Connect with us

Hospitality

Hospitality Is Still a People Business—Even in the Age of AI

Published

5 months ago

on

A professional portrait of Ayman Ezzeddine, Director of Development for Middle East, Egypt, and Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, captured during an interview at the Future Hospitality Summit

Exclusive interview with Ayman Ezzedine, Director of Development Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan, Radisson Hotel Group.

How is FHS going so far for you?

It’s very good, actually. It’s been busy. We had some great meetings, meet some industry peers as usual, catch up.

A lot of us have been in the game for a long time. So, it’s always good to see people from the past and always meeting new ones as well.

This event, you know, we’re all in the hospitality business here. So, the hospitality from the hosts, from the organizers and even our competitors or peers, we call them. It’s very nice. And then the owners. So, it’s a great industry. And it’s about hospitality.

Ayman, you’ve been in the industry for quite a while now. Can you share what shaped your approach towards development in developing such complex markets such as Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan?

It’s interesting when you put it Middle East, Egypt, Pakistan, and there are three completely different. Even in the Middle East, you know, you have UAE, you have Saudi Arabia, you have Lebanon, the Levant. So, every country has its own set of challenges, experiences, culture. Coming from the industry, starting out in operations, traveling, meeting, we start to understand the different cultures and how to work with different people.

So that starts, becoming the base. So now when I’m in negotiations with an owner from Pakistan, I go back on my experience of first working with colleagues from these different regions and start to understand their culture. Somebody once told me that Ayman, you speak Arabic, so you’ll do well in Egypt, because Egypt is a very interesting market for us.

The difference is you have to understand the culture, not just the language. So that’s, I think, it’s just understanding culture and then you could expand to them.

In your view, what is the differentiation, when it comes to understanding between a successful hospitality development project from a mere profitable one?

It always depends. Some projects are being done by the government for a greater good. Some are by owners who want to give back to the community. They want better training for staff from their hometown.

And some are purely for financial profit. Each one has its own incentive and its own. So, you really have to understand what the owner is looking for and make sure that we are aligned together.

From my experience, what’s a successful project hotel is one that meets three, four, five of those criterias. One, give back to the community, offer the guests what they want, staying true to our brand values, you know, and making money because we are a business event.

With KSA and Dubai evolving quickly, how have you personally experienced and observed the talents and expertise migration that are shaping the competitive landscape today?

The change has been, I mean, especially KSA in the recent, the recent changes have been such an advanced pace. It was a bit shocking and even for us disbelief at the beginning, but the level of expertise that is now available, you know, in Saudi Arabia, we’ve never had a franchise. Now we already have two, just because now we believe that this expertise exists in Saudi Arabia and we can be more relaxed and approach this opportunity. So, it’s becoming more of a mature market.

UAE has always, has been mature for a while, but it’s changing and it’s also adapting to the changes around the region and working closer with the Saudi market. So, I don’t think they’re competing with each other while they’re working and they’re finding their different niches and complementing.

can you share your insights on how AI and predictive analytics are influencing a smoother guest experience?

I’m still a paper and pen kind of guy, but UAE cannot negate the role that AI is having on the hospitality industry and the future for us to use it. It’s obviously for analyzing what guests like, how we act, what would they like us to do to present to them? So, it’s a tool that we have to use, but at the end, we are a people business.

It’s about the hospitality that comes from person to person. So, we have to learn and continue to learn how we can use AI to enhance that experience. And as people change, the information is out there now. We just cannot completely depend on AI. We got to keep the people in it as well.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hospitality

SOBHA REALTY AND KEETA DRONE SIGN STRATEGIC MOU, LAUNCHING AIR DELIVERY IN SOBHA COMMUNITIES

Published

15 hours ago

on

May 18, 2026

By

Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer renowned for innovation and building future-ready communities, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Keeta Drone, the pioneering green air delivery company, to introduce next-generation air delivery ecosystems across its integrated communities.

Through this strategic partnership, Sobha Realty becomes Keeta Drone’s first official Smart Community partner in the UAE, reinforcing its commitment to embedding future-ready infrastructure and sustainable technologies into the very fabric of its developments.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Sobha Realty and Keeta Drone in the presence of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), marking a significant step forward in redefining how logistics and mobility are seamlessly integrated within premium residential environments.

Keeta Drone’s technology-driven delivery ecosystem is fully equipped to introduce faster; smarter and eco-conscious last-mile logistics designed around community convenience and operational safety. Integrated within government-approved frameworks, the initiative supports Sobha Realty’s vision of building future-ready communities where innovation enhances everyday resident experiences.

The partnership represents a natural progression toward Smart Community Vision, where infrastructure is designed not only to meet present-day expectations but to anticipate the needs of tomorrow, shaped by intelligent, adaptable solutions.

Leveraging its Backwards Integrated model, Sobha Realty is uniquely positioned to enable the safe, efficient and scalable deployment of air delivery networks within its communities. This capability allows for precise integration of advanced technologies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, setting a new benchmark for innovation-led residential experiences in the region.

The collaboration will be implemented in phases, with all activations operating within government-approved frameworks, underscoring both organisations’ commitment to safety, compliance, and responsible innovation.

Dr.Mao, President, Keeta Drone, said: “This partnership with Sobha Realty represents a defining moment for us. Our collective aim is to support communities that stand for quality, precision and long-term thinking – core values that are deeply embedded in our DNA. Together, we are not just signing an agreement; we are laying the foundation of what the future of urban living in the UAE looks like. We are proud to welcome Sobha Realty as our Smart Community Partner, enabling the future, and we look forward to bringing this vision to life for their residents across 2026 and beyond.”

Mr Francis Alfred, Managing Director, Sobha Realty, said: “At Sobha Realty, our vision of luxury extends beyond design and craftsmanship to the intelligent ecosystems that power everyday living. This partnership is not about introducing a new service; it’s about reimagining how communities’ function in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.

Our Backwards Integration model allows us to engineer and integrate such advanced technologies with precision, safety and long-term scalability. By collaborating with Keeta Drone, we are taking a decisive step towards building self-sustained, future-ready communities where innovation, sustainability, and convenience are seamlessly embedded into the resident experience. This is the next frontier of smart living, and Sobha Realty is proud to be leading it.”

H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) said: “The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to support the responsible advancement of air deliveries by Keeta Drone within the native community of Sobha Hartland, reflecting our commitment to embracing innovation that is beneficial to the city’s future mobility ecosystem in the Emirate of Dubai.”

Both Keeta Drone and Sobha Realty have also expressed their intention to explore opportunities beyond the UAE as Keeta Drone’s deployment roadmap grows and Sobha Realty continues its international expansion.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

UBK AT MÖVENPICK JLT UNVEILS A MONTH-LONG LINE-UP OF SOCIAL NIGHTS, SIPS, AND SIGNATURE MOMENTS

Published

16 hours ago

on

May 18, 2026

By

 

UBK at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is turning up the energy with a month-long line-up of weekly themed nights designed for Dubai’s after-work crowd, weekend seekers, and everyone in between. Known for its laid-back vibe and bold personality, UBK  brings together drinks, bites, games, and social experiences that give guests a reason to return throughout the month.

Ladies Night – Pour Decisions (Ladies Edition)

Tuesdays belong to the ladies. Enjoy and have fun, paired with a bite and UBK’s signature Between the Buns.

Quiz

Midweek gets competitive with UBK’s weekly quiz night. Roll up your sleeve and get ready for some fun!

P.E.T. – Pints, Eats & Tails

Sundays slow things down with a pet-friendly social where guests can bring their furry companions and unwind together over food and drinks.

Every Sunday  | From 12 PM onwards

With something happening every day, UBK continues to stay true to its ethos of keeping things social, unpretentious, and full of personality. Whether it’s a quick after-work drink or a full weekend session, UBK is all set to keep the calendar booked and the glasses full.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

MATCHA LOVERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU: COFFEE PLANET DROPS LIMITED-EDITION FLAVOURS

Published

3 days ago

on

May 15, 2026

By

If your current obsession is anything matcha, you’ll want to get this on your radar. Homegrown UAE brand Coffee Planet is celebrating Matcha Month with the launch of three new iced drinks, and yes, they’re as good as they sound.
Say hello to Mango Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, and Pumpkin Spice Matcha, a mix of fruity, creamy, and subtly spiced flavours designed for peak Dubai sipping. Think vibrant green layers and pastel-toned iced drinks that are made for your Instagram feed.
Known for its no-fuss approach, Coffee Planet keeps it simple while always getting it right. With prices starting from AED 29 and availability across all UAE outlets, these are easy, go-to drinks whether you’re on a mid-mall stroll or ordering online.
The catch? These limited-edition drinks are only available throughout May, so consider this your sign to try them all before they’re gone.
Available at: All UAE outlets, including JVC Circle Mall, Dubai Hills (Business Park), Dubai Hills Mall, Foundry Downtown, Etihad Plaza, Fountain Views (Dubai Mall), among others, as well as online via Careem, Keeta, Deliveroo, Noon, and Talabat.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator