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

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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.

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Hospitality

RAMADAN NIGHTS: IFTAR UNDER THE STARS AT LA PISCINE, AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA

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8 hours ago

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January 22, 2026

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Outdoor Iftar dining setup at AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA featuring beachfront tables under palm trees with warm string lights during evening.

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa has announced its Ramadan Iftar offering, “Ramadan Nights: Iftar Under the Stars,” available throughout the holy month at La Piscine.

The Iftar is priced at AED 245 per person on weekdays and AED 260 per person on weekends. Children aged 5 to 12 years receive 50% off, while children below 5 years dine complimentary.

Guests can enjoy favourites such as Arabic hot and cold mezzeh, an Ouzy corner, and an Arabic mixed grill and carving station. The experience is hosted at La Piscine’s beachfront and poolside outdoor restaurant lounge, featuring private gazebos and a relaxed, open-air setting.

A range of special offers is available during Ramadan. Guests can enjoy 15% off with the Early Bird offer when bookings are confirmed with a deposit before the start of Ramadan. For group bookings, one guest dines complimentary for every 10 full-paying adults.

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Hospitality

ROHINI AT MÖVENPICK JLT PRESENTS A REPUBLIC DAY SET MENU, FEATURING TRICOLOUR-INSPIRED DESSERTS

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9 hours ago

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January 22, 2026

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A styled plate of Indian desserts from Rohini, featuring assorted mithai and sweets arranged on a teal platter, including a layered dessert served in a glass, a rectangular mithai slice, and syrup-soaked sweets, displayed on colorful festive boxes against a leather seating backdrop.

This Republic Day, Rohini at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is adding a cheerful tricolour moment to the table with three new desserts inspired by the colours of the Indian national flag. Created especially for the Republic Day weekend, the desserts bring a playful and visually striking element to the dining experience, giving guests a fresh reason to stop by.

Drawing from familiar Indian sweets, the dessert selection offers a lighthearted nod to the occasion. The trio includes Tiranga Kalakand, Pistachio Malai ke Motichur, and Jalebi with Kesar Rabdi, adding a sweet finish that feels both nostalgic and timely. Served as part of Rohini’s Republic Day set menu, the desserts stand out as a highlight worth saving room for.

Available from 24th to 26th January, the Republic Day set menu also features a well-rounded selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters and mains. Guests can choose from popular favourites such as Dahi Bhalla, Zafrani Murgh Tikka, Dal Makhni, Rajasthani Laal Maas, Paneer Methi Malai, and Purani Dilli-style pulao, offering plenty of choice across classic Indian flavours.

A familiar name for Indian dining in JLT, Rohini offers a comfortable and welcoming setting for those dining out over the long weekend. With its Republic Day set menu and tricolour-inspired desserts, it makes for an easy and enjoyable way to mark the occasion.

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Hospitality

CHRIS HEMSWORTH AND ELSA PATAKY’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY ABU DHABI ITINERARY

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11 hours ago

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January 22, 2026

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A man and woman walk side by side across Abu Dhabi desert sand dunes at sunset, leading a saddled horse over rippled golden sands.

Looking back on their recent visits to Abu Dhabi, Chris Hemsworth shared how it’s the perfect choice for family travel, with days that mix high-energy fun with quality time you’ll remember for years to come.

“I love travelling to Abu Dhabi with the kids because there’s so much on offer. From action-packed thrills to calm, immersive and educational moments, Abu Dhabi has it covered. Experiencing nature, culture, and adventure together reminds us of what really matters: time shared, moments made, memories locked in.”

For Elsa Pataky, the easy mix of experiences makes travelling here so enjoyable as a family: “Abu Dhabi has this beautiful balance: thrilling adventures for the kids, cultural experiences for the adults, and endless opportunities for the whole family to connect and enjoy time together.”

Here’s where Chris and Elsa went on their latest visit

  1. CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Try indoor climbing and skydiving on Yas Island. During their visit, Chris and Elsa’s family tried it all, with routes for all ages and experience Challenge yourself in the skydiving chamber or try to tackle progressively harder climbing routes, from beginner level to advanced.

  1. Surf Abu Dhabi

On Hudayriyat Island, Surf Abu Dhabi offers controlled wave conditions suitable for first-time surfers and almost every age. Sessions can be tailored to different abilities, so it’s an easy way for parents and children to try a new sport in a relaxed, with plenty of options for food and drinks.

  1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The fast-paced rides and indoor attractions are designed for all ages, making it easy for families to spend an entire day together. Families can move between high-energy experiences and gentler rides, entertaining little ones alongside adults with a need for speed.

  1. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Explore themed lands inspired by well-known characters, from Batman to Scooby Doo and The Flintstones, with rides and interactive experiences designed for all ages. It’s a colourful and fun space for families looking for a full day of entertainment together.

  1. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

Art meets innovation with this interactive environment where immersive digital art installations respond to your every move. The unique spaces encourage curiosity and exploration, making it a natural stop for families looking to slow their pace and enjoy creative moments.

  1. Yas Waterworld

Inspired by Emirati pearl-diving heritage, Yas Waterworld has a wide range of slides, wave pools and family-friendly rides. With 60+ attractions designed for different age groups, there’s space for both high-energy fun and relaxed downtime.

Beyond Chris and Elsa’s itinerary, families can explore new cultural highlights, like Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, or take a short trip to Al Ain Region, where culture, nature and heritage offer even more ways to spend time together—just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi City or Dubai.

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