, 27-29 October, will highlight the growth, evolution and future goals of the country’s hospitality and tourism sector, which is gearing up for a surge in lifestyle and boutique developments, heritage renovations, wellness retreats and sustainability-focussed offerings over the next 3-5 years.
Investor confidence in Italy has been boosted by a robust rebound of international tourism, with record arrivals over the last two years. Overnight stays reached 458.4 million in 2024, with overseas visitors accounting for more than half of them, making Italy the second most popular tourism destination in Europe, after Spain. Italy is seeing the fastest growth among major European destinations.
Marco G. Malacrida, Italia Hospitality founder, said: “Italy’s incredible – and historic – hospitality sector performance last year has created a virtuous circle, with increased demand fueling more investment, which in turn enables Italy to offer increasingly sophisticated hospitality products. The country is seen as a safe haven for capital and a dynamic, growing market that delivers long-term returns, particularly in projects that focus on sustainability, innovation, and premium, experience-led tourism. At FHS World, we will showcase how strong tourism demand, high-spending visitors and year-round appeal – backed by a government and tourist board commitment to facilitate investment, promote sustainability and enhance infrastructure – make Italy a solid choice for investors looking to create financial returns and a cultural impact.”

While luxury remains a cornerstone of Italy’s hospitality and tourism sector, lifestyle hotels, resorts and unique offerings in emerging Italian destinations and lesser-known regions are seeing the most dynamic growth. Investors are discovering the potential of places beyond traditional destinations such Rome, Florence and Milan, and shifting their focus to regions from Abruzzo to Sicily, Puglia to Piedmont, and Umbria to the Dolomites. There is also huge potential in turning Italy’s historical villas, monasteries and palaces into hospitality icons, while adventure, sports, arts, music and gastronomy tourism are also expanding rapidly.
With investors and travellers increasingly favouring destinations that respect the environment, support local communities and create long term value, Italy is also spotlighting sustainability as a key pillar of its future tourism strategy.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of the Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: “Italy is open and ready for investment, and we are delighted to help facilitate that investment with our exclusive Italy Pavilion at FHS World. Demand, diversification and discovery in Italy’s hospitality and tourism sector are creating exciting opportunities to become part of the country’s future – and to play a role in realising the country’s economic, tourism and sustainability goals. Viva Italia!”
The FHS World Italy Pavilion is one of four country-focused stands at the event, with the Maldives, Albania and the Philippines also featured.
Visit futurehospitality.com/world/country-pavilions for more details, and Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) | Homepage for all things FHS World.
Hospitality
NANDO’S UAE JUST GOT SAUCIER WITH NEW WINGS AND BOTTOMLESS TUESDAYS!

There’s something new on the grill at Nando’s UAE, and it’s set to turn up the flavour. The brand has unveiled its all-new Saucy Wings, available in two bold flavours, Honey & Soy and Spicy Brown Sugar, bringing a fresh twist and a little extra fun to Nando’s flame-grilled classics. Launching alongside is Bottomless Wing Tuesdays, a new midweek ritual that invites guests to add unlimited wings, and unlimited flavour, to their week.
The new Saucy Wings take a familiar favourite and turn it up a notch. Honey & Soy glazes each wing in smooth, savoury sweetness, while Spicy Brown Sugar delivers deeper caramelised heat with a gentle kick. Both are flame-grilled to perfection, coated generously, and made for sharing, comfort food that’s simple, bold, and unmistakably Nando’s.
Every Tuesday from 11 AM to 6 PM, diners can dig into Bottomless Wing Tuesdays and enjoy unlimited wings for one hour at AED 80. Running for a limited time from October 21st to November 18th, it’s perfect for flavourful catch-ups and easy midweek gatherings – turning an ordinary lunch or early dinner into something worth talking about.
“We wanted to bring something new, but in a way that still feels unmistakably Nando’s,” says George Kunnapally, Managing Director at Nando’s UAE. “Saucy Wings take something everyone already loves and give it a fresh twist – familiar, but more expressive. And with Bottomless Tuesdays, we’re creating an experience that’s all about sharing good food, good flavour, and a bit of fun.”
With its flame-grilled roots and unmistakable PERi-PERi spirit, Nando’s continues to evolve its menu while staying true to what it does best, food that’s honest, flavourful, and made to share.
Hospitality
MICHELIN-STARRED KONJIKI HOTOTOGISU INTRODUCES TWO NEW SIGNATURE RAMEN

The famed Tokyo ramen atelier Konjiki Hototogisu, led by Chef Yamamoto, is excited to introduce two brand-new signature ramen in Dubai, Duck Shoyu Ramen and Chicken Edamame Wonton Ramen. These additions mark a new chapter in the brand’s journey of blending Japanese craftsmanship with Dubai’s evolving dining scene.
Handpicked by Chef Yamamoto-san following strong guest demand, the two new ramen dishes continue the brand’s commitment to authentic, artfully balanced flavours.
The Duck Shoyu Ramen presents a deeply layered broth made with duck and Japanese dashi, complemented by mushroom fig sauce and truffle pistachio sauce, and finished with tender duck chashu. It showcases the chef’s meticulous attention to flavour and texture, offering a bowl that feels indulgent yet refined. In contrast, the Chicken Edamame Wonton Ramen brings a gentler harmony of flavours, combining a cloudy chicken and scallop broth with basil paste, edamame and rolled chicken chashu. Light yet satisfying, it offers a comforting warmth that highlights Konjiki’s ability to create depth even in simplicity.
Chef Yamamoto-san recently visited Dubai to mark the official opening of the new Palm Jumeirah Mall branch, located on Level 1, a milestone moment for the Michelin-recognised ramen house as it continues to expand Tokyo’s celebrated ramen culture across the UAE. The new restaurant builds on the success of Konjiki Hototogisu’s Mall of the Emirates branch, which has earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand in both 2024 and 2025.
The Palm Jumeirah Mall location reflects Konjiki’s dedication to precision and authenticity, translated into a welcoming setting that mirrors the artistry of every bowl. Guests can expect a dining experience rooted in Japanese culinary philosophy while embracing Dubai’s growing appetite for quality and creativity in gastronomy.
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