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SPOTTING THE SIGNS: HOW DOOR STAFF ARE BECOMING NIGHTLIFE’S FIRST RESPONDERS

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5 months ago

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Stephanie Austin, founder of Prima Cura Training

The image of the nightclub ‘bouncer’ has a clear stereotype: physically imposing, authoritative, and primarily concerned with keeping order among the customers. But step into today’s night-time economy and you’ll find that role has evolved significantly. Door staff are now acting as frontline responders, playing important roles in safeguarding vulnerable people as they enter, enjoy, and even once they’ve left the venue.

These developemnts reflect a cultural change, a shift in the way society views issues like consent, and most importantly improved training. Door supervisors are in an ideal position to spot signs of distress, coercion, or danger.

‘Duty of care’

Nowadays, there’s a much broader interpretation of the ‘duty of care’ concept. One of the most important messages now emphasised in training is that responsibility doesn’t end when someone steps outside the venue. Door staff are encouraged to look after not only customers inside the venue, but also those leaving it, people nearby, and even non-customers within visible range. The mindset of “not on our premises, not our problem” is thankfully becoming outdated.

Another major change lies in the way we define a vulnerable person. Where it once only really meant someone who’s intoxicated, training now stresses that vulnerability can take many forms and isn’t always obvious. A person may be sober but anxious, isolated, or pressured. People of all genders can experience harassment or assault, not just women and girls. Recognising these nuances is key to meeting a duty of care.

This awareness is reinforced by a more diverse workforce. The presence of more women and LGBTQ+ door staff has helped create a more approachable and inclusive environment. For many customers, particularly those feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, being able to speak to someone they relate to can make all the difference. It opens the door to earlier disclosures and ultimately, better support.

Initiatives like “Ask for Angela” have also contributed. Now widely recognised across venues, the scheme provides a discreet way for people to signal they need help. While not a complete solution, it represents a step toward embedding safety into nightlife culture.

Responding to raised concerns

Equally important is how staff respond once a concern is raised. Physical intervention is rarely appropriate in cases involving vulnerability. Instead, training focuses on communication, empathy, and alignment with safeguarding policies. The aim is to support people in a way that minimises further harm, without escalating a situation unnecessarily.

The industry has also learned from past mistakes. There is growing awareness of the risks associated with ejecting someone from a venue without their belongings or without informing their friends. What might once have been standard practice is now considered dangerous. Leaving individuals stranded or isolated only increases risk.

Training is the key

Ongoing training is absolutely critical in maintaining this progress. Laws change, but I’d like to know one person who can cite every law relevant to their profession. On top of that, societal expectations and emerging threats form quicker than the law can keep up with.

From increased numbers of drink spiking incidents to changes in local crime patterns, door staff must stay informed and receive the training they need to ensure public safety is maximised. Regular refresher sessions not only reinforce responsibilities but also provide space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

These sessions often include guidance on local support services, enabling staff to signpost individuals towards appropriate help, whether that’s mental health support, substance misuse services, or national helplines for issues like exploitation. They also cover practical skills like accurate incident reporting and navigating communication systems such as venue radios and emergency services.

Together, these developments are changing what it means to work the door. Today’s security staff are active participants in a wider safety ecosystem. Observant, informed, and increasingly compassionate, they stand on the frontline of nightlife, ready to step in when it matters most.

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Hospitality

Qatar Airways Unveils Onboard Signature Music Created in Partnership with Award-Winning Composer Hans Zimmer

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2 hours ago

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November 7, 2026

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Qatar Airways today unveiled its new onboard signature music, created in partnership with world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer.

Inspired by Qatar and its culture, Qatar Airways’ new onboard music brings a distinctive sound identity to the passenger experience through its collaboration with the iconic composition of Hans Zimmer. The music is also featured on the ‘Burgundy Symphony’ album, a bespoke five-track album that encapsulates the airline’s wider sound identity and signature sound elements.

The collaboration brings together Zimmer’s acclaimed cinematic storytelling and Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering memorable experiences, creating a recognisable sound that reflects the emotions, moments and memories that define travel.

The launch was celebrated at Hans Zimmer’s highly-anticipated concert in Doha on 6 November, where audiences were given an exclusive first look at the story behind the collaboration through a specially created film on the creative process and inspiration behind Burgundy Symphony, alongside a preview of the music. Qatar Airways passengers can experience the new composition onboard from today.

The Burgundy Symphony album captures the rhythm of travel through five original tracks, each reflecting a different stage of the journey:

Dawn opens the collection with a sense of anticipation and possibility experienced when stepping beyond the daily routine and discovering new horizons.

Dusk reflects the tranquillity of flight as daylight fades and travellers are carried above the clouds beneath a sky illuminated by stars.

The Orchard introduces a restorative pause, inspired by moments of calm and reflection amidst the pace of everyday life. The inspiration for the composition is drawn from the sense of escape offered by the ORCHARD – one of Hamad International Airport’s most distinctive passenger experiences.

Homecoming reflects the quiet gift of returning home and the small but lasting ways travel enriches life. The track encapsulates the adventure continues beyond touchdown, with memories of places and skies keeping moments of wonder alive long after the journey ends.

An Ode to Qatar, concludes the album with a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and forward-looking vision. The piece brings together a sense of history, culture, and ambition, reflecting a country where tradition and progress exist in harmony.

Following the unveiling, Burgundy Symphony is now available on the Qatar Airways YouTube channel, inviting audiences around the world to experience Hans Zimmer’s original compositions inspired by the journey of travel and the spirit of Qatar Airways.

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Coral Beach Resort Sharjah Wins Sustain Sharjah Award for Second Year Running

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24 hours ago

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November 6, 2026

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Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has won the Sustain Sharjah award for Hotel Properties at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2026, organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). This marks the resort’s second consecutive recognition under the initiative.

The accolade acknowledges the property’s progress at Level 2 of the programme’s Explorers journey, structured around four core pillars: Guest, Experience, Local, and Story. Across each pillar, the resort has prioritised measurable, practical measures that engage guests, support the surrounding community, and ensure transparent sustainability reporting.

Central to this achievement are three primary operational initiatives:

  • Onsite water bottling plant: Replaces single-use plastics with reusable glass bottles, eliminating approximately 300,672 plastic bottles annually.
  • Winnow AI food-waste system: Weighs and monitors kitchen waste in real time, enabling culinary teams to curb excess directly at source.
  • Onsite biodigester: Installed in 2026, making the property the first hotel in Sharjah to process organic waste entirely on site.

Commenting on the achievement, Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said: “Securing the Sustain Sharjah award for the second consecutive year is an honour for our entire team. Initiatives such as our water bottling plant, AI-driven waste monitoring, and onsite biodigester reflect our daily operational commitment—one shared with our guests, partners, and the local community. We thank the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority for this recognition and for their steady leadership in advancing sustainable tourism across the emirate.”

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is a signatory to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and continues to align its operations with broader international climate targets.

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Qatar Airways Connects Doha to Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, Colombia with First Flight

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24 hours ago

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November 6, 2026

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Qatar Airways has inaugurated its new twice-weekly service connecting Doha with Caracas and Bogotá. The service represents a significant milestone for the airline, as Qatar Airways becomes the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela, and the first airline to operate nonstop services from the Middle East to both Bogotá and Caracas. The new route underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening global connectivity for the region and is operated on Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.

Qatar Airways flights to Caracas (CCS) and Bogotá (BOG)

Qatar Airways’ flight schedule has been designed to provide smooth onward connections through Hamad International Airport to key markets including Australia, China, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. This offers passengers greater flexibility and seamless transfer options across Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations.

Departing every Wednesday and Sunday:

Doha (DOH) to Bogotá (BOG) – Flight QR783: Departure 07:35; Arrival 16:25

Bogotá (BOG) to Caracas (CCS) – Flight QR783: Departure 17:55; Arrival 21:00

Caracas (CCS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR783: Departure 23:30; Arrival 20:35

The addition of Caracas and Bogotá marks the 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas served by Qatar Airways. The airline began serving South America in 2010 with its inaugural flight to Brazil’s São Paulo.

The airline has recently expanded its partnership with LATAM to include LATAM Airlines Colombia, offering travellers greater access to the region. Qatar Airways will place its code on LATAM-operated flights between Bogotá and key domestic destinations including Cartagena, Armenia, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cúcuta, Ibagué, Leticia, Medellín, Montería, Neiva, Pereira, Pasto, Riohacha, San Andrés Island, Santa Marta, and Yopal.

Qatar Airways continues to strengthen global connectivity, serving more than 170 destinations this winter. Bookings can be made at qatarairways.com or through the airline’s mobile app.

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