Hospitality

LEADING LOCAL AND GLOBAL BRANDS UNITE TO LAUNCH ‘FAMILY MEAL’ IN SUPPORT OF THE UAE’S HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Published

3 months ago

April 14, 2026

Leading local and international brands, together with some of Dubai’s most respected chefs, have come together to support the people at the heart of the hospitality sector through ‘Family Meal’. Led by The Art of Hosting (TAOH) in collaboration with Equiti Group, Sole, Jack Daniel’s, Essentially, Moloobhoy & Brown, Plus 1 Communications, Freedom Studio, and food supply partner Aramtec, the initiative reflects a unified, community-driven effort.

Following its first successful meal distribution on 10^th April, the initiative will continue across two further Fridays, 17^th and 24^th April, with a total of 1,500 gourmet meal boxes prepared and delivered to support staff across the hospitality sector. Each box includes a main course, side dish, dessert and beverages, with fresh juices provided by Essentially, thoughtfully curated to deliver a high-quality, chef-led dining experience.

At its core, the initiative responds to ongoing challenges within the sector, supporting individuals across the entire hospitality ecosystem, from bartenders, waiters, chefs and baristas to hostesses, supervisors and back-of-house teams. By delivering meals directly to those affected, Family Meal reinforces a message of support from within the industry itself.

All meals are prepared centrally at Aramtec’s kitchen facility in Al Quoz, where participating chefs collaborate with the TAOH team to develop and execute their menus. From there, distribution is managed through TAOH’s fleet of catering vans, supported by volunteers, ensuring meals reach communities across Satwa, Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama and Sharjah.

Participating chefs include Chef Milan Jurkovic (21grams) bringing Balkan heritage into a contemporary, sustainability-led culinary style; Chef Hadrien Villedieu (Chez Wham), with a career shaped alongside globally renowned chefs and now leading collaborative dining experiences through his “Coolabs” series; Chef Ahmad Halawa, a former advertising professional now hosting Levantine dining experiences; Chef Elias Kandalaft (TAOH), founder of award-winning catering company Pinch Gourmet and co-founder of The Art of Hosting; Chef Earl Roland (TAOH), drawing on experience across Michelin-starred kitchens and international restaurant openings; Chef Robert Jhan (Aramtec), a Chef de Cuisine with 16+ years’ experience in high-volume kitchen operations; Chef Sultan & Kinda Chatila (Eleven Green) having transitioned from a Fortune 500 leadership role to co-found a purpose-driven food concept; and Chef Shaw Lash (Lila Taqueria) focused on authentic Mexican cuisine rooted in traditional techniques and heritage ingredients. Alongside additional culinary talent, each bringing their expertise to create meals that reflect both quality and care.

Kiah Khan, CEO of The Art of Hosting, said: “As a catering and events company, we didn’t want to sit on the sidelines. Our hospitality community is struggling, and we feel a responsibility to give back. That’s what has led us to create Family Meal, bringing together local chefs and corporate partners who wanted to give back and support the industry. Together, we’re showing up for our community when it matters most. This is hospitality with a purpose.”

Rajat Malhotra, Partner, Sole, commented: “Hospitality got hit first and it got hit hard. We’re grateful for the opportunity to step up, with our industry partners, to support some of our brothers and sisters who make this city a better place to live. We’re all in this together.”

Sara Kayan, Head of People at Equiti Group, shared: “At Equiti, we believe giving back is not just a responsibility, but a reflection of our shared humanity. Through Family Meal, we are honoured to support individuals across Dubai with dignity, care, and compassion, helping to uplift lives and foster a deeper sense of connection, inclusion, and resilience within our community.”

“For chefs, cooking has always been about more than food — it’s how we express care. When the people who make this industry run are struggling, the kitchen is the only answer we know. Every plate we’ll prepare through this initiative carries that same intention: to nourish, to show up, and to remind our community that they’re not forgotten,” added Elias Kandalaft, Chef and co-founder of The Art of Hosting.

Each meal box is branded with Family Meal and partner logos, serving as a visible reminder of the collective effort behind the initiative. By bringing together leading brands, culinary talent and volunteers, Family Meal demonstrates how the hospitality industry can unite in times of need, not only to serve, but to support its own. Individuals are invited to further support the initiative by paying forward a meal for a hospitality worker, with each meal box priced at AED 45.

Hospitality

AVANI+ LANEXANG VIENTIANE HOTEL OPENS IN THE HEART OF THE LAO CAPITAL

Published

10 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Avani Hotels & Resorts has opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, introducing the brand’s premium lifestyle hospitality to the Lao capital. Set on Fa Ngum Road, overlooking Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River, the 197-key hotel offers a fresh base for business trips, city breaks and riverside stays in Vientiane.

The opening marks Avani’s second hotel in Laos, following Avani+ Luang Prabang, and brings the brand’s practical, upbeat approach to the country’s capital. Designed for travellers who want comfort, flexibility and a sense of place, Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel combines smart Page 1 of 5 guestrooms, connected social spaces, relaxed dining, wellness facilities and meetings and events spaces designed for both local and international guests.

Guestrooms and suites range from Deluxe Rooms to a Presidential Suite, with layouts that support both work and downtime. Clean lines, efficient space planning and warm contemporary details reflect Avani’s easy-going style, creating a stay that feels polished without being overcomplicated.

The hotel is opening in phases, with a curated selection of rooms, dining, leisure and meeting facilities available from launch. Additional venues and services will be introduced progressively in the months ahead.

Dining will play a central role in the hotel experience, with four venues launching in stages. Mekong Mosaic, opening on 1 July 2026, is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving international comfort cuisine alongside Lao-inspired dishes, live cooking stations, wellnessfocused options and flexible formats including in-room and poolside dining. Sabaidee Social will follow in Q3 2026, bringing a Mediterranean-inspired tapas and bar concept to Vientiane, with casual dining, drinks and live entertainment. The Pantry will offer a relaxed café and co-working space, serving specialty coffee, bakery items, desserts and grab-and-go options throughout the day. Salongxay, scheduled to open in Q4 2026, will present a refined Thai-Lao dining experience, with contemporary takes on traditional recipes, a strong wine programme and an intimate setting for dinners and special occasions.

Wellness facilities are also being introduced in phases. During the first stage of opening, guests can access the outdoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. AvaniSpa and expanded wellness experiences will be added as the hotel moves toward its full launch, bringing Avani’s balanced approach to wellbeing to the centre of Vientiane.

Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel is set to become a key address for meetings, events and celebrations in the capital. Lanexang Hall can accommodate up to 320 guests, supported by additional meeting rooms and outdoor event spaces. Select event facilities are available during the first phase of opening, with the full meetings and events offering to be introduced progressively.

Guests can also tap into curated local experiences and personalised concierge services, connecting them with Vientiane’s cultural heritage, riverside lifestyle and evolving urban scene. The hotel supports Avani’s sustainability ethos through the use of locally sourced ingredients, support for local producers and artisans, seasonal menus, the reduction of single-use plastics where possible and thoughtful operational practices.

Hospitality

SUSHI & BEYOND IS NOW FOUR NIGHTS A WEEK

Published

11 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Toshi, the Pan-Asian restaurant at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, has its popular Sushi & Beyond promotion on four nights a week. Running every Thursday through Sunday from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the unlimited buffet is currently being offered at an exclusive limited-time price of AED 149 per person, making it one of the city’s most accessible evenings of quality Pan-Asian dining

Guests can expect the full Sushi & Beyond experience: the artistry of Sushi Master Chef Kot at the sushi and sashimi counter, alongside Mama Nata’s rotating menu of Pan-Asian appetisers, mains and desserts. The weekly schedule now makes it easier than ever to plan a visit, whether for a Thursday night dinner, a weekend outing, or a reason to end Sunday on a high.

Details at a glance:

Days: Thursday to Sunday, weekly
Timings: 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Price: AED 149 per person — unlimited (Exclusive offer for a limited time)
Venue: Toshi, Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai
Phone: +971 4 423 4100
WhatsApp: +971 50 494 2390
Email: fbreservations.gmhd@millenniumhotels.com

Hospitality

LOOP OPENS ITS DOORS IN BUSINESS BAY, INTRODUCING A 24-HOUR MEDITERRANEAN SOCIAL DINING CONCEPT

Published

11 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

LOOP has officially opened its doors in Business Bay, bringing a fresh Mediterranean-inspired all-day dining and lounge concept to the heart of Dubai. Located at Trillionaire Residences by Binghatti overlooking the Dubai Canal, LOOP is designed as a destination that seamlessly evolves with the city’s 24-hour lifestyle.

From early morning breakfasts to late-night gatherings, LOOP offers a contemporary Mediterranean experience centred around quality cuisine, shisha, tea rituals, and meaningful social connections. Inspired by the rhythm of Dubai, the venue transforms throughout the day, creating an inviting atmosphere for every occasion.

Guests can begin their mornings with specialty coffee and traditional Turkish breakfast spreads, enjoy relaxed business lunches and afternoon meetings, gather over dinner with friends, or unwind with premium shisha and handcrafted beverages into the evening. The concept is built around familiarity, comfort, and the idea of becoming a daily destination guests naturally return to.

LOOP places relationships at the heart of the experience, with a hospitality philosophy focused on recognising returning guests and creating personalised moments that foster a true sense of community.

The interiors feature warm natural textures, contemporary finishes, soft ambient lighting, and floor cooling throughout the terrace, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming setting that transitions effortlessly from day to night.

Situated within one of Business Bay’s newest residential landmarks, LOOP offers both residents and visitors a convenient destination for dining, working remotely, socialising, or simply taking in the canal views. Complimentary valet parking further enhances the seamless guest experience.

With its blend of Mediterranean flavours, elevated hospitality, and dynamic all-day atmosphere, LOOP aims to become one of Business Bay’s new social hubs.

For reservations and updates, follow @loop.dubai on Instagram or visit www.looprestaurant.ae. | For reservations and updates, follow @loop.dubai on Instagram. | Website: www.looprestaurant.ae