Hospitality

INSIDE MODERN HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP AT EDGE RIYADH AL RABIE, ROTANA

Published

4 weeks ago

April 16, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Exclusive interview with Kozhaya Tannous, Cluster General Manager, Edge by Rotana

In a market like Riyadh where expectations are evolving rapidly, what does ‘modern hospitality’ actually look like in practice, not conceptually, but in how guests experience your properties day-to-day?

Modern hospitality in Riyadh is about delivering effortless, intuitive experiences that feel personal at every touchpoint. It is no longer only about facilities or design; it is about how naturally a guest feels understood throughout their journey.

For us, it means combining technology-enabled efficiency with genuine human warmth. Guests expect speed, simplicity, and consistency but they also value authenticity and cultural understanding.

On a day-to-day level, this translates into smooth arrivals, responsive teams, and a service culture that anticipates needs rather than reacts to them. Modern hospitality here is about being present, attentive, and consistently reliable.

Managing a cluster means managing complexity at scale, what has been the hardest leadership adjustment moving from single property to cluster oversight?

The biggest shift has been moving from hands-on operational leadership to empowering leaders across multiple properties.

In a single hotel, you are close to every detail. In a cluster, success depends on building strong teams, clear alignment, and trust in execution.

The challenge is not stepping away; it is stepping back without losing standards. You learn to lead through structure, clarity, and empowerment, ensuring every property reflects the same brand promise while adapting to its own market reality.

Ultimately, you move from managing operations to enabling performance at scale.

Riyadh operates at a unique intersection of rapid growth and cultural depth, what specific shifts have you made in your leadership style to stay effective in this environment?

Riyadh is a dynamic and fast-moving market, but it is also deeply rooted in culture and expectations. That combination requires a leadership style that is both agile and grounded. I have become more intentional in listening whether to guests, teams, or stakeholders. Decisions are made faster, but they are also made with greater awareness of context. I also place strong emphasis on visibility and presence on the ground. In this market, leadership is felt most when it is close to the operation and engaged with people directly. It is about balancing speed with respect, and growth with cultural understanding.

In a market dominated by luxury narratives, how does Edge by Rotana carve out a distinct value proposition without being perceived as just another midscale offering?

Edge by Rotana represents a smart, modern, and efficient approach to hospitality, designed to align with the evolving needs of today’s travellers. Rather than competing in the traditional luxury space, the brand offers a distinct value proposition that reflects how people live, work, and travel today. It focuses on delivering practical comfort with consistency, ensuring guests experience a seamless and reliable stay every time. Service is intentionally efficient and streamlined, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining high standards of quality and care. At the same time, Edge embraces contemporary, lifestyle-driven experiences that resonate with a new generation of travellers seeking flexibility, convenience, and authenticity. This approach creates a hospitality offering that is both relevant and accessible, without compromising on the details that matter most. By combining thoughtful design, intuitive service, and a clear understanding of modern expectations, Edge by Rotana delivers a well-balanced experience that prioritises comfort, functionality, and ease, making it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

With Vision 2030 accelerating inbound tourism, how is demand in Riyadh evolving beyond corporate travel?

Riyadh is rapidly evolving into a multi-dimensional destination, moving beyond its traditional positioning as a primarily corporate hub. While business travel continues to play a significant role, there is a clear and growing shift in demand across several segments, including leisure and cultural travel, weekend regional tourism, and family-focused domestic stays. The rise of “bleisure” travel is also becoming increasingly evident, with guests blending business commitments with personal time and seeking more flexible, extended stays. This shift is contributing to a more diverse and dynamic hospitality landscape, where expectations go beyond just accommodation. Today’s travellers are staying longer and looking for more immersive, experience-driven offerings that allow them to connect with the destination, whether through cultural exploration, lifestyle amenities, or curated social experiences. As a result, hotels are adapting to meet these evolving needs, focusing on creating well-rounded stays that cater to both business and leisure, while delivering greater value and relevance to a broader audience.

With shifting geopolitical dynamics across the region, have you observed any tangible changes in travel corridors or source markets into Riyadh, and how does that influence your commercial strategy?

We are seeing a broader and more diverse mix of source markets into Riyadh.

Regional GCC travel remains strong, while international corporate and project-related travel from Europe and Asia continues to grow.

This has led us to adopt a more segmented commercial approach, tailoring our engagement strategies to different guest profiles and travel purposes. At the same time, partnerships and strategic alignment with stakeholders have become even more important in capturing new demand flows.

With global economic fluctuations and geopolitical shifts, how resilient is the Riyadh hospitality market?

Riyadh remains one of the most resilient hospitality markets globally. This resilience is driven by long-term structural growth under Vision 2030, ongoing mega-project development, and strong inbound investment. While global economic fluctuations influence travel patterns, Riyadh’s demand base is supported by diverse and long-term drivers that continue to expand the market sustainably.

What’s one guest behaviour trend in Riyadh that has forced you to rethink traditional hospitality assumptions?

One of the most significant changes is the rise of the highly informed, highly connected guest.

Today’s guests expect control, transparency, and instant responsiveness. They want to shape their experience in real time rather than follow a fixed service structure.

This has encouraged us to rethink traditional service flows and move toward a model that is more flexible, responsive, and guest-led while still maintaining the warmth and consistency Rotana is known for. Hospitality today is about adapting to the guest without losing the human touch.

Hospitality

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

Published

9 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

45 minutes 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

1 hour 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.