Hospitality

WHERE HIGH STANDARDS MEET GREAT TASTE

Published

6 months ago

February 26, 2026

Interview with Jaime Castañeda, Chief Executive Officer, Ninety Nine SB Investment L.L.C. | 99 Sushi

You’ve built a career across some of the region’s most respected hospitality groups. Looking back, which early leadership lesson still shapes how you run Ninety Nine SB Investment today?

One of the earliest and most enduring lessons I learned is that every single day counts. Leadership is not about long-term vision alone; it is about daily execution. A team must clearly understand the direction in which the company is moving. That direction must be explicit, consistent, and visible in the decisions we make every day.

I strongly believe that at the end of each day, a leader should be able to say that something meaningful has been achieved, something that moves the company forward. Procrastination is dangerous in leadership. Equally risky is delegating responsibilities that a leader must personally confront. There are moments that require direct accountability.

Leading by example remains fundamental to how I operate. Engagement with Heads of Department is not optional; it is essential. When leadership is visible, aligned, and decisive, it cascades naturally throughout every department and ultimately shapes the culture of the entire organization. That culture of clarity, accountability, and momentum continues to define Ninety Nine SB Investment today.

As CEO, where do you personally spend most of your time today — operations, brand strategy, or future growth planning?

While brand strategy and future growth are constant priorities, I dedicate significant time to operations. Operations drive cash flow, and cash flow sustains independence. I often say that cash is the oxygen of the company. Without it, nothing else survives.

Despite my role as CEO, I remain closely involved in daily operational oversight alongside our General Managers and Heads of Department. This ensures that teams have the resources, structure, and support required to generate strong performance while maintaining the standards that define us.

Ninety Nine SB Investment grows organically. We do not rely on external funding or debt to expand. Our growth is driven by profitability, discipline, and reinvestment. That model requires operational precision and constant vigilance. Brand vision is critical, but operational excellence is what enables that vision to materialize sustainably.

From Les Roches to leading a globally recognised Japanese fine-dining brand, was this always the trajectory, or did hospitality surprise you along the way?

My original ambition was to become a General Manager of a hotel. After graduating from Les Roches, that was the clear path in my mind. By the age of 30, I had already joined the executive committee of a hotel, and I realized that the trajectory I had envisioned might unfold differently, and perhaps faster than expected.

After working within hotel environments, including a period with Meraas Holding, I was presented with the opportunity to bring 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant to the region. At that time, I could not have imagined that I would one day be leading a Japanese fine-dining brand with international recognition.

Hospitality absolutely surprised me. The industry is dynamic, unpredictable, and full of unexpected doors. What began as a structured hotel career evolved into brand building, entrepreneurship, and international expansion. That unpredictability is, in many ways, what makes hospitality so compelling.

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant has retained its MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. What non-negotiables ensure that level of consistency across markets?

Consistency at the level required to retain a MICHELIN Star demands absolute clarity of concept and unwavering discipline. At 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, two elements are completely non-negotiable: immaculate service and premium ingredients.

The concept is clearly defined and protected. From sourcing to preparation to presentation, every detail must align with our identity. Ingredient quality is paramount; we work exclusively with top-tier suppliers to ensure excellence without compromise.

Equally important is service. Precision, discretion, timing, and genuine attentiveness distinguish exceptional service from standard hospitality. Guests must feel guided yet unintruded upon, respected yet warmly engaged.

Recognition from the Michelin Guide is never treated as a guarantee. It is a responsibility. Maintaining a star requires constant vigilance, continuous training, and humility. The moment complacency enters, standards decline. For us, excellence must be protected daily.

KO by 99 introduces a more contemporary, accessible side of the brand. What gap were you aiming to fill with this concept?

KO by 99 was created to express a different dimension of the brand. It was not about filling a gap in the market, but about expanding what 99 represents.

While 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is rooted in fine dining, KO by 99 allows us to showcase a more contemporary, lifestyle-driven approach. It is more accessible in tone and pricing, but it does not compromise on quality. It offers a space where guests can socialize, enjoy cocktails, and engage in a vibrant atmosphere beyond a traditional seated dining experience.

We wanted to demonstrate that 99 is not solely a destination for formal fine dining. It can also be a place to connect, to celebrate, and to extend the evening beyond the meal itself. KO by 99 embodies that energy — refined, yet relaxed; sophisticated, yet approachable.

Today’s diners value experience as much as cuisine. How has guest expectation evolved in fine dining over the last five years?

The UAE market has matured significantly. Guests today are highly informed and experienced. Years of exposure to world-class restaurants have shaped a clientele that understands quality and demands more than just exceptional food.

Fine dining is no longer defined by cuisine alone. It is a 360-degree experience. Music, design, lighting, spatial flow, and atmosphere all play critical roles. Illumination, in particular, is often underestimated. Lighting can transform a meal into an immersive experience or diminish it entirely.

Guests also expect continuity. If they choose 99 for dinner, they want the experience to extend beyond the final course. A digestif at the bar, a curated cocktail, carefully selected music – these moments must carry the same level of refinement as the dining experience itself. Today’s diner seeks immersion. Excellence must be holistic.

Having operated across the Middle East and Europe, how do hospitality expectations differ between regions?

At the high-end level, excellence is universal. Guests in Europe and the GCC both expect precision, quality, and professionalism. However, cultural nuances are significant. In the GCC, respect, privacy, and discretion carry particular weight. There is a strong emphasis on generosity, formality in certain contexts, and cultural sensitivity. Service must adapt fluidly to those expectations without appearing forced or overly rigid.

In Europe, service may sometimes feel more relaxed or informal, even within fine dining. In the Middle East, attentiveness and structured hospitality are often more pronounced. Understanding these nuances is essential. True luxury hospitality is not about imposing a single model of service; it is about interpreting excellence through the lens of cultural awareness.

Hospitality

iDiet brings Taste and Personalised Dietitian Support to the Heart of Healthy Eating in the UAE

Published

4 days ago

September 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As UAE consumers increasingly look for healthier ways to eat without compromising on taste, convenience or their lifestyles, premium meal plan brand iDiet is taking a more personal approach to nutrition by combining wholesome chef-crafted meals with dedicated dietitian support and flexible meal plans designed around individual goals and everyday routines.

Operating in the UAE since 2021, and currently serving all emirates, iDiet is the UAE brand of Lebanon’s established HealthBox Diet and Nutrition Center, founded in 2010 by nutritionist and entrepreneur Sabine Karam and is backed by more than 16 years of experience in nutrition, food and healthy meal planning.

Taste sits at the heart of the iDiet experience. Fresh, high-quality ingredients and no preservatives come together across menus inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, Oriental and international cuisines, offering the variety needed to keep healthy eating interesting and avoid boredom. Rather than relying on restrictive or repetitive diet food, iDiet focuses on meals that deliver on both nutrition and flavour – an approach designed to make customers feel they are choosing a better way of eating, rather than simply following a diet.

This is complemented by ongoing, personalised support from a dedicated dietitian. Every customer is assigned a dietitian as their account manager, providing guidance and accountability throughout their subscription, from selecting the most suitable meal plan and navigating nutritional needs to adjusting menus and making recommendations as goals, preferences and routines evolve. This continued relationship means customers have a nutrition professional supporting them beyond the initial assessment and throughout their entire meal plan journey.

“Healthy eating only becomes sustainable when people genuinely enjoy the food and feel supported throughout the journey,” said Sabine Karam, Co-Founder of iDiet. “At iDiet, we don’t believe people should have to choose between food they love and food that supports their health. Our dietitians stay closely involved throughout the customer journey, while our chefs work to make every meal nutritious, varied and genuinely delicious. Ultimately, we want to make healthier eating feel practical and enjoyable enough to become part of everyday life.”

iDiet offers a diverse range of personalised meal plans in the UAE, catering to different health goals, dietary needs and lifestyles. Options include low-calorie, high-protein, keto, vegan, cleanse, maintenance, anti-inflammatory, pregnancy and intermittent fasting plans. Customers can also enjoy a variety of meals inspired by different cuisines, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population and tastes.

Flexibility is also built into the experience. Through the iDiet app, customers can swap, pause and skip meals as their schedules change, while continuing to receive support from their dietitian. This allows meal plans to adapt to real life, rather than requiring customers to adapt their lives around a rigid diet.

Beyond its meal plan subscriptions and healthy food delivery, iDiet also offers healthy treats through its website and delivery platforms including Deliveroo and Careem, as well as healthy corporate catering and corporate wellness activations for businesses looking to make healthier eating more accessible in the workplace.

The brand’s UAE offering builds on the established HealthBox business, which began in a small kitchen in Beirut in 2010 and has since grown into a leading diet, nutrition and healthy catering business. Today, iDiet serves more than 3,500 customers and delivers over one million healthy meals annually in the UAE, alongside HealthBox’s established operations in Lebanon that also serve more than one million meals annually. With more than 16 years of experience across nutrition, culinary development, kitchen operations and customer experience, Sabine continues to be closely involved in the development of iDiet’s products and customer journey.

Today, iDiet is building on that regional expertise to meet the evolving expectations of UAE consumers by bringing together great-tasting food, expert nutritional guidance, personalisation and flexibility to make healthy eating easier to enjoy and easier to sustain.

Hospitality

Barceló Hotel Group Expands Egypt Presence with Occidental Cairo Grand Museum Opening

Published

4 days ago

September 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Barceló Hotel Group announces the opening of Occidental Cairo Grand Museum, a 207-key, modern four-star urban retreat in the Egypt capital. With an exceptional location near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, situated opposite the Grand Egyptian Museum, the property promises a central base from which to discover the city’s rich history and culture.

Occidental Cairo Grand Museum marks the Spanish hotel group’s second property in Cairo, further strengthening its presence in Egypt. The opening represents another milestone in the company’s expansion strategy and reinforces its position across Middle East and North Africa, a region with significant potential for tourism growth. It also demonstrates the group’s ability to identify strategic assets in high-value locations and develop distinctive offerings tailored to international demand.

Occidental Cairo Grand Museum, A Gateway to Discover Egypt

Occidental Cairo Grand Museum brings contemporary style to one of Cairo’s most historic settings. It features 207 rooms and suites, showcasing contemporary design and thoughtful comforts, promising a calm retreat after a day of exploring. Guests can cool off in the rooftop pool, recharge at the spa and wellness centre, or stay active in the fully-equipped fitness centre. For business travellers, a versatile 266-square-metre meeting space features modern audiovisual technology and accommodates events of up to 60 guests.

Dining is designed to take guests from relaxed daytime meals to memorable evenings overlooking the city. The main restaurant serves a selection of varied international dishes, while the hotel’s bars offer distinct settings for every occasion, from casual drinks at the Champs Sports Bar to quiet moments in the welcoming Lobby Bar. The standout Stage Skybar & Lounge can be found on the rooftop, where cocktails, sunset skies, and panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza come together for an unforgettable end to the day.

Cairo, A Growing and Increasingly Established Market

Egypt continues to establish itself as one of North Africa’s most dynamic tourism markets, supported by its developing infrastructure and unique cultural heritage, which has been further enhanced by landmark projects such as the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Within this growing tourism landscape, Cairo continues to strengthen its position as a key emerging market, attracting leisure travellers drawn to its historic heritage as well as business and incentive travellers.

“Cairo is a strategic location due to its iconic appeal, commercial importance, and ability to offer rich cultural experiences. The addition of Occidental Cairo Grand Museum enhances our presence in this strategic market and demonstrates the strength of our management model in creating sustainable, long-term value for owners, guests, and destinations,” says José Canals, Chief Operations Officer for the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia at Barceló Hotel Group.

Barceló Hotel Group contributes to local economic development through quality employment and support for local businesses. Its operations in Egypt sustain 1,876 direct and indirect jobs, with permanent employment levels above the industry average. The group also sources entirely from approved local suppliers, 70% of which are based in the immediate area, generating more than €4 million in revenue for these businesses.

In line with its Barceló ReGen sustainability strategy, the group is committed to a responsible growth model that combines tourism development with the creation of shared value for local communities by generating economic opportunities, supporting employment, and encouraging growth of local businesses. As a result, each new opening expands the group’s international presence and actively contributes to the social, economic, and environmental progress of the destinations in which it operates.

Hospitality

Join the Roni Revolution at Pizza Di Rocco This September

Published

4 days ago

September 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

September is bringing a pepperoni takeover to Pizza Di Rocco with the launch of the Roni Revolution, a limited-time line-up giving the much-loved topping four very different spins. Available throughout the month, the new collection ranges from double pepperoni and a fully loaded Italian-inspired creation to combinations with hot honey and ricotta or homemade pesto Genovese.

Beyond the new Ronis, Pizza Di Rocco is making it easy to feed a crowd with Team Treats for office lunches and get-togethers. For celebrations at home or your chosen venue, the team can even bring the pizzeria to you, arriving with a wood-fired oven to prepare and serve fresh pizzas on site for a proper Pizza Di Rocco pizza party.

Meet the Ronis: The Roni Revolution Lands at Pizza Di Rocco

Pepperoni fans, this one’s for you. From 1 to 30 September, Pizza Di Rocco is giving one of the world’s most-loved pizza toppings its moment with the Roni Revolution, a limited-time line-up that reinvents pepperoni four different ways.

Keep things classic with the Roni Roni (AED 59), loaded with double pepperoni, fior di latte mozzarella and oregano, or go all in with the Italian Stallion (AED 65), topped with pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage and caramelised onion. The Hot Honey Ricotta (AED 55) brings together pepperoni, whipped ricotta and chilli honey for a sweet and spicy twist, while the Pesto Roni (AED 65) swaps the traditional tomato base for homemade pesto Genovese, finished with pepperoni, fresh basil and Parmesan.

Can’t pick a favourite? The Four Ronis offer lets you order any four Roni pizzas for AED 199. Try them all, share them around and find your Roni before the revolution wraps up on 30 September.

Available until 30 September 2026.

Bring the Pizzeria to Your Next Party

Why order pizza when you can have it made fresh at home? Pizza Di Rocco brings its wood-fired oven and dedicated team straight to your location, turning birthdays, celebrations and get-togethers into an authentic pizza party, with pizzas prepared and cooked live for guests.

The team takes care of everything from transport and complete setup to cooking and serving, with hosts able to choose up to five pizza flavours, appetisers, and desserts for the occasion. Each pizza is made fresh and served piping hot from the oven, so guests can enjoy the fun of watching their pizzas come together before tucking in. Available for events of 30 guests or more, it’s an easy way to bring a little taste of the pizzeria to your own party.

For more information and pricing, contact enquiries@pizzadirocco.com.

Get the Team Together with Pizza Di Rocco’s Team Treats

With everyone back at their desks, September is the perfect time to bring the team together over lunch. Pizza Di Rocco’s Team Treats make office lunches, meetings and team celebrations easy, with generous sharing packages delivered straight to the workplace.

The Squad Meal (AED 699) serves around 10 to 15 people with two appetiser sharing boxes, one jumbo chicken strips box, ten pizzas, a dessert selection and soft drinks. For larger teams, the Club Meal (AED 999) caters for 15 to 25 people with three appetiser sharing boxes, one jumbo chicken strips box, eighteen pizzas, dessert and beverages. Planning something bigger? The Pro Meal (AED 1,999) feeds 40 to 50 people with thirty-five pizzas, appetisers, chicken strips, dessert and soft drinks.