Hospitality

CRAFTING EXPERIENCES THAT CELEBRATE PLACE, PEOPLE, AND PURPOSE

Published

8 months ago

November 4, 2025

Exclusive interview with Sébastien Carre, Group Head of Hospitality at Red Sea Global Hospitality

With more than three decades in luxury hospitality, what continues to fuel your passion for creating world-class guest experiences?

What continues to drive me is the sense of discovery that comes with every new project. Saudi Arabia is incredibly disruptive at the moment, surprising the world and emerging as a completely new destination. For people like us who have spent our lives crafting experiences across the world, this is an extraordinary new playground.

The quality of the resorts, the pristine coastline and the heartfelt nature of Saudi hospitality make it an enormous canvas for professionals to create on. What excites me most is being part of something that feels authentically Saudi yet resonates with guests from everywhere. Red Sea Global Hospitality is the country’s first homegrown luxury operator. We are built on Hafawah, the Saudi spirit of generosity and intuitive care. Our focus is on creating places that connect people to nature, to culture and to one another.

You can see this philosophy come to life in our first resorts. Desert Rock is carved into the Hijaz mountains, while Shebara rises above a turquoise lagoon surrounded by coral, its mirrored villas appearing to float on water. Each property is entirely different, yet both share the same purpose to celebrate nature rather than compete with it. Together, they set a new benchmark for how luxury can look and feel when it grows out of its environment.

Every day brings new learning and new challenges, and that sense of constant evolution is what keeps me passionate. There is something special about seeing guests react with wonder, because it reminds us that we are part of something that is fundamentally redefining what luxury hospitality can be.

Aerial view of luxury overwater villas with curved white roofs extending into turquoise lagoon waters at sunset, with palm tree-lined beach and jetty in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea destination

With such an expansive career behind you, what personal philosophies have kept you grounded through the shifts in global hospitality?

I believe hoteliers are humble by nature, because at the end of the day, our purpose is to serve and to create meaningful memories for others. The humanity of this profession is what gives it its purpose and keeps us grounded.

Of course, hospitality is also a business with commercial outcomes, but that is not what drives most of us. The difference between good and great hospitality always comes down to people. Genuine care for guests and for colleagues creates an environment where excellence happens naturally. When you lead with empathy and listen, everything else tends to follow.

Throughout my career, whether in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific or now here in Saudi Arabia, what has remained constant is the respect for people and the recognition that genuine hospitality stems from cultural values, family upbringing and the social codes that define a community. When people share values and feel proud of what they are building together, excellence comes naturally. Whether it’s connecting guests to new cultures or building teams with shared values, it always comes back to people who genuinely want to care for others.

What inspired your transition from Four Seasons’ legacy of luxury to Red Sea Global’s vision of regenerative luxury? Was there a defining moment that made you say, “This is where the future lies”?

After many years with an exceptional organisation that shaped much of my professional outlook, I wanted to be part of something different and The Red Sea offered that possibility. It combines extraordinary natural beauty with a commitment to rethinking how destinations are built and sustained.

When I first visited the region two years ago, the scale of its untouched landscapes left a lasting impression on me. I had travelled to Saudi Arabia many times for business in Riyadh and Jeddah, but I had never imagined that the coastline was so pristine. Flying over the region in seaplanes reminded me of the South Pacific. The lagoons, coral reefs and desert terrain were pristine, protected by a master plan that ensures ninety-nine percent of the area remains preserved, with only one percent designated for development. That level of stewardship is rare in our industry.

As hoteliers, we have spent the past decade focusing more on sustainability, but here it is part of the project’s DNA from the beginning. Seeing regeneration move from intention to measurable reality gives our work meaning. It also resonates with guests and with the new generation of employees who want to be part of something that matters.

This is what convinced me that the future of our industry lies here. We have the chance to redefine what luxury means for the next generation, where comfort and conservation coexist, and where travel truly becomes a force for good.

Having managed world-class resorts across Seychelles, Bora Bora, and Provence, how do you translate those refined operational standards into the DNA of The Red Sea and AMAALA?

Throughout my career, I have learned that local culture shapes how guests connect with a destination. Today’s travellers seek authenticity and moments that reveal a place’s true character. This comes from diversity, meeting people, understanding different ways of life, and connecting with their stories. This philosophy underpins everything we do at Red Sea Global Hospitality. Every property is rooted in its surroundings, whether it is Desert Rock, which sits in the mountains or Shebara that rises from the water, or Thuwal Private Retreat, which offers Saudi Arabia’s first private island for exclusive hire. Each expresses luxury differently, yet all share the same foundation of precision, genuine care, and deep respect for the environment and community.

In Saudi Arabia, guests are discovering a culture still largely unknown to them and are often surprised by the warmth and generosity of the people. Translating that authenticity into our operations is just as crucial as maintaining international standards. For us, service excellence and local pride go hand in hand.

In every property, we combine operational precision with emotional intelligence, ensuring that international service standards are met while honouring the warmth and authenticity of Saudi hospitality. Our expectations for service, sustainability and design are exacting, but we balance them with Hafawah, the Saudi spirit of warmth, sincerity and intuitive care. That is how we transform global excellence into a Saudi-born expression of luxury.

As hospitality becomes more purpose-driven, how do you inspire teams to align with RSG’s regenerative tourism vision, beyond the traditional guest-service mindset?

The key is aligning with the purpose of a generation rather than trying to convince them. We integrate regeneration and sustainability into our master planning and priorities, so people can see for themselves, without being pitched, that this is who we are.

Many of our team members join because they already share that sense of purpose. There is strong pride and belonging, especially among young Saudis who are deeply connected to their homeland and its progress. They understand that by joining the tourism sector they are contributing not only to an industry but also to a national vision.

That pride, combined with strong family and community bonds, is what makes Saudi hospitality so genuine. It comes from upbringing, from values that have been passed down through generations.. The kindness and generosity you experience here are not scripted, they are simply part of who people are. That authenticity is what makes this new era of hospitality so meaningful.

When team members believe so deeply in what they are doing, that authenticity becomes contagious. It shows in every guest interaction, and it travels organically through word-of-mouth and social channels. Many of our guests come from countries where we have done zero marketing, simply because the experience is disruptive and worth sharing.

Hospitality

THE COVE ROTANA RESORT RAS AL KHAIMAH APPOINTS AZMI SHALABY AS GENERAL MANAGER

Published

2 weeks ago

June 5, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah is proud to announce the appointment of Mr Azmi Shalaby as the new General Manager of the five-star property.

Set along a private stretch of coastline between rolling hills, lagoons, and lush landscaped gardens, the resort continues to strengthen its position as one of the emirate’s leading leisure destinations with the appointment of Shalaby as General Manager. Under his leadership, the property will focus on further elevating the guest journey, refining the resort in line with Rotana brand standards, strengthening commercial growth, and introducing new activations across the destination.

In his new role, Shalaby will oversee all aspects of the resort’s operations, supporting the continued evolution of the property while reinforcing Rotana’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the region.

Commenting on his appointment, Shalaby said: “I am pleased to join The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah at such an exciting stage in its journey. The resort already holds a distinctive position within the region’s hospitality landscape, and I look forward to working closely with the team to further enhance the guest experience, build on the property’s strong reputation, and continue creating memorable stays shaped by genuine hospitality and operational excellence.”

Bringing with him nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, Shalaby joins the resort following an accomplished career across internationally recognised hospitality brands. Having started his journey in the industry in 1996, he previously held leadership roles with InterContinental Hotels Group before joining Rotana in 2008 at Grand Rotana Resort & Spa.

Over the course of 18 successful years with Grand Rotana Resort & Spa, Shalaby played a key role in driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and commercial performance, while contributing to several notable industry achievements and awards. His extensive experience in resort operations, team leadership, and strategic planning positions him strongly to lead the next chapter of the resort’s journey.

Hospitality

GAULT&MILLAU SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHES FIRST EDITION, HONORING ALMOST 250 RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE KINGDOM

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

The first edition of the Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala took place on June 2, 2026, at Radisson Manhal – Riyadh, marking a major milestone for the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving culinary and hospitality sectors. In the presence of ambassadors and official representatives, the gala and awards ceremony brought together chefs, restaurants, hospitality professionals, journalists, influencers and partners to highlight culinary excellence and honor the talents shaping the future of Saudi gastronomy.

Held in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, with the support of HSME, the event marks the official launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the standing of the prestigious Yellow Guide as a trusted benchmark for culinary quality, creativity and excellence in the Kingdom.

A major highlight of the evening was the unveiling and distribution of the official Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Guide. Featuring a carefully curated selection of almost 250 restaurants across five of the Kingdom’s major cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Abha and Dammam — the guide sets a new national benchmark for culinary quality and creativity, positioning Saudi Arabia firmly on the global gastronomic stage. Through this national selection, the guide aims to uncover hidden gems, showcase regional diversity and highlight Saudi Arabia’s distinctive flavors, traditions and innovations. The guide also shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women restaurateurs and chefs, whose leadership continues to shape and elevate Saudi Arabia’s dining scene.

Each selected restaurant receives an official Gault&Millau plaque, reflecting its inclusion in the national guide and acknowledging its contribution to the growth and visibility of the Kingdom’s dynamic F&B industry.

The evening also honored exceptional culinary and hospitality talent through five special trophies, three of which were presented to brilliant women in the industry:

Chef of the Year: Wed Saleh
Pastry Chef of the Year: Hachem Taleb
General Manager of the Year: Sara Katanani
Emerging Chef of the Year: Elia Kaadi
Young Talent of the Year: Nihal Felemban

A special Inspiring Leadership Award was presented to Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, for empowering the industry and for her valuable work and vision

Patrick Hayoun, CEO of Gault&Millau France and International, said: “The launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia represents an important step in our international journey and reflects the remarkable momentum of the Kingdom’s culinary scene. Through this first edition, we are proud to highlight almost 250 restaurants and recognize the chefs, teams and talents shaping a distinctive Saudi gastronomic identity. Gault&Millau’s mission has always been to discover, support and promote culinary excellence, and Saudi Arabia offers an extraordinary landscape of creativity, ambition and authenticity.”

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, added: “The launch of the first Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala reflects the growing maturity, creativity and diversity of the Kingdom’s culinary sector. At the Culinary Arts Commission, we are committed to preserving Saudi culinary heritage while empowering chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals to innovate and reach new levels of excellence. This platform contributes to strengthening the visibility of Saudi gastronomy locally and internationally while supporting the Kingdom’s broader cultural transformation.”

Joumana Dammous Salame, managing director of HSME, commented: “We are proud to support the launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission. This first edition is an important moment for the Kingdom’s culinary scene, bringing together restaurants, chefs, journalists, influencers and partners around one shared ambition: to celebrate excellence, encourage innovation and give Saudi gastronomy the recognition it deserves on both the regional and international stage.”

Beyond recognition, the gala provided a platform for connection and collaboration, fostering dialogue, visibility and new opportunities for Saudi culinary talent within the region and beyond.

The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia platform is built around three primary components:

Printed Guide: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Guide will serve as a key resource for exploring the Kingdom’s culinary scene. The edition includes expert reviews of top restaurants, chef profiles and signature recipes. It also features city- and region-based highlights, along with toque ratings from 1 to 5, covering a wide range of price points and making the guide accessible and inclusive for all readers.

Digital Platform: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia website, part of the international platform, will offer an engaging digital experience with updated restaurant reviews, practical details and direct links, providing greater visibility for local establishments.

Annual Gala: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala is designed as an annual cornerstone gathering, offering networking opportunities for chefs, journalists, influencers and partners while showcasing Saudi culinary excellence to both national and international guests. Honoring the country’s top culinary talents, the event will feature an awards ceremony with Gault&Millau plaques and trophies.Through this collaboration, Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission aim to elevate local culinary talent, create new industry standards and promote international connections that will help shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape. Further editions are planned, with new cities set to join the prestigious listing

Editor’ note: Attached list of

restaurants with 3 toques – REMARQABLE RESTAURANTS
restaurants with 2 toques- CHEF’S RESTAURANTS
restaurants with 1 toque- GOURMET RESTAURANTS
Selected restaurants

ABOUT GAULT&MILLAU

Founded in 1969 by journalists Henri Gault and Christian Millau, the Yellow Guide has dedicated over 50 years to identifying and listing the finest restaurants, artisans and specialty shops across various regions. Today, Gault&Millau continues its mission to support chefs and emerging talents worldwide by discovering and promoting local gastronomy on a global scale.

As a recognized authority in gastronomy and hospitality across 20 countries, Gault&Millau has become a benchmark for culinary excellence, building a prestigious network of over 14,000 restaurants and attracting millions of followers. With the expertise of more than 400 professional inspectors, Gault&Millau aims to discover, celebrate and elevate both established and emerging culinary talents. The brand’s mission is to showcase local culinary traditions globally, offering a trusted standard of quality and fostering growth within the industry.

ABOUT THE SAUDI CULINARY ARTS COMMISSION

Founded in 2020, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission is leading the further development of the Kingdom’s culinary arts sector. By driving investment and building robust regulatory frameworks, the Commission is supporting the next generation of Saudi chefs and hospitality professionals as they aspire to reach their full potential.

Together with the Ministry of Culture, the Commission is working to unlock a thriving cultural sector to preserve and elevate the culinary traditions that make the Kingdom unique.

To learn more about the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, please visit https://culinary.moc.gov.sa/en and the Commission’s pages on Instagram @mocculinary and X @MOCCulinary.

ABOUT HOSPITALITY SERVICES MIDDLE EAST (HSME)

Founded over 30 years ago, Hospitality Services specializes in organizing hospitality and foodservice exhibitions and events across the region, including HORECA Lebanon, HORECA Jordan, HORECA Kuwait, HORECA Riyadh, HORECA Oman, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh and Whisky Live Beirut. The firm’s events extend to publications and platforms that serve the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries, namely Hospitality News Middle East, Lebanon Traveler and Taste & Flavors.

Hospitality

YOUR OFFICE JUST GOT AN UPGRADE: VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI LAUNCHES ITS WORKATION EXPERIENCE

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

As Dubai’s professionals redefine what a productive workday looks like, voco Bonnington Dubai is introducing its Workation offer, a 24-hour stay package for those who believe where you work is just as important as how you work

There is something to be said for a change of scenery. Positioned in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers and moments from the DMCC Metro, voco Bonnington brings together the comfort of a luxury stay with the infrastructure of a fully equipped workplace. The result is a seamless experience where productivity and indulgence don’t just coexist, they quietly elevate each other.

The Workation package starts from AED 275 and includes a 24-hour stay with a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room, access to the pool and gym, two hours of meeting room access for up to five guests, complimentary coffee or tea in the meeting room or Author’s Lounge, and a 20% discount across all food and beverage outlets. Terms and conditions apply.

For anyone who has ever wondered what their workday could look like with a little more breathing room, the answer might be closer than expected. Built around the idea that productivity thrives when the environment does too, the Workation moves away from the tired “work from the beach” fantasy and toward something far more useful: a city-based experience shaped around real schedules and real results.

In a city that rarely slows down, this is something quietly radical. An intentional pause that doesn’t require leaving Dubai or clearing your calendar. Just a better version of the workday, right in the middle of it.