Hospitality

KERTEN HOSPITALITY ON CRAFTING EXPERIENCES ROOTED IN STORYTELLING, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Published

2 months ago

March 24, 2026

Exclusive interview Antony Doucet, Chief Experience Officer, Kerten Hospitality

You were part of the editorial team for the Louis Vuitton City Guide. How did storytelling shape your philosophy around guest experience today?

While I was in Istanbul, I had the opportunity to be part of the editorial team of Istanbul Louis Vuitton City Guide for the food scene. What I learned from this experience is that places are never just places; they are layered stories. At Louis Vuitton City Guide, the work was not simply about listing where to go or eat, but about understanding a destination through its people, rituals, textures and contrasts. That shaped the way I think about hospitality today. A hotel or branded residence should not feel like an isolated object dropped into a location. It should feel like an entry point into a wider cultural narrative – as an integrated part of a lifestyle ecosystem where people live, work, socialise, shop and dine.

Storytelling is what transforms a stay into a memory, an emotional experience. Guests may remember a beautiful room or a good meal, but what stays with them is often the feeling that they touched something real: a local craft, a neighborhood rhythm, a conversation, a point of view. That is why I believe guest experiences must have emotional depth. Design, music, food, art and community programming are all narrative tools. When used well, they create belonging, curiosity and connection. That is the kind of hospitality we aim to build at Kerten Hospitality: not generic luxury, but meaningful immersion.

Winning Hospitality Executive of the Year in KSA recognizes leadership impact, what leadership philosophy has guided your journey?

My leadership philosophy is built around three principles: honesty, generosity, and cultural curiosity. Honesty matters because hospitality is a business of many moving parts, and people need a clear sense of purpose. Generosity matters because our industry is about people taking care of people: guests, teams, owners and communities. Cultural curiosity matters because we operate across very different markets, each with its own codes and aspirations.

I do not believe leadership in hospitality should be purely top-down. The strongest ideas often come from listening closely to local teams, artisans, residents and guests. You can only create relevant hospitality if you are paying attention to what already exists around you. I also believe in building brands with soul and meaning. Commercial success is key, but the most successful projects are the ones that create emotional relevance.

Kerten Hospitality entered 2026 with the signing of over 1,000 new keys and multiple openings planned across MENA and Europe. From an experience perspective, how do you scale growth without losing emotional authenticity?

Scaling without losing authenticity requires discipline. The mistake many hospitality groups make is replicating formulas too literally. At Kerten Hospiltality, we scale through principles, not through sameness. We have a framework of guidelines, not brand standards, on top of which we curate bespoke features for each project. We never copy-paste previous successes; we curate new ones.

What remains constant is our approach: community integration, design with local relevance, experiences rooted in culture and a strong sense of place. A property in AlUla should not feel like one in Cairo, Zanzibar or in Rome. Each project needs its own local language, social rhythm and ecosystem. To preserve authenticity, we spend time understanding the DNA of each location before finalizing the experience framework. Who are the local artisans What is the creative scene? What are the culinary references? How do residents gather? What can we add of new and fresh value to the destination? These questions matter as much as room typologies or F&B positioning.

How important is cultural adaptability when designing experiences for the Middle East’s diverse audience?

It is essential. The Middle East is often seen as one market, but in reality, it is deeply nuanced. The expectations of a guest in Kuwait, Riyadh, Dubai, Jeddah, Aqaba or Cairo can differ significantly in terms of social behavior, privacy, family dynamics, pace and the elements of hospitality itself.

Cultural adaptability does not mean diluting a brand. It means interpreting it intelligently. In practice, that can influence everything from spatial planning to programming, dining formats, wellness, music, service tone and operating hours. Guests want fresh experiences, but they also want to feel respected and understood. Adaptability is not a compromise; it is a sign of understanding, respect and relevance.

Have guest expectations in the UAE shifted toward more meaningful cultural immersion rather than luxury alone?

Luxury remains important in the UAE, but it is no longer enough on its own. Today’s guests are more informed, well-travelled and selective. People still appreciate beauty, comfort and service, but they also ask: what is distinctive here, what can I discover, what story am I part of? There is a growing appetite for experiences that feel curated rather than polished. Value is shifting from display to depth. This is especially true for younger travelers and regional audiences, who often seek places with personality, cultural relevance and emotional credibility.

In lifestyle destinations, community is woven into the experience through curated programming, cultural partnerships, local dining concepts, and shared social spaces, effectively function as neighborhood hubs. For developers, the advantage comes from attracting locals as well as travelers, fostering stronger loyalty and repeat visits. Also, mixed-use lifestyle developments support year-round activity, increasing ROI and resilience.

Ramadan transforms social rhythms across the region. How does hospitality design adapt to slower, more reflective guest experiences during this period?

Ramadan requires hospitality to become more intuitive, respectful and emotionally aware. The rhythm of the day changes, and with it the tone of the guest experience. Energy becomes softer, evenings become more social, and moments of gathering take on deeper meaning. From a design and programming perspective, this means adapting pace, lighting, sound, dining flow and social spaces. Public areas need to feel calmer by day and warmer by sunset. F&B becomes less about volume and more about rituals, generosity and togetherness. Iftar and suhoor are not simply meal periods, they are cultural moments that deserve sensitivity and care. Ramadan is also an opportunity for hospitality to reconnect with values that matter all year: reflection, community, humility and generosity.

With global economic uncertainty and shifting travel patterns, how resilient is lifestyle hospitality compared to traditional luxury models?

Lifestyle hospitality can be extremely resilient when it is rooted in relevance. Traditional luxury often depends on a narrower set of signals: formality, exclusivity and status. Lifestyle hospitality is more adaptive in responding to changing traveler behaviors because it is built around flexibility, social energy, local connection and mixed-use value.

A strong lifestyle property can attract not only overnight guests, but also residents, remote workers, diners and event audiences. That creates a broader ecosystem and a more diversified demand base. When anchored in place, culture and community, a lifestyle hotel becomes a destination.

Hospitality

WATCHHOUSE DEBUTS ITS FIRST PERMANENT UAE HOUSE AT THE ARCADES AT ABU DHABI EQUESTRIAN CLUB

Published

47 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

WatchHouse marks a significant milestone in its international growth with the opening of its first permanent UAE House at The Arcades at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, set to launch in June 2026.

Founded in London, WatchHouse has built a reputation for redefining modern coffee through a focus on quality, precision, and guest experience. Following its regional debut through a pop-up at Marsa Boulevard in Dubai, the brand now establishes a long-term presence in the capital, with further expansion planned across the UAE and wider GCC.

At the core of WatchHouse is its “Modern Coffee” philosophy is an approach that brings together expertly sourced coffee, thoughtful hospitality, and environments designed around how people naturally experience coffee in their daily lives. Every detail, from sourcing and roasting to service and space, is considered to create a consistent and elevated guest experience.

The Abu Dhabi House introduces WatchHouse’s structured coffee offering, designed to guide guests through different flavour experiences. Rituals form the foundation of the menu, designed for everyday moments and familiar comforts, featuring milk-based espresso drinks and carefully developed decaffeinated options that prioritise balance and sweetness without compromising on quality. Ventures invite guests to explore deeper and more expressive profiles through filter coffees and bolder brews, showcasing origin character and pronounced tasting notes for those seeking a more immersive experience. At the more exploratory end of the spectrum, Horizons present a curated selection of brighter, funkier cups, highlighting experimental methods and distinctive flavours, offered at a higher price point for guests looking to discover something unexpected.

For those drawn to rarity and provenance, WatchHouse also offers Rarities: limited-edition coffees that are produced in small quantities and often challenging to source. Selected for their exceptional quality and interesting stories, these coffees provide a deeper connection to origin, craft and innovation, offering guests the opportunity to experience coffee as a truly special moment, available only for a short time.

As its first permanent House in the UAE, the space reflects WatchHouse’s commitment to creating environments that balance refinement with approachability. Developed in collaboration with interior designer Deidra Hodgson and located at The Arcades within Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, the new House takes cues from the site’s equestrian heritage, Spanish-influenced architecture. References to saddlery, traditional shading techniques, and stable detailing are subtly integrated, creating a space that feels tactile, grounded, and quietly refined.

Roland Horne, CEO and Founder of WatchHouse said: “As WatchHouse continues to evolve, each new House must earn its place; not just within a city, but within its story. Our Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club location marks an important milestone as our first permanent home in the UAE, a distinguished destination that embodies design, refinement, and community. These values align closely with our philosophy of Modern Coffee, which challenges the status quo to create experiences that are truly considered. This House has been thoughtfully designed to offer a space of calm and connection, reflecting the modern craftsmanship and welcoming spirit that define WatchHouse.”

Deidra Hodgson, Interior Designer said: “WatchHouse Equestrian Club draws on the venue’s heritage, blending Spanish-influenced architecture with equestrian design cues. Warm terracotta, rich tones and natural materials create a connection to the outdoors, while varied seating, including a rarities bar showcasing exceptional global coffees, is designed to bring people together and foster a sense of community within Abu Dhabi.”

The Abu Dhabi opening represents the next step in WatchHouse’s regional expansion, with additional locations planned in Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar, as part of the brand’s ambition to grow to 500 Houses globally by 2036.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For all media enquiries, contact QComms:
Serena Arnita, Account Executive: serena.a@qcomms.ae
WatchHouse@qcomms.ae

To follow WatchHouse, visit: www.watchhouse.com, @watchhouse , @watchhouse_ae

About WatchHouse
WatchHouse is a Modern Coffee business, founded by Roland Horne in a former 19th-century watch house on London’s Bermondsey Street. Since opening in 2014, it has grown House by House, now a global business with locations across central London, New York and the UAE. Rooted in the ethos of Modern Coffee, WatchHouse delivers an experience shaped by three pillars: exceptional product, considered design, and an elevated guest experience. From industry-leading specialty coffee to House-made food and architecturally driven spaces, every detail is crafted to move coffee and those who drink it forward.

About Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Set within the renowned Equestrian Club, a destination dedicated to lifestyle, culture, and community, the new House becomes part of a wider environment that brings together specialty retail, food and beverage, and curated programming. Designed as a place to return to, the space offers a warm and inviting setting where guests can experience WatchHouse’s meticulous approach to sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee, alongside a sense of everyday ritual.

Hospitality

SHANGHAI ME MARKS WORLD COCKTAIL DAY WITH THE ALCHEMY,A NEW COCKTAIL COLLECTION

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Shanghai Me, the acclaimed Pan-Asian dining destination at the heart of DIFC, is marking World Cocktail Day with the launch of The Alchemy, a new cocktail collection built not around flavour profiles, but around something far more elemental.

Drawing on the five elements of Chinese philosophy, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, the menu takes its cue from the cyclical logic of the Chinese zodiac, in which each element aligns with its corresponding animal sign only once every sixty years. It is this rare convergence of character and energy that forms the conceptual foundation of the collection, with each cocktail functioning as an interpretation of a specific elemental force.

The result is a menu of considerable range. Some drinks are immediate and bold; others open slowly, revealing texture and progression across each sip. Fire manifests as intensity; Water as something fluid and instinctive; Earth as depth and weight; Metal as cool precision; Wood as forward momentum. Rather than using the zodiac as aesthetic decoration, the collection treats it as a structural framework, with each drink carrying a personality shaped by both its animal sign and its elemental character. In its approach, The Alchemy reflects the culinary philosophy that has defined Shanghai Me since its Dubai opening, the blending of refined Japanese technique with the bolder flavours of Chinese cuisine, reinterpreted rather than preserved. The collection is helmed by the restaurant’s bar team and developed in keeping with the broader vision of chef-preneur Izu Ani and restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin under Fundamental Hospitality. The Alchemy launches today, the 13th May, and will be available at Shanghai Me Dubai from that evening.

Hospitality

EDGE RIYADH AL RABIE BY ROTANA ELEVATES MICE IN KSA

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Designed to meet the evolving needs of the regions business and events landscape, Edge Riyadh Al Rabie introduces a flexible and well-connected MICE offering in Riyadh. This comes at a time of strong momentum for Saudi Arabia’s events sector, reflecting rapid growth and an increasing demand for versatile, high-quality spaces that can support the Kingdom’s expanding role as a regional hub for business and conferences.

Strategically located in the vibrant Al Rabie district, just minutes from key business hubs including King Abdullah Financial District and Roshn Front Exhibition Center, the hotel offers a highly accessible and sophisticated venue for both corporate functions and social celebrations.

A key highlight of the property is its grand ballroom, an elegant and versatile space designed to host both large-scale corporate events and memorable social occasions. Accommodating up to 550 guests, the ballroom features refined interiors, customizable lighting, and full-service banquet capabilities, creating an ideal setting for conferences, gala dinners, weddings, and special celebrations. Complementing this are eight versatile meeting rooms, boardrooms, and dedicated pre-function areas, offering flexible layouts and modern audiovisual support for everything from executive meetings to private events and gatherings.

With its refined design and adaptable layout, the ballroom provides a sophisticated backdrop for weddings and milestone celebrations, delivering personalised experiences tailored to each occasion.

Commenting on the hotel’s MICE positioning, Kozhaya Tannous, Cluster General Manager, said: “At Edge Riyadh Al Rabie, we have created a MICE offering that reflects the evolving needs of Riyadh’s dynamic business landscape. With the Kingdom’s events sector experiencing strong and sustained growth, our ballroom and meeting facilities are designed to provide both scale and flexibility, enabling us to host everything from large conferences to weddings and special celebrations with the same level of precision and care.”

Beyond its event facilities, the hotel offers a well-rounded experience with 71 modern rooms and suites, multiple dining venues, and a dedicated wellness offering at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, ensuring comfort and convenience for both organisers and attendees.

Balancing productivity with comfort, Edge Riyadh Al Rabie brings together functional event spaces and a complete hospitality experience, including curated catering, attentive service, and contemporary amenities. In line with its “Designed for Business, Inspired by Comfort” philosophy, the hotel offers a seamless and comprehensive setting for MICE organisers in the region.

About Edge Riyadh Al Rabie by Rotana:
“Edge Riyadh Al Rabie” by Rotana is an upscale urban retreat located in the heart of Riyadh’s vibrant Al Rabie district. Blending contemporary sophistication with the warmth of authentic Arabian hospitality, the hotel offers 71 modern rooms and suites that combine Arabian-inspired aesthetics with Rotana’s signature comfort, creating a seamless stay experience for business travelers, families, and city visitors alike.

Strategically positioned just 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport and minutes from Roshn Front Exhibition Center and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the hotel provides an ideal base for meetings, events, wellness escapes, and family stays.

At Edge Riyadh Al Rabie, dining and social experiences are thoughtfully curated across distinctive venues. Guests can enjoy a go-to sports bar to watch live games and enjoy great food at The Alley; relax at Bistro Lounge where we proudly serve Bateel coffee and crafted beverages; or unwind at Bistro & Co a social hub for a more relaxed social setting serving international cuisine.

The property features a Grand ballroom accommodating up to 550 guests, 8 versatile meeting rooms, and dedicated pre-function spaces designed for conferences, workshops, and social celebrations. Guests can also access Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, offering a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam rooms, relaxation areas, and a signature Moroccan bath for a holistic wellness experience.

“Designed for Business, Inspired by Comfort,” Edge Riyadh Al Rabie by Rotana delivers a contemporary hospitality experience where productivity, style, and comfort come together seamlessly.