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
CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY & INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH NEWBY TEAS
This Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day, honour the remarkable women who shape our lives with a gift that invites reflection, connection, and quiet celebration.
Moon Box

Moon Box – This year, International Women’s Day falls within the holy month of Ramadan. Just as the crescent moon marks a new beginning, women continuously nurture, guide, and support us through life’s many cycles. Our Moon Box is a heartfelt way to honour the incredible women who illuminate our lives, just as the moon lights the night sky.
The Gate Calendar

The Gate Calendar – Women open doors to love, wisdom and boundless possibility. Step through an enchanting gate and unlock the magic within, as the majestic doors reveal 30 days of tea indulgence.
Newby Zodiac Collection

Newby Zodiac Collection – Inspired by the timeless fascination with the stars, the Zodiac Collection pairs each sign with a carefully selected luxury tea chosen to reflect the character and personality associated with its constellation. Presented in elegant midnight-blue caddies adorned with Swarovski® crystal constellations, each blend offers a distinctive expression of the zodiac.
Crown Assortment

Crown Assortment – The jewel of Newby’s gifting collection, the Crown Assortment offers an exceptional introduction to the world of tea. Thoughtfully curated, it presents a harmonious selection of black teas, green teas and tisanes, or a combination of all three, each chosen for its depth, character and balance.
Van Gogh Tea Collection

Van Gogh Tea Collection – Created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, this exclusive trio of bespoke tea blends is inspired by the celebrated works of Vincent van Gogh. Beautifully presented and available exclusively online, it makes a refined and artistic gift.
Mathew Williamson

Mathew Williamson – Designed by Matthew Williamson, this vibrant collection celebrates Color, craftsmanship and indulgent tea moments. Each blend offers a sensory journey through carefully layered aromatic ingredients. Available individually or as a complete set of three.
Hospitality
ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.
Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for
The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.
Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.
Hospitality
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.
As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.
The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.
The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.
The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.
As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.
Event Details
Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm
Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am
Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR
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