MEAT MANIA JAPAN, the acclaimed culinary concept produced by Japanese music superstar EXILE SHOKICHI, makes its Dubai debut on the 9th of January 2026 for a one-day-only event at KEN by Kamatsuda, located in The Dubai EDITION. Celebrating the artistry of Japanese Wagyu, the experience invites guests to savour authentic premium beef prepared by Chef Ken Kamatsuda, paired with seasonal seafood in an intimate omakase-style setting.

Originally created in Japan under the theme “The Relay of Life,” MEAT MANIA JAPAN spotlights exceptional Japanese Wagyu—its superior quality, signature marbling, and the craftsmanship of the producers behind it. While Wagyu is now enjoyed worldwide, only a select few chefs can unlock its true aroma, texture, and umami. Chef Kamatsuda is among those masters, renowned for his precise technique and deep respect for ingredients.

EXILE SHOKICHI, vocalist of EXILE and EXILE THE SECOND, is also a devoted gastronome. He produces his own branded beef, Hachimasa Beef, and operates the meat-focused restaurant Yagien Ballpark in Hokkaido. Launched in 2024, MEAT MANIA JAPAN has since expanded internationally, with Dubai marking its first Middle East appearance in January 2026.

Japanese Cultural Performances & Premium Sake

Beyond the Wagyu experience, the event features immersive Japanese culture and entertainment. Rather than a generic showcase, we are inviting carefully selected Japanese artists to deliver a fresh, contemporary Japan experience to our guests.
In addition, guests can enjoy tastings of premium Japanese sake making its Dubai debut. Together, these elements create a multi-sensory evening—flavour, sight, and sound—celebrating the spirit of modern Japan.

Hosted at KEN by Kamatsuda, MEAT MANIA JAPAN in Dubai offers a rare opportunity to experience Wagyu in its purest form—refined, authentic, and deeply flavourful—where music, food, and culture come together in perfect harmony.

Couqley confirms the continuation of its French Brasserie at Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, reaffirming the strong and ongoing partnership between Couqley, Pullman, and the Accor Group. Now entering its fourth year at the hotel, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, consistency, and delivering a dining experience that resonates with both hotel guests and the wider Business Bay community.

Over more than 16 years since its founding in Lebanon and 10 years in the UAE, Couqley has established itself as a casual, affordable French dining institution. The brand’s DNA is rooted in honest cooking, accessible pricing, and a welcoming atmosphere, offering classic French food without formality, and quality without pretension. This balance has made Couqley a reliable neighborhood favorite for everyday lunches, relaxed dinners, and long-standing regulars.

“Couqley has always been about making classic French food approachable,” says Chef Alexis Couquelet, Co-Founder and Group Executive Chef.
“It’s generous, comforting food, fairly priced, in a place where people feel at ease. That philosophy has guided us from day one and remains at the heart of everything we do.”

At Pullman Dubai Downtown, the concept naturally evolved into a more upscale brasserie expression of the brand, shaped by the scale and architecture of space, while remaining true to Couqley’s bistro soul. The result is a vibrant, energetic setting that combines the warmth of the brand with a refined city-brasserie atmosphere.

Building on this strong foundation, Couqley is now preparing for its next phase of growth, with confirmed expansion plans across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, alongside wider GCC ambitions.

“Our focus is long-term brand building,” says Ali Daoud, Co-Founder and CEO of Couqley. “Growth matters only when it respects the identity, affordability, and guest experience that have defined Couqley for more than 16 years. We will continue to expand carefully, staying true to what makes the brand special.”

Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, a leading name in Dubai’s luxury hospitality landscape, has reinforced its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and guest well-being through the successful implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS).

This achievement comes at a pivotal time for the UAE hospitality industry, which is poised for steady expansion with hotel supply expected to rise by 3.4% in 2026. As the market becomes more competitive, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection continues to elevate health & safety, quality, sustainability and operational excellence as core differentiators.

The newly implemented Integrated Management System (IMS) seamlessly combines three critical international standards, enabling the resort to manage quality, environmental impact, and health & safety with enhanced efficiency and coherence:

• ISO 9001:2015 (Total Quality Management): Ensuring consistent, high-quality service and guest satisfaction.
• ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management): Driving sustainable operations and reducing environmental impact, complementing the resort’s existing Green Key certification.
• ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management): Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of employees and guests alike.

This integration demonstrates Al Habtoor Grand Resort’s holistic commitment to quality service, environmental stewardship, and guest safety.

The resort has also successfully recertified its ISO 22000:2018 certification, underscoring its stringent food safety protocols.

“These certifications are not just accolades; they are a testament to the collective dedication of our entire team. Our commitment to implementing and maintaining these rigorous international standards reflects our promise to deliver exceptional, safe, and sustainable hospitality experiences every day,” stated Khalid Saeed, General Manager of Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection.

With these certifications, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection reinforces its leadership in responsible luxury hospitality, setting new benchmarks for integrated quality, safety, and sustainability within Dubai and the broader region.