Hospitality
Hospitality Is Still a People Business—Even in the Age of AI
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.
Hospitality
KAILASH PARBAT BRINGS ITS 70-YEAR-OLD VEGETARIAN LEGACY TO ITS NEWEST OUTLET AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Some food stories begin in grand kitchens. Kailash Parbat’s story began on the streets—with a humble chaat stall, treasured family recipes, and a dream to bring people together over honest, comforting vegetarian food.
The iconic vegetarian restaurant brand, which traces its origins to the 1940s is now expanding its Dubai footprint with the opening of its newest outlet at Mall of the Emirates. The brand already operates successful locations at BurJuman Al Seef, Oud Metha & Abu Dhabi.
Bhau Parsram Mulchandani established Kailash Parbat in Colaba, Mumbai in India in 1952. What started as a modest eatery soon became one of Mumbai’s most celebrated vegetarian dining destinations. For over seven decades, generations of Mumbaikars, Bollywood personalities, business leaders, tourists and loyal patrons have made Kailash Parbat a part of their family traditions, returning time and again for its iconic chaats, Sindhi specialities and authentic vegetarian cuisine.
Today, that same legacy continues far beyond Colaba. Under the leadership of Yash Mulchandani & Harry Mulchandani who joined the family business at a very young age. Kailash Parbat has evolved into a global vegetarian restaurant brand. The Mulchandani brothers has spearheaded the brand’s international expansion across the GCC, including the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, as well as Southeast Asia in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.


The new Mall of the Emirates outlet, now open, is the only pure vegetarian restaurant in the mall’s food court, bringing Kailash Parbat’s extensive menu of Indian vegetarian favourites to thousands of visitors every day—from its legendary chaats and Sindhi specialities to North Indian classics, street food favourites, mithai and more.
For Dubai-based restaurateur Yash Mulchandani, bringing Kailash Parbat to the UAE was never just about expansion; it was about bringing a piece of his family’s legacy to a city that celebrates global cuisines while embracing authentic traditions.
“When we brought Kailash Parbat to Dubai, our vision was simple—to create a place where people could experience the same warmth, nostalgia and flavours that families have grown up with for decades. Dubai has always embraced Indian cuisine, and we wanted to create a space that feels familiar, whether you’re visiting us for a quick chaat, a family meal or simply craving the flavours of home.”
The story of Kailash Parbat is one of resilience, family and generations. From a humble street-side chaat stall to an institution in Colaba and now a globally recognised vegetarian dining brand, the family’s journey has been shaped by perseverance, tradition and an unwavering commitment to quality. Today, different members of the Mulchandani family continue to oversee operations across various international markets including the USA and Europe, ensuring that while the footprint grows, the values and recipes remain unchanged.
From its celebrated pani puri and chaat platters to Sindhi favourites like dal pakwan and comforting classics such as chole bhature, Kailash Parbat’s menu showcases the richness and diversity of India’s vegetarian culinary heritage.
The opening at Mall of the Emirates marks another milestone in Kailash Parbat’s Dubai journey, building on the success of its existing outlets while strengthening its presence in one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural dining destinations.
Because while trends may come and go, some flavours remain timeless—especially those built on family, memories and recipes passed down through generations.
Hospitality
10 REASONS WHY SIYAM WORLD IS THE MALDIVES’ ULTIMATE SUMMER PLAYGROUND

Think summer in the Maldives is all about sipping cocktails and doing absolutely nothing? You could. But at Siyam World Maldives, you could also swim with sharks, race electric go-karts, become a certified mermaid, train with football legends and explore one of the Maldives’ newest shipwrecks, all before deciding what is for dinner. Because normal island holidays are not really our thing. Here are 10 reasons why Siyam World is turning up the fun this summer.
1. Dive into the Maldives’ Newest Obsession
Some resorts have house reefs. Siyam World has a shipwreck. The newest underwater attraction in Noonu Atoll is a 66 metre former Maldivian tuna freighter that now rests beneath the surface, ready to be explored by divers and marine life alike. Today it is an exciting new wreck dive. Tomorrow it will become a thriving artificial reef. Not bad for a retired fishing boat.
2. Train with Football Legends
This August, young football fans can swap the local pitch for paradise as former Premier League stars Andrew Johnson and Wayne Routledge arrive at Siyam World for two exclusive football camps. Not every summer holiday comes with professional coaching and ocean views. 10th – 14th AUGUST 2026 – Andrew Johnson / 15th – 19th AUGUST 2026 – Wayne Routledge. For kids between the ages of 5-12 years. More info here:
3. Swim with Sharks. Brag About It Later.
Swimming with sharks sounds terrifying. Until you realise these are gentle nurse sharks and curious sea turtles gliding through crystal clear waters. A three-hour snorkelling trip suddenly becomes one of those holiday stories you will tell for years.
4. The Floor Is Lava. The Water Park Is Not.
The Maldives’ biggest floating water park is basically an invitation to unleash your inner child. Climb it. Jump off it. Race your friends. Repeat.
5. Become a Mermaid. Seriously.
Some people come home from holiday with a tan. Others leave Siyam World with a mermaid certificate. This Try Mermaid Pool Program includes one session in the pool, all the equipment you’ll need as well as a certificate of completion. We know which one sounds more fun.
6. Golf, But Make It Shipwrecked.
Take on the Shipwrecked golf challenge, compete with friends and maybe even win resort credit while you are at it. Losing gracefully is optional.
7. Saddle Up, Maldives Style
Horse riding is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Maldives. That is exactly why we love it.
8. Dinner Underground, Island Style
Hidden beneath the island, Barrique is home to exceptional wines, curated menus and one of the most unique dining experiences in the Maldives. Choose between multiple course gourmet tasting menus that are served surrounded by hundreds of world-renowned vintages, where our sommelier is ready to take you through a wine journey that you will never forget. Because even adventure seekers need a sophisticated evening now and then.
9. Swap Flip-Flops for Pole Position
Who says paradise cannot come with a little friendly competition? Siyam World’s electric go-karts bring speed, excitement and plenty of laughs to the island, proving once again that this is a destination designed for those who like their holidays with a side of adventure.
10. Take on the Delmare Golf Challenge
Add a competitive twist to your stay with Siyam World’s golf challenge at Shipwrecked. Guests have the chance to win resort credit while enjoying a fun and social activity set against the backdrop of the ocean. Fun fact, the gold balls are fish food.
To make the most of summer, Siyam World is offering an exclusive limited-time offer with up to 45% off best available rates, complemented by added benefits including complimentary shared seaplane transfers on selected stays, USD 150 resort credit per bedroom, and a one-time floating breakfast for longer stays. Guests can enjoy the full Premium 24-hour WOW! all-inclusive experience, with up to two children under 12 staying and dining complimentary. The offer is available for bookings until 31 August 2026, for stays until 31 October 2027. Then tell us again that the Maldives is only for doing nothing.
Hospitality
IDEAS NAMED A LEADER IN INAUGURAL IDC MARKETSCAPE FOR HOSPITALITY REVENUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
IDeaS, a SAS company and a provider of AI-powered hospitality revenue management software, today announced it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Revenue Management Systems in Hospitality 2026 Vendor Assessment.[i]
The recognition comes as hospitality revenue management enters a new era, evolving from standalone pricing tools into integrated commercial intelligence platforms. According to the IDC MarketScape, “The hospitality revenue management system market is at a genuine inflection point. The convergence of AI maturity, platform consolidation, and expanding commercial scope is redefining what an RMS is expected to do and for whom.”
Dorothy Creamer, Senior Research Manager, Hospitality and Travel Strategies, IDC, noted “Differentiation emerges with vendors that believe genuine automation requires a rigorous forecasting foundation, not just rules that appear to run themselves.”
The IDC MarketScape further highlights IDeaS’ broader commercial capabilities, noting that “the company has built a portfolio of commercial capabilities around its core RMS, spanning business intelligence, total revenue planning, portfolio management, function space optimization, and marketing demand management.”
From Automation to Decision Intelligence
“This is a turning point for hospitality,” said Dr. Ravi Mehrotra, President, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at IDeaS. “The industry is moving beyond surface-level automation toward decision intelligence built on rigorous forecasting science, explainable AI and connected data. Hotels don’t need more recommendations; they need confidence in every decision they make across the business. That’s the shift I believe this recognition reflects.”
Mehrotra continued, “As pressure mounts to respond faster to changing market conditions, hotels are rethinking how they connect revenue decisions with broader commercial strategy. We believe the IDC MarketScape emphasizes that the most effective systems are those that balance advanced automation with transparency and control, enabling teams to act quickly while maintaining trust in the underlying models.”
Beyond Pricing: A Broader Commercial Role
The IDC MarketScape also highlights a clear industry shift: “The hospitality technology stack has gotten thornier, with more integrations, more booking channels, and simply more data sources that are often highly siloed and fragmented.”
That shift is already accelerating. IDeaS recently reported strong adoption of its broader commercial strategy solutions, reflecting growing demand for technologies that unify revenue, marketing, sales and operational decisions into a single, coordinated approach.
And as hotel teams are increasingly tasked with making faster, more complex decisions across multiple functions, IDeaS continues to expand its capabilities to meet this need. By bringing together revenue management, business intelligence, financial planning and portfolio-level insight into a unified commercial framework, IDeaS helps organizations make more confident decisions across the business.
But as these commercial decisions become increasingly AI-driven, confidence depends not only on automation, but also on understanding how and why decisions are made.
Trust as the Foundation of AI-driven Decisions
As AI adoption accelerates, explainability has become a defining requirement for revenue management. The report highlights that revenue managers must be able to understand and defend the logic behind system-driven recommendations, reinforcing the importance of transparency alongside automation.
“AI without trust is just noise,” added Mehrotra. “The future belongs to systems that don’t just automate decisions, but make them understandable, actionable and aligned with how hotels actually operate.”
To learn more about the IDC MarketScape assessment and what it means for hospitality revenue management, download an excerpt of the paper here.
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