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THE KINGDOM’S BIGGEST HOSPITALITY WEEK OPENS WITH HORECA RIYADH, SALON DU CHOCOLAT ET DE LA PÂTISSERIE RIYADH AND HOST ARABIA

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony at HORECA event with officials and organizers standing in front of floral arrangements, marking the official opening of the hospitality exhibition

Riyadh became today the capital of global hospitality and gastronomy as HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh and Host Arabia opened their doors, marking the beginning of the kingdom’s largest and most anticipated hospitality and food service event of the year.

 Held from 15 to 17 December 2025 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the joint event — organized by Semark Group in collaboration with Fiera Milano and Hospitality Services under the strategic partnership of the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC) — brings together the full spectrum of the hospitality industry under one roof.

The opening ceremony gathered senior officials, ambassadors and leading figures from the public and private sectors, alongside distinguished guests of honor Guillaume Gomez, President of Groupe Gastronomie and former French ambassador for gastronomy, and renowned Belgian Chocolatier Pierre Marcolini, who joined the celebrations to mark this new milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming a global leader in hospitality, gastronomy and tourism.

Uniting four major events, HORECA Riyadh, Host Arabia, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh and Saudi Elite Chefs, this extraordinary week redefines the scale of professional gatherings in the region. Across 42,000 square meters, the events feature over 500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and expect to welcome 50,000 professional visitors over three days. Together, they form a powerhouse of creativity, innovation and collaboration.

In his opening remarks, Jad Taktak, CEO of Semark Group, said: “Today we celebrate a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry. This unified platform brings together decades of experience and innovation from around the world to support the kingdom’s bold vision and transform Riyadh into a global destination for excellence, creativity and collaboration.”

HORECA Riyadh, now in its 14th edition, continues its legacy as the kingdom’s leading hospitality and foodservice exhibition, showcasing cutting-edge solutions across foodservice, catering, design and coffee culture.

Visitors will experience a dynamic program of masterclasses, live competitions, and expert-led talks, uniting over 70 international chefs and speakers. The Hospitality Salon Culinaire, Saudi Barista, and Mocktail Competitions are once again among the event’s highlights, celebrating talent and excellence in every aspect of hospitality. HORECA Talks, organized with Hospitality News Middle East and Hodema Consulting Services, will feature thought-provoking sessions exploring innovation, sustainability and the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia.

“As part of the HORECA Network, with annual events across the Middle East, HORECA Riyadh brings together leading hospitality and foodservice professionals, innovators and investors. Alongside it, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh celebrates chocolate and pastry artistry while highlighting key 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.

Meanwhile, Host Arabia, making its Saudi debut, brings the international excellence of Host Milano to the region for the very first time. As an extension of the world’s foremost hospitality exhibition organized by Fiera Milano, Host Arabia fosters new partnerships and investment opportunities. The event also features a strong participation of Italian companies — supported also by ITA – Italian Trade Agency and Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation — highlighting the innovation, quality, and craftsmanship of the Made in Italy hospitality sector.

“Host Arabia reflects Fiera Milano’s commitment to supporting industries by connecting companies with global and fast-growing markets,” said Carlo Bonomi, president of Fiera Milano. “The initiative is part of the Group’s international development strategy” added Roberto Foresti, deputy general manager of Fiera Milano, “reinforcing our role as a global hub that brings together expertise, innovation, and international opportunities.”

Running concurrently within the exhibition is the third edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, held in partnership with Hospitality Services, transforming the center into a world of sweetness and artistry. With 40 masterclasses, live demonstrations and competitions, the event gathers over 30 international and regional pastry chefs and chocolatiers. Guests will enjoy a curated experience of chocolate, pastry and dessert innovation, celebrating both international craftsmanship and the richness of Saudi culinary creativity.

“Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh showcases the kingdom’s growing presence on the global culinary stage,” said Gérald Palacios, President of the Salon du Chocolat and Event International. “It’s a celebration of tradition and transformation, where every bite tells a story and every technique opens a new chapter.”

Adding to the momentum, the second edition of Saudi Elite Chefs, organized by the Culinary Arts Commission, also opened today. This prestigious event brings together the kingdom’s top chefs in a series of high-level competitions that showcase Saudi cuisine, inspire the next generation of culinary professionals and reflect the nation’s growing influence on the global gastronomic stage.

With the success of this unprecedented alliance, Saudi Arabia has entered a new era of hospitality leadership, one where local talent and international expertise come together to shape the future of the industry across the region and beyond.

HORECA Riyadh, Host Arabia, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyad, and Saudi Elite Chefs run from 15 to 17 December 2025 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the first day and 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the following days.

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Hospitality

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

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99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

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Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

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This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

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Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

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Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

  • Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
  • House — AED 450 per person
  • Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing 

  • Location: SANA Restaurant – Jumeirah Mina Al Salam – Dubai
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