Hospitality

Excellence combined: A powerhouse week of hospitality and foodservice events as HORECA and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh return

Published

3 months ago

December 8, 2025

The brightly lit interior of a professional kitchen, featuring chefs gathered around a cooking station during a culinary competition.

With the strategic partnership of the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC), HORECA Riyadh and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh will be held from 15–17 December 2025 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. Together with Saudi Elite Chefs and Host Arabia, they will create the biggest hospitality and foodservice week in the kingdom’s capital, with four events attracting 50,000 professionals and gathering 500 exhibitors across 42,000 sqm.

Organized by Semark Group, Jad Taktak, CEO of the company, said: “This edition marks the greatest alliance of hospitality exhibitions in Saudi Arabia. We are thrilled to join over 100 years of combined experience, bringing together the region’s leading brands, experts and innovators under one roof. The expectations are very high, and we are confident that this collaboration will elevate industry standards, create exceptional business opportunities and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hospitality landscape.”

Transforming Riyadh into the kingdom’s premier stage for foodservice and hospitality excellence, HORECA Riyadh’s 14^th edition will showcase cutting-edge products, advanced technologies and world-class culinary talent across all areas of hospitality, from hotel and restaurant management to catering, design and F&B innovation, creating unparalleled opportunities for business growth and networking.

At the heart of the show lies a rich calendar of competitions and activities that honor excellence, creativity, talent and knowledge, with 40 international and local judges, experts and speakers. More than 100 participants will take part in contests, including the Hospitality Salon Culinaire, HORECA Barista Competition Riyadh and the Mocktail Competition, while HORECA Talks, a platform for thought leadership and exchange, will host expert-led sessions on emerging trends in hospitality and F&B, investment and the what’s next for the sectors in Saudi Arabia. These talks are organized by Hospitality News Middle East and Hodema Consulting Services.

HORECA Riyadh 2025 welcomes back Guillaume Gomez, president of Groupe Gastronomie and former French ambassador for gastronomy, as guest of honor.

Running alongside HORECA Riyadh is the third edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, an extension of the iconic French Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie, renowned globally as a premier event dedicated to chocolate and pastry excellence. Co-organized by Semark Group and Hospitality Services, this year’s show promises an immersive journey into the world of cocoa and confectionery, with over 40 live demonstrations, workshops and competitions. A dedicated Pastry Show will gather acclaimed chefs and artisans from around the region and beyond, while competitions across multiple categories will spotlight the talents of more than 50 participants.

Among the 30 pastry chefs and experts, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh proudly announces renowned Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini as guest of honor. Marcolini will host a special chocolate masterclass and join a discussion on chocolate innovation and trends at The Talks.

“As part of the HORECA Network, with annual events in cities across the Middle East – Kuwait, Beirut, Amman, Muscat and Riyadh – HORECA Riyadh is a pivotal platform that brings together the region’s leading hospitality and foodservice professionals, innovators and investors. In parallel, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh celebrates the artistry and creativity of chocolate and pastry while inspiring innovation and showcasing trends in the Saudi market,” said Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the company behind the HORECA Network and co-organizer of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh.

Held concurrently, the second edition of Saudi Elite Chefs, organized by the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC), will gathers the kingdom’s top culinary talents for the second consecutive year. This prestigious event will highlight the diversity of Saudi cuisine, celebrate world-class culinary craftsmanship and provide a dynamic platform for chefs to demonstrate their expertise through challenging, high-level competitions that aim to elevate the national culinary scene, inspire future generations of Saudi chefs and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global gastronomic destination.

Making its debut, Host Arabia – the international extension of Milan’s world-leading hospitality exhibition, HostMilano – brings the global hospitality ecosystem to Riyadh, connecting regional decision-makers with international suppliers and innovators.

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

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

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

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

Hospitality

RAMADAN AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Flavors of Ramadan: A Sensory Iftar to Remember

Step into the spirit of Ramadan with an unforgettable Iftar experience at Khayal, where tradition, passion, and togetherness come alive. Indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet featuring a carefully curated selection of traditional and international dishes, served in a warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the essence of the holy month.

Iftar Buffet:

Timing: From Sunset until 9:30 PM
Venue: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Early Bird Offer:

40% off for bookings made before 12th February 2026

Special Discounts:

30% off Iftar for in-house hotel guests
30% off for FAZAA cardholders
MoreCravings App: Buy One Get One Free

Serenity at Dawn: Suhoor & Group Ramadan Celebrations
A Peaceful Suhoor Indulgence & Memorable Group Gatherings

Enjoy a calm and comforting Suhoor experience at the Lobby Lounge, designed for those seeking nourishment and tranquility before dawn. Featuring a thoughtfully curated set menu, this Suhoor offering ensures a balanced and fulfilling start to your day.

Suhoor Set Menu:
Timing: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Venue: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

For larger gatherings, celebrate the holy month together with Group Ramadan Packages, ideal for corporate Iftars and family reunions. Enjoy a delightful culinary journey paired with exceptional service in a festive atmosphere.

Group Ramadan Packages: