Hospitality
RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS FOR HORECA RIYADH AND SALON DU CHOCOLAT ET DE LA PÂTISSERIE RIYADH
The 14th edition of HORECA Riyadh and the third edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh concluded, capping off a historic week that positioned Riyadh as the beating heart of global hospitality and gastronomy.
Held under the strategic partnership of the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC), the renowned and highly anticipated events transformed Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center into the largest hospitality and foodservice gathering ever staged in the kingdom.
Spanning 42,000 sqm, the events — held concurrently with Host Arabia and Saudi Elite Chefs — brought together over 500 exhibitors, representing more than 4,200 brands. Indeed, 51,000 professional visitors from the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond explored the exhibition aisles and watched rising talents in action.
Jad Taktak, CEO of Semark Group, the organizer, commented: “We marked a new chapter for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene. The success of HORECA Riyadh, together with Host Arabia’s debut and the return of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, reflects the strength of our industry and the Kingdom’s growing position as a global hub for hospitality and culinary excellence.”
HORECA Riyadh once again reaffirmed its role as the definitive platform for innovation, learning and networking, paving the way for a new era of growth in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and foodservice sectors. The rich program featured an array of competitions and experiences, including the Hospitality Salon Culinaire, Barista and Mocktail Competitions, alongside The Talks, organized in collaboration with Hospitality News Middle East and Hodema Consulting Services.
Meanwhile, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh created a buzz, with 40 masterclasses, live demonstrations and pastry competitions led by 30 international and regional pastry chefs.
This year also saw the presentation of three special honorary awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the global and Saudi hospitality landscape. The Gastronomy Diplomacy Award was presented to Guillaume Gomez, president of Groupe Gastronomie and former French ambassador for gastronomy, for strengthening France’s culinary ties worldwide. The Visionary Award honored Pierre Marcolini, world-renowned Belgian chocolatier, for his exceptional contribution to global chocolate craftsmanship. The Leadership Award was bestowed upon Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, for her pivotal role in advancing Saudi culinary arts and nurturing the nation’s next generation of chefs.
Adding to the excitement, the second edition of Saudi Elite Chefs, organized by the Culinary Arts Commission, brought together some of the kingdom’s most talented chefs, celebrating the creativity, precision and innovation that define Saudi culinary excellence.
Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the company behind the HORECA brand and co-organizer of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, added: “HORECA Riyadh continues to be a driving force for regional growth; a true platform that connects people, ideas and opportunities. Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh once again honored craftsmanship, quality and passion, attracting major international brands while also showcasing local confectionery.”
Hospitality
PAN-ASIAN FESTIVE FEAST AT SILK LANTERN
With the festive season in full swing, Silk Lantern, Dubai’s newest pan-Asian dining destination, nestled within Dubai’s Jebel Ali Recreation Club, is unveiling a lineup of sizzling celebrations and irresistible offers, from a glamorous Masquerade New Year Party to vibrant Christmas festivities. Bringing together bold, expressive dishes inspired by Asia’s rich culinary heritage, Silk Lantern is creating the perfect setting to share traditions, stories, and flavours with loved ones.
Renowned artist, Oxana will enchant guests performing Christmas favourites live during Christmas Eve and Christmas brunch. For New Year’s, DJ Miggy will take over the decks, bringing the party to life with an electrifying mix.
Silk Lantern: Christmas and New Year specials to warm your festive spirit
- Christmas Eve Dinner on 24th December | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Celebrate Christmas Eve with an exquisite 3-course sharing set menu paired with sparkling festive vibes.
- AED 195 for soft beverages + 3-course sharing set menu. | AED 295 for selected house alcoholic beverages + 3-course sharing set menu. | AED 99 for the kids aged 6–11 years (Kids 5 & below: Complimentary).
- Enjoy live entertainment by dynamic Oxana for a spectacular evening.
- Christmas Day Brunch on 25th December | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Indulge in a wide-spread Christmas brunch with a festive carving station, designed perfectly for a family feast capturing the spirit of the season.
- AED 222 for soft beverages + 3-course sharing set menu. | AED 295 for selected house alcoholic beverages + 3-course sharing set menu. | AED 109 for kids aged 6–11 years (Kids 5 & below: Complimentary).
- Enjoy live entertainment by dynamic Oxana for a spectacular evening.
- New Year’s Eve Indulgence on 31st December | 8:00 PM – Midnight
Step into a realm of grandeur at the Silk Lantern Masquerade New Year’s Eve for unforgettable celebration.
- AED 249 buffet dinner + soft beverages. | AED 295 for gala dinner + unlimited free flow selected house beverages. | AED 150 for kids 6–11 years (Kids 5 & below: Complimentary)
- Get ready to rock the night in the electrifying performance by DJ Miggy.
With its vibrant festive lineup, exquisite cuisine, and immersive entertainment, Silk Lantern invites guests to celebrate the season in style. Whether gathering with loved ones for Christmas or ringing in the New Year at the Masquerade Party, every moment promises memorable experiences, warm hospitality, and exceptional value.
Hospitality
A NEW CHAPTER IN REFINED ARRIVAL: ADDRESS DOWNTOWN INTRODUCES ITS DIGITAL CHECK-IN EXPERIENCE
In line with Dubai’s continued vision for innovation and guest-centric excellence, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has approved the rollout of the Dubai Digital Hotel initiative – a pioneering transformation that reimagines the future of hospitality across the emirate.
As one of the city’s flagship luxury destinations, Address Downtown is proud to be among the first hotels to bring this vision to life with the debut of its new Digital Check-In Experience. Seamlessly integrated, elegantly designed, and thoughtfully crafted around the needs of the global traveller, the new system ensures that every arrival begins with ease, comfort, and a sense of quiet luxury.
Guests may now complete their pre-arrival verification from anywhere in the world, allowing the hotel to prepare their stay with greater precision and personalised attention. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an environment where the transition from travel to tranquillity is effortless – reflecting Address Downtown’s enduring commitment to hospitality that is both intuitive and refined.
This milestone marks a significant step towards Dubai’s ambition to set new benchmarks for digital excellence. Address Hotels + Resorts is honoured to contribute to this movement, elevating the guest journey through technology that enhances – rather than replaces – the warmth and authenticity of its service.
With Digital Check-In now live, Address Downtown invites its guests to experience a stay where innovation and hospitality coexist in perfect harmony, reaffirming its position as a leader in luxury hospitality in the region.
Hospitality
WELLNESS WITHOUT COMPROMISE: DINING AT DEATOX CAFÉ, TUMBI HOTEL DUBAI THE PALM
Set on Palm Jumeirah, TUMBI Hotel Dubai The Palm, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, has positioned itself as a wellness-forward, alcohol-free lifestyle destination. dEATox Café, the hotel’s dedicated dining concept, reflects this approach through a menu that blends mindful nutrition with familiar, well-executed dishes.

The menu is structured to appeal to both health-conscious diners and those simply seeking balanced, flavour-driven food. I began with the Acai Smoothie and the Immune Boost Fresh Juice, both clean in flavour and deliberately restrained in sweetness, where freshness and balance are clearly prioritised.
Main courses demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to balance wellness with comfort. The Baked Balsamic Salmon was simply prepared and well-cooked, with a light glaze that complemented the fish without overpowering it. The Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta offered a bolder flavour profile, delivering warmth and depth while remaining aligned with the café’s health-led positioning.

The supporting dishes reinforced this balance. Sweet Potato Fries provided a lighter alternative to traditional sides, while the Superfood Salad brought together freshness, texture, and nutritional value. A classic Caesar Salad, often overlooked in wellness-focused menus, was handled with restraint creamy without heaviness and well-proportioned.

dEATox Café succeeds by making mindful dining feel accessible rather than prescriptive. As part of TUMBI Hotel Dubai The Palm’s broader wellness philosophy, it offers a dining experience that aligns with contemporary lifestyle expectations while remaining commercially relevant in Dubai’s evolving hospitality scene.

TUMBI Hotel Dubai The Palm, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is the UAE’s first Tapestry Collection property and a lifestyle destination on Palm West Beach. The 171-room hotel offers thoughtfully designed accommodations, including King and Twin Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Sea View Rooms, and the highly sought-after spacious Suites with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline, providing an elevated stay that blends comfort, wellness, and style.
Guests can enjoy fresh, mindful dining at Afia, the hotel’s all-day restaurant, or recharge at dEATox Café with its range of wholesome dishes, cold-pressed juices, and sugar-free treats. The SUKOON Spa and rooftop infinity pool provide moments of relaxation, while a modern fitness centre and versatile meeting spaces cater to both leisure and business travellers.
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