Hospitality
Accor Appoints Raki Phillips as Regional President for Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Middle East, Africa & Turkiye
Accor has announced the appointment of Raki Phillips as Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East & Africa & Türkiye, effective November 2025. He succeeds Paul Stevens in leading one of Accor’s most strategically important regions.
Phillips will oversee hotel operations performance across a network of over 250 hotels in 27 countries, and a robust pipeline of over 85 openings further anchoring Accor’s presence across the region. He will report to Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy division in Middle East Africa & Asia Pacific.
With more than 20 years of global experience, Raki Phillips is widely regarded as one of the most influential tourism leaders in the Middle East. Most recently, he held the role of CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), where he spearheaded the Emirate’s transformation into one of the region’s fastest growing and most progressive tourism destinations. Under his leadership, the destination tripled tourism revenues, expanded its international airlift, helped secure the Wynn Resorts deal – the largest FDI in the emirate – and launched landmark sustainability initiatives.
Phillips is also a former Fairmont Raffles Hotels International executive, where he held senior commercial roles and contributed to global brand expansion, adding operational depth and luxury expertise to his wide-ranging profile, including the ramp up of the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah Complex as well as Fairmont hotels across the Middle East and India. His earlier career includes senior roles with Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, blending deep operational experience with a sharp commercial mindset. In recent years, he has been consistently recognised among the Middle East’s top travel and tourism executives, noted for his ability to drive results through culture, community engagement, and innovation.
“Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. As we move into the next stage of growth in the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, it’s important we strengthen our leadership presence locally. With his deep understanding of the region, and strong relationships across both public and private sectors, Raki is perfectly positioned to deepen our community ties, accelerate development, and continue to elevate the strength of our brands. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact,” Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale & Economy, MEA APAC, Accor.
Phillips’ appointment follows the announcement that Paul Stevens shall be departing in October. Paul’s tenure with Accor spans nearly three decades. Under Paul’s leadership, we’ve seen strong growth, operational excellence, and a deep cultural shift. He built a unifying One Team spirit and launched standout initiatives like Choir Games, Think Like an Owner, and Race to Survive, raising millions for children’s health and community causes. A committed champion of inclusion and purpose, he led DIA, Purpose Week, Accor’s Purpose Statement, and localised RiiSE and SheLeads across Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. His impact earned global recognition, including Best Business Unit and multiple Bernache Awards for ESG and business excellence.
Phillips joins Accor at a time of strong momentum across the region, with over 350 hotels, 92k rooms and 140 hotels (31K rooms) in the pipeline. The Group’s Premium, Midscale &Economy division has posted healthy year-on-year growth, with key markets such as the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia showing strong performance and development potential. With an ambitious pipeline and growing demand for diverse hospitality experiences, his appointment reinforces Accor’s commitment to local leadership and market-led innovation.
Based in Dubai, Phillips will oversee a diverse brand portfolio that includes Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis, while also supporting owners and partners to unlock long-term value and guest loyalty.
Hospitality
ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS LUNCH WITH ROHINI AT MÖVENPICK JLT
Rohini at Mövenpick JLT has unveiled a weekday Business Lunch bringing fresh Indian flavours to midday dining. With a two-course menu for AED 80 and a three-course menu for AED 95, both inclusive of soft drinks or water, the offering delivers great flavour and value in one easy decision. Served Monday to Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, it’s a great-value option for a more enjoyable midday break.
Rohini aims to keep the experience simple and pleasant. Guests can choose from a lineup of Indian starters, mains, and desserts that pair familiar comfort with a modern touch. Each dish is designed to be balanced and enjoyable without slowing down the rest of the day, making it ideal for quick catch-ups, team lunches, or a quiet moment away from the desk. Rohini’s warm, comfortable setting adds to the appeal. Service stays efficient, and the overall atmosphere keeps the focus on good food and a smooth midday pause.

What to Expect:
● A curated 2 or 3 course Indian Business Lunch with soft drinks or water
● Starters, mains, and desserts featuring clean, flavour-forward Indian dishes
● Balanced portions suited for workday dining
● A relaxed, welcoming space ideal for meetings and weekday breaks
Rohini’s Business Lunch offers great value, steady flavour, and a comfortable setting, making it an easy choice for anyone craving Indian food in the JLT area. It is straightforward, satisfying, and designed to brighten up the middle of a busy day.
Business Lunch Details:
● Monday to Friday | 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
● AED 80 for 2 courses, AED 95 for 3 courses (with soft drinks or water)
Hospitality
Experience a Daily Treat at Authors’ Lounge: Fresh Croissant and Unlimited Coffee
Authors’ Lounge at voco Bonnington Dubai has just launched a delightful daily offer that provides an elevated café experience that’s both practical and easy to fit into any routine. Guests and visitors can now enjoy a warm, freshly baked croissant served with unlimited pours of their preferred coffee for just AED 65 per person.
The lounge is known for its welcoming atmosphere, spacious seating, and steady, reliable service. Fresh bakes and a well-rounded beverage selection make it a natural choice for quick meetings, relaxed catchups, or quiet time with a book. The new offer brings together value, comfort, and ease, making it an effortless pick for both regular guests and visitors.

What you can look forward to:
- A daily selection of warm, artisanal bakes
- Unlimited refills of premium coffee with your croissant
- A chic and calming café atmosphere ideal for meetings, musings, or me-time
- The option to linger longer with access to all-day dining
Author’s Lounge remains a steady favourite for those who enjoy calm spaces and good flavours. In line with voco Bonnington Dubai’s approach to warm hospitality and quality dining, the lounge focuses on thoughtful plates, attentive service, and an inviting atmosphere that appeals to both hotel guests and the wider JLT community.
Hospitality
CULINARY SECRETS OF AN INSPIRED PALETTE
Exclusive Interview with Vladimir Chistyakov, Brand chef & restaurateur, Himitsu
Questions:
We’ve heard that your journey started with a moment of inspiration – where did this happen and what was it about that experience that truly changed your perspective on food?
It all started in my hometown, in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. I grew up surrounded by honest, simple food, such as baked potatoes, pickled mushrooms or smoked fish. It wasn’t about luxury; rather the food symbolised care, emotion, and connection. Later, I realised that true gastronomy isn’t about complexity, it’s about truth, and the kind of flavour that brings you back to a memory and can capture you in nostalgia.
You’ve built restaurants that feel personal in story and style. How do you bring this style and individuality into the collective rhythm of a kitchen?
A kitchen is a living organism. It breathes with rhythm, emotion, and trust. I try to build a culture where creativity doesn’t belong to one person. We talk, taste, argue, grow and learn together. When the team understands not only how to cook a dish, but why it exists, individuality naturally becomes part of the collective rhythm.
What’s the wildest flavour pairing you’ve experimented with that actually worked?
Birch smoke and blackcurrant. It happened by accident, where the aroma of burnt birch met the berry’s acidity and created an unexpected harmony. Sometimes nature whispers solutions before logic does.

You’ve lived and worked across different cultures. What’s one culinary philosophy from Russia that continues to shape your approach?
Respect for the product. In Russia, especially in Siberia, people have always cooked with what they had and it teaches care and gratitude for your ingredients and produce. When you treat nature’s gifts with appreciation and honour, the dish will always find its balance.
Dubai’s culinary scene is buzzing with innovation, what excites you most about being a chef here right now?
Freedom. In Dubai, you can experiment without boundaries. People are open, curious, and ready to experience food emotionally. For a chef, it’s the perfect place to grow — creatively and personally.
Himitsu means “secret” in Japanese. What is the secret ingredient that becomes essential to creating unforgettable dining experiences?
Attention. Not just to ingredients, but to people, sound, light, the mood of the evening and overall ambiance. The secret lies in harmony, when everything feels effortless, yet deeply intentional.

Quick Questions:
One word that best describes your cooking philosophy?
Cooking philosophy: Honesty.
First dish you made that made you think, “I’m a chef now”?
The first dish that made me think, “I’m a chef now” was a Black Sea white fish — simply roasted, served with millet porridge and fermented root vegetables. Minimalism with character
A secret ingredient for turning dishes into exquisite flavours?
Secret ingredient for flavour: Time, patience that allows flavours to unfold.
Your signature dish, and the story behind it?
Meat smoked on birch bark with bone marrow sauce and pickled peppers. A dish that symbolises my background, my future and my creativity – fire, tradition, and character.
The one technique you think every chef should master?
Roasting: it teaches you timing, temperature, and intuition.
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