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Accor Appoints Raki Phillips as Regional President for Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Middle East, Africa & Turkiye

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Portrait of Raki Phillips, Regional President for Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Middle East, Africa & Turkiye - Accor

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

CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON AT VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI

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A beautifully presented Festive Roasted Turkey Takeaway from VOCO BONNINGTON Dubai, complete with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and classic gravy in a ready-to-serve setting

The holidays feel a little brighter at voco Bonnington Dubai, where a full calendar of celebrations brings December to life in the most joyful way. Whether you are planning a big family brunch or or bringing the feast home, voco Bonnington has something ready to make your season shine.

Festive Takeaways

Why spend hours in the kitchen when a festive spread can arrive ready to serve? voco Bonnington Dubai brings the celebrations home with thoughtfully prepared takeaway feasts, perfect for sharing around the table. Choose a juicy roast turkey with all the classic trimmings for AED 849, or opt for a comforting roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy for AED 549. Each dish is prepared by the hotel’s culinary team and designed to make hosting feel effortless.

Christmas Day Brunch at The Cavendish Restaurant

Celebrate Christmas Day with a spectacular buffet spread, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re toasting with bubbles or keeping it family-style, The Cavendish sets the scene for a day of good food, great company and endless cheer.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner – Countdown in Style

Welcome 2026 at The Cavendish with a festive gala dinner designed for celebration. A  decadent spread of international favourites paired with live entertainment set the tone as the countdown to midnight begins. Gather with friends and family to raise a toast to new beginnings.

Festive Group Bookings – Gather, Feast, and Celebrate Together

The Cavendish offers a welcoming setting for festive group celebrations, from office gatherings to end-of-year catch-ups with friends. Curated group menus are available from AED 149 per person for a minimum of 20 guests, creating the ideal backdrop for shared moments and seasonal celebrations.

This festive season unfolds at voco Bonnington Dubai through generous feasts, lively celebrations and a welcoming atmosphere. It is a place to gather, celebrate and enjoy the moments that

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Hospitality

ARCADE EATERY & BAR RINGS IN 2026 WITH A STARRY NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

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A festive whole roasted turkey from ARCADE EATERY & BAR, served on a platter surrounded by a colorful assortment of roasted root vegetables and classic holiday side dishes.

Arcade Eatery & Bar by Aloft Me’aisam invites guests to celebrate the season in style, offering its exclusive New Year Countdown Dinner Under the Stars, a tailored festive menu for office gatherings and a Festive Turkey Takeaway.

Set against the charming backdrop of Dubai Production City, the venue delivers a mix of vibrant outdoor celebration, delicious cuisine, refreshing drinks and lively entertainment for memorable year-end moments.

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN DINNER UNDER THE STARS

Guests can enjoy an evening of unlimited drinks and a sumptuous dinner buffet, complemented by live entertainment and a thrilling raffle draw. The event offers a welcoming atmosphere ideal for friends, families and colleagues seeking a memorable way to mark the year’s end under the open sky.

When: 31st December 2025
Time: 8:00pm to 12:00am
Where: Arcade Eatery & Bar by Aloft Me’aisam, Dubai Production City

FESTIVE OFFICE GATHERINGS

Arcade Eatery & Bar also extends its festive offerings to teams and corporate groups looking to celebrate together. Whether it’s an intimate team dinner or a full office gathering, the venue provides flexible options suited to every group size.

  1. Customised festive menus tailored to group preferences
  2. Indoor and outdoor event spaces
  3. Dedicated team support for seamless event planning
  4. Special group packages available

Arcade Eatery & Bar by Aloft offers the ideal setting for teams to connect and celebrate the season, blending great food with a warm, social atmosphere.

FESTIVE TURKEY TAKEAWAY

A complete festive feast featuring a perfectly cooked turkey and seasonal favourites. Aloft Me’aisam introduces a ready-to-serve 5–7 kg turkey prepared with bread stuffing and turkey gravy or cranberry sauce. Each order includes a choice of two complimentary sides from a line-up of festive favourites such as Waldorf salad with candied walnuts, roasted new potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, parsnip brussels sprouts and bacon, butter sautéed green beans and Christmas fruit cake. Additional sides are available for AED 25. Ideal for family celebrations, office gatherings, and at-home festive dining.


Early Bird Offer: 25% discount on advance orders
Booking: Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance

Thanksgiving Turkey
Early Bird Deadline: 18th November 2025
Regular Orders: Accepted until 25th November 2025
Collection: 27th –28th November 2025

Christmas Turkey
Regular Orders: 5th –31st December 2025
Early Bird Deadline: 18th  December 2025
Collection: From 7th December 2025 onwards

Aloft Me’aisam sets the stage for a flavour-packed festive season, featuring seasonal favourites, lively entertainment and memorable end-of-year moments.

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Hospitality

A FESTIVE FEAST BY AL HALLAB: SIGNATURE FESTIVE CATERING MENU FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

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A beautifully presented whole Festive Roasted Turkey Feast from AL HALLAB, served with classic holiday accompaniments and Middle Eastern sides on a large platter.

This festive season, Al Hallab invites you to celebrate with warmth, flavour, and togetherness through its beautifully curated Festive Catering Menu, a thoughtfully designed selection of traditional Lebanese dishes and seasonal favourites, crafted to elevate every gathering.

Perfect for hosting at home, office events, or large-scale celebrations, the menu brings together the richness of Al Hallab’s culinary heritage with festive classics. Guests can enjoy standout dishes such as Roasted Turkey, prepared in both Oriental and Continental styles, complete with signature chestnut stuffing, fragrant rice, and seasonal roasted vegetables. The menu also includes festive favourites like Samke Harra, comforting Chicken Pie, and Roast Beef served with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables, offering something for every palate.

For those looking to build a generous grazing table, the Festive Menu includes a selection of gourmet starters such as Smoked Salmon, Gourmet Charcuterie, and Al Hallab’s signature dips, including Spicy Hummus and Hummus Avocado. Vibrant salads like Freekeh Salad, Berry Salad, and the classic Waldorf add fresh balance to the feast.

To complete the celebration, Al Hallab’s dessert selection brings a sweet festive touch with beautifully crafted Bûche de Noël in Chocolate, Hazelnut, or Chestnut, alongside an assortment of freshly made Profiteroles and a seasonal Fruit Platter—the perfect finish to any holiday spread.

Whether for an intimate dinner or a grand event, Al Hallab’s Festive Catering Menu offers convenience, presentation, and exceptional taste, ensuring every celebration is memorable and stress-free.

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