Hospitality

PEOPLE FIRST HOSPITALITY BUILDS STRENGTH ACROSS THE UAE AND GCC

Published

4 months ago

May 5, 2026

By Twinkle Aswani, editorial division, Integrator Media

In a region defined by ambition, agility, and world-class service standards, the hospitality sector across the UAE and wider GCC continues to demonstrate a key strength: its ability to stay grounded in what matters most—people. While external conditions may evolve, the industry’s foundation remains unchanged. At its core, hospitality is about human connection, and that principle continues to drive resilience across the sector.

Today, hospitality operators across the region are reinforcing a people-first approach, focusing on team culture, communication, and employee wellbeing. This is not simply a response to current conditions, but a reflection of the UAE and GCC’s long-standing commitment to service excellence powered by engaged and empowered teams.

According to Bani Haddad, Founder and Co-CEO of Aleph Hospitality:
“In times of uncertainty, resilience in hospitality comes down to clarity, consistency, and leadership presence. I believe the starting point is simplifying priorities and communicating them with absolute clarity. Teams perform best when they understand not just what is expected of them, but why it matters, especially in an industry rooted in caring for people. Transparency is critical. In the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, leaders don’t have all the answers, but they do need to be honest about what they know, what they don’t, and how they are responding. This openness builds trust and reduces uncertainty across teams and stakeholders alike. Equally important is alignment at the leadership level. Mixed messages create confusion, so communication must be consistent, simple, and repeated. At the same time, empowering teams, recognising their efforts, and maintaining operational routines creates a sense of stability amid disruption.

Resilient leadership also requires emotional discipline. Staying calm, visible, and accessible sets the tone for the entire organization. Empathy plays a key role here: acknowledging that teams may feel anxious or distracted builds trust, but this must be balanced with clear expectations around service standards. Guests still expect consistency, regardless of external events. Ultimately, resilience comes from focusing on what can be controlled: people, purpose, and sound decision-making. If you lead with integrity and composure, teams know where to focus their energy and feel supported in doing so, and the business can continue to operate with purpose, even in uncertain conditions.”

This perspective is increasingly reflected across the industry. Hospitality leaders are placing greater emphasis on transparent communication, ensuring that teams are not only informed but also aligned with a shared sense of purpose. In an environment where service excellence is directly tied to employee engagement, clarity and consistency from leadership play a critical role in maintaining performance.

At the same time, empathy is emerging as a key leadership strength. Across the UAE and GCC, organisations are fostering environments where employees feel supported and valued, while still upholding the high standards expected by guests. This balance between understanding and accountability enables teams to remain focused and motivated, even during periods of uncertainty.

Operational consistency also serves as a stabilizing force. By maintaining routines and reinforcing standard practices, hotels create a sense of normalcy for both employees and guests. These structures provide reassurance, ensuring that service delivery remains seamless and reliable regardless of external developments.

What distinguishes the UAE and GCC hospitality sector is its ability to combine this people-first philosophy with a forward-looking mindset. Continuous investment in talent, alongside a strong culture of adaptability and innovation, has positioned the region as a global benchmark for resilience and service excellence.

Ultimately, resilience in hospitality is built on trust, strengthened through leadership, and sustained by a clear focus on people. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: when teams feel empowered, supported, and connected to a shared purpose, they become the strongest foundation for long-term success.

Hospitality

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

Published

50 minutes ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

Published

55 minutes ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

Published

1 hour ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
House — AED 450 per person
Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing