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Hospitality
BALANCING AUTHENTICITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND GUEST EXPERIENCE
Exclusive interview with Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President and Head of Development, Middle East, India & Africa, H World International
How has Future Hospitality Summit 2025 shaped up as a platform for thought leadership and collaboration within the hospitality space this year?
The Future Hospitality Summit continues to play an instrumental role in driving impactful dialogue and connections for hospitality brands in the region. This year, the summit highlighted how the industry is evolving towards purpose-driven growth and sustainable transformation.
For H World International, FHS 2025 has provided us with the opportunity to connect with investors, owners, and developers while sharing insights on aligning hospitality development with evolving traveller expectations. The summit’s focus on innovation and long-term value creation aligns with H World International’s vision to grow responsibly across key markets in the Middle East. FHS 2025 highlighted some key industry insights as well as key milestones and achievements by regional and international hospitality brands. We are proud to mark a key milestone on such a dynamic international platform. Globally, H World Group celebrates 20 years this year, with more than 12,000 hotels and 1.1 million rooms worldwide, and conferences such as FHS 2025 have played an important role in shaping our partnerships in the region.
What were some of the key trends or conversations at FHS 2025 that resonated most with you and your brand’s direction?
This year, the summit reflected a significant connection between digital transformation, sustainability, and authenticity as defining themes for the future of hospitality. These trends are shaping investment and operational strategies across the sector. The growing demand for high-quality mid-scale offerings was particularly notable, which has been an important focus for us. Our IntercityHotel brand continues to demonstrate a defining presence across the Middle East, focusing on functionality, urban designs, and efficiency that resonates with younger travellers who value reliability and purpose. We also saw greater emphasis on wellness and purposeful travel. Across our portfolio, the goal remains to create hotels that are operationally efficient, sustainable, and emotionally engaging.
We are incorporating more wellness-oriented elements across H World International’s hotel concepts, from enhanced fitness and relaxation spaces to thoughtful design that promotes rest and recovery. The industry-wide emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and localisation aligns closely with our approach of developing hotels that are operationally efficient while remaining culturally connected to their destinations.
You have led development across three vastly different regions, what’s one cultural insight that’s changed how you view hospitality altogether?
Having worked across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, I have learned that hospitality may be a universal language, but its expression is entirely local. True hospitality is about resonance rather than replication.
Each market carries its own identity. At H World International, we translate these nuances into experiences that combine the local heritage and culture with hospitality excellence that defines our brands in the region. This approach has shaped our expansion in key source markets such as Egypt, where our highly anticipated Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort and Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside, will soon welcome guests to experience world-class hospitality in very distinctive destinations.
Furthermore, Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort is the first international hotel brand in the region – a UNESCO heritage site, offering modern comfort and historic charm. This development reflects H World International’s vision to be the trusted partner of choice for owners and guests across the Middle East and Africa, supporting long-term growth in alignment with national tourism goals.
Can you share your insights on how evolving travel behaviours and cultural expectations are influencing how global hospitality brands redefine “guest experience” today?
Today’s traveller seeks far more than comfort or convenience; they expect a seamless, personalised, and purpose-driven experience. The integration of technology, sustainability, and emotional connection now defines the modern guest journey. Our regional portfolio mirrors these factors with brands such as IntercityHotel offering modern, functional spaces elegantly designed for today’s connected traveller. H Rewards, the world’s largest hospitality loyalty programme with over 288 million members, has also been pivotal to this transformation, allowing us to personalise stays, enhance guest engagement, and offer added value. As guests seek brands that combine quality with sustainability, our hotels integrate energy efficiency, reduced plastic use, and locally inspired designs, ensuring that every stay reflects both modern expectations and the enriched regional culture.
At H World Group, our global presence consists of more than 12,000 hotels and over 1.1 million rooms across 19 countries, enabling us to gain real-time insights from diverse guest demographics and cultural nuances. This scale gives us a deeper understanding of what travellers value most, enabling us to deliver experiences that balance local authenticity with consistent global quality.
We are seeing travellers seeking more authenticity and emotional connection, how is H World International interpreting this shift in its hotel concepts?
Authenticity and emotional resonance are increasingly central to how travellers define value. At H World International, we view this shift as an opportunity to craft experiences that tell a story, one that connects the guest to the culture, community, and sense of belonging. Across our portfolio, this philosophy is reflected through architecture, design, and locally inspired experiences. A great example is IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan, opening in June 2027, which blends German hospitality traditions with contemporary Saudi design influences, creating a product that feels both international and locally relevant.
Likewise, our Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort in Egypt is inspired by the cultural and natural heritage of its surroundings, embodying a timeless design that honours the authenticity and spirit of Saint Catherine, a UNESCO heritage site.
This balance between cultural integrity and operational excellence enables us to create environments where guests feel genuinely connected to their destination.
With generational and cultural differences shaping travel demand, what challenges or opportunities do you see in designing experiences that feel globally relevant yet locally grounded?
The hospitality sector is navigating a complex yet exciting landscape, where generational and cultural diversity are reshaping what guests value. Younger travellers prioritise digital convenience, flexibility, and sustainability, while established segments continue to seek consistency and service excellence. The challenge and the opportunity lie in harmonising these expectations. At H World International, we are focusing on creating spaces that transcend demographics, combining timeless comfort with modern relevance. We integrate sustainable design, local materials, and technology to ensure our hotels remain adaptable and meaningful in every market.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai is extending a warm welcome to four-legged guests with the launch of ‘Pawfect Stay on the Palm’, a thoughtfully curated pet-friendly staycation package. The new offering coincides with the unveiling of the resort’s 14 newly added Palm Seaview Rooms with Terrace, boasting an expansive outdoor entertaining and sun basking area.
The resort has also announced exclusive collaborations with two prominent homegrown UAE pet brands, Furchild Pet Nutrition and Pet World UAE. These partnerships aim to enhance the stay for pet owners by providing them with exclusive access to offers and discounts on high-quality, locally trusted food and pet accessories throughout their visit.
Located on the second floor, these new rooms blend stylish design with outdoor access, making them the ideal base for guests travelling with pets. Their introduction enables the resort to officially become the first five-star property on Palm West Beach to welcome pets, reinforcing Marriott’s guest-first philosophy.
From the moment of arrival, pets are made to feel like VIPs. A special welcome at check-in includes tailored treats, a welcome letter, and an in-room pack featuring a pet bed along with food and water bowls and branded “Pet in Room” door hanger for use during their stay and take home goodies – chew toy and a walking map. The experience continues with a pet-inclusive breakfast, and a choice of lunch, or dinner that can be enjoyed either in-room or at MYAMI. Dining outlets Myami and Bal Harbour Beach now offer dedicated pet menus and shaded seating, while the Fountain Area provides a relaxed space for downtime.
A highlight of the stay for many guests is access to the Promenade along Palm West Beach, a scenic, pet-friendly stretch perfect for early morning walks, sunset strolls, or simply soaking in the beachfront atmosphere. Widely considered one of Dubai’s best walking spots for dogs, it’s just steps from the resort and easily accessible from the pet-friendly rooms.
“Guests told us what they wanted, and so we created it,” said Gerrit Schmitt, General Manager, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. “The addition of pet-friendly stays reflects our commitment to evolving with our guests and delivering meaningful moments of connection. We’re proud to be the first five-star resort on Palm West Beach to open our doors to pets. It’s a natural next step in creating personalised experiences that we hope guests and their furry friends will treasure forever.”
To celebrate and champion this new chapter of hospitality within the local pet community, the resort has teamed up with two of the UAE’s foremost homegrown pet brands. This means every guest bringing their pets can enjoy special offers and discounts from Furchild Pet Nutrition, the UAE’s first and leading fresh and raw pet food company, and Pet World UAE, a premium retailer offering a wide variety of pet products and accessories. These partnerships ensure all pet parents can avail the highest quality, locally trusted food and supplies throughout their stay at the resort, while the canine and feline guests are truly treated like royalty, creating a true home-away-from-home experience, whether they choose the package or simply enjoy the resort’s pet-friendly amenities.
With pet-friendly stays still rare in the UAE’s premium hospitality space, this offering meets a growing demand among local residents for accessible, high-quality getaways that welcome every member of the pack.
Pet policy includes:
- Pet-friendly stays are available only in Palm Seaview Rooms with Terrace
- Up to two pets (dogs or cats only) per room, maximum 25kg each
- AED 300 non-refundable fee per room, per night applies
- Pets may transit through guest lifts, the second-floor hallway, and the lobby, but should not linger in these areas
- Designated pet-friendly areas include Myami, Bal Harbour Beach, the Fountain Area, and the Promenade (map provided in-room)
The ‘Pawfect Stay on the Palm’ package is available exclusively via marriottresortpalmjumeirah.com and includes premium pet amenities, curated in-room dining, and other exciting pet-friendly perks.
PizzaExpress UAE has officially opened its newest restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton Production City, Dubai, bringing its iconic pizzas, beloved Dough Balls, family-friendly setting, and signature social dining experience to one of Dubai’s most accessible and fast-growing neighbourhoods.
Perfectly located for residents of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Victory Heights, Motor City, Sports City, JVT, JVC, and nearby communities, the new PizzaExpress offers a convenient and welcoming dining destination right at their doorstep. Set away from the city’s high-traffic zones, the venue provides ample free parking and hassle-free access, making it an ideal go-to spot for relaxed dining without the stress of long drives or congestion.
The opening further strengthens PizzaExpress UAE’s growth across the Emirates, reinforcing its commitment to creating delicious dining experiences where guests can enjoy great food, great music, and great moments—together.
“We’re delighted to welcome PizzaExpress Live to Four Points by Sheraton Production City,” said Nitin Makhijani, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Production City, Dubai. “This new restaurant is more than just a dining spot—it’s designed to be a vibrant hub for the nearby communities.”
Guests can enjoy PizzaExpress’ elevated menu, featuring bold new dishes alongside timeless favourites—from the indulgent Queen Margherita topped with creamy burrata, to the hearty Beef Lasagne, and the always-popular Golden Caramel Dough Balls.
With its modern interiors, warm hospitality, and signature open-kitchen design, PizzaExpress Live at Four Points by Sheraton Production City is set to become the neighbourhood’s favourite hangout for hotel guests and local residents alike.
The opening also follows the launch of the PE Club, PizzaExpress’ new digital loyalty app that instantly rewards guests and unlocks exclusive benefits across all UAE locations.
Hidden behind its signature veil of intrigue, Himitsu introduces The Sake Series, a curated exploration of Japan’s most revered spirit. Available Thursday to Sunday, this new ritual invites guests to discover sake through a collection of tasting flights and pairings that celebrate the craft and character of sake.
The experience is presented in two chapters. The first, The Himitsu Sake Series, features four tasting flights (two sakes per flight, no food) priced from AED 40, and the second, The Four Seasonal Paths, offers seasonal pairings (two sakes + small plates) priced from AED 95, moving through Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
The Himitsu Sake Series
The Himitsu Sake Series introduces four curated tasting flights, priced from AED 40, each featuring two distinct sakes chosen to showcase a particular facet of Japanese brewing. Guests can explore The Earth’s Whisper, pairing two expressions that highlight clarity and umami depth; Blossoms in Balance, where floral and fruity notes create harmony; Wings of Elegance, a study in refinement and precision; and Clouds & Bubbles, a playful contrast between traditional craftsmanship and modern effervescence. Together, these flights offer a guided journey through Japan’s finest sake styles, one sip at a time.
The Four Seasonal Paths
For guests looking to explore further, The Four Seasonal Paths offers a tasting journey inspired by Japan’s four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each pairing combines two sakes with complementary small plates, designed to mirror the flavours and emotions of the season. Think hamachi carpaccio and spicy tuna handrolls for spring’s freshness, unagi nigiri and prawn tempura maki for the richness of summer, and so on. Prices start from AED 95, with each pairing designed to take guests through a progression of flavours that reflect the changing moods of the seasons.
Available from Thursday to Sunday, The Himitsu Sake Series invites guests to slow down, sip, and see sake through a new lens, quietly, behind closed doors.
MARRIOTT RESORT PALM JUMEIRAH LAUNCHES ‘PAWFECT STAY ON THE PALM’
PIZZAEXPRESS OPENS NEW RESTAURANT AT FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON PRODUCTION CITY, DUBAI
WHERE GIFTS LIVE ON: CHATTELS & MORE’S FESTIVE TWIST ON GIFTING
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