Hospitality
IHG HOTELS & RESORTS APPOINTS JOANNA KUROWSKA AS VICE PRESIDENT, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA DEVELOPMENT
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the appointment of long-standing IHG leader Joanna Kurowska as Vice President, Middle East and Africa Development. The move reflects IHG’s strategic focus on placing seasoned internal leaders in priority growth markets to strengthen owner partnerships, accelerate development, and drive sustained business performance across the region.
With nearly 15 years at IHG, Kurowska brings a strong track record of accelerating performance across complex, large-scale markets and is widely respected within the organisation and the wider hospitality industry for her people-centric approach and proven ability to drive stellar commercial performance. Her appointment reinforces IHG’s depth of internal talent and continued investment in advancing high-performing leaders from within the business.
Since 2021, Kurowska has led IHG’s UK and Ireland business – the company’s largest market within EMEAA – overseeing a portfolio of more than 400 open and pipeline hotels. Her leadership across development strategy, owner engagement, and portfolio performance has directly contributed to the market’s sustained growth. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in the integration of Ruby Hotels into IHG’s portfolio, strengthening the group’s brand offering and expanding its growth ambitions.
In her new role, Kurowska will spearhead IHG’s development strategy across the company’s highest-priority markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. Her experience managing one of IHG’s largest and most operationally complex regions has equipped her with the strategic rigor to navigate the diverse opportunities and owner landscape across the dynamic Middle East and Africa.
“I am delighted to take on this new role representing a brand with such strong legacy and presence in the region, as well as ambitions growth plans for the years ahead. Having been part of IHG for more than a decade, it is a true joy and an honour to step into this position and represent the Group in the MEA region,” said Kurowska. “Having spent the past few months meeting with owners in Jeddah, Riyadh, Sub-Saharan Africa, Dubai and Cairo, I can confidently say the scale of opportunity unfolding across this region is extraordinary. My focus is on ensuring we bring the right brands, the right deal structures, and strong local expertise to help our owners succeed. The Middle East and Africa are dynamic regions already delivering exceptional performance, and I look forward to working closely with our dedicated teams to drive meaningful, sustainable growth while creating long-term value for owners and the communities we serve.”
Kurowska is a strong advocate for inclusion, reflected in her role on IHG’s Europe Inclusion and Impact Board, a principle that will continue to guide her leadership across the region.
Hospitality
NOVIKOV MAYFAIR WELCOMES GCC TRAVELLERS FOR A SUMMER OF DINING, ENTERTAINMENT AND WORLD CUP VIEWING
As GCC travellers descend to London for the summer season, Novikov Restaurant & Bar is inviting guests to discover one of Mayfair’s most iconic dining destinations.
Located on Berkeley Street in the heart of the capital, Novikov has played a defining role in London’s dining scene for over a decade, bringing together contemporary Italian cuisine, Pan-Asian specialities and a vibrant Lounge & Bar. With dedicated Italian and Asian restaurants, Novikov offers guests the opportunity to explore two distinct culinary concepts in a single setting, each shaped by specialist chefs and premium ingredients. A selection of halal dishes is also available across the menus, reflecting Novikov’s appeal to an international clientele.
This summer, guests can enjoy a range of offerings across the venue, from seasonal lunch menus and Aperitivo Time on the Terrace to live entertainment at Novikov Lounge & Bar and screenings of key FIFA World Cup fixtures. Together, the programme reflects Novikov’s position as a true day-to-night destination, spanning leisurely lunches, aperitivo, live entertainment and late-night cocktails in the heart of Mayfair.

Seasonal Dining & Aperitivo
Whether stopping by for a leisurely lunch or settling in for an afternoon in Mayfair, guests can explore a variety of dining options across Novikov’s Italian and Asian restaurants. Seasonal offerings include the Italian Set Lunch, as well as the popular Hikari and Dim Sum lunch menus. The Italian restaurant celebrates seasonal flavours through dishes such as Risotto with Purple Prawns, Amalfi Lemon & Fresh Basil and Chicken Supreme with Mushroom Sauce & Smoked Aubergine Caviar, while the Asian restaurant offers favourites including Wagyu Tacos, Scallop & Jalapeño Maki and Spicy Prawn Money Bags.
As the day unfolds, Aperitivo Time on the Terrace offers a sophisticated way to ease into the evening, pairing classic Italian serves including Aperol Spritz, Negroni and Bellini with a selection of sharing plates.
Live Entertainment After Dark
As the sun sets, Novikov’s Lounge & Bar comes to life with a dynamic programme of music and nightlife. Resident DJs take over from 9pm until late, while every Tuesday, Novikov Live transforms the space into an intimate stage for exceptional performances spanning blues, funk and soul. Paired with expertly crafted cocktails and a lively after-dark atmosphere, the programme offers guests another reason to linger long after dinner has ended.
World Cup Viewing in Mayfair
Adding to the summer line-up, Novikov will also screen key FIFA World Cup fixtures throughout the tournament. Offering a more relaxed alternative to traditional sports bars, the Lounge & Bar combines match-day viewing with Novikov’s signature hospitality, food and drinks.
For GCC travellers planning a summer in London, Novikov offers a complete day-to-night experience, from leisurely lunches and aperitivo to late-night cocktails, live music and world-class dining in the heart of Mayfair.
Hospitality
KEETA EXPANDS RIDER WELFARE SUPPORT WITH DEDICATED COOLING, HYDRATION, AND REST FACILITIES ACROSS THE UAE
Keeta, the on-demand delivery platform backed by global technology leader Meituan, has strengthened its rider welfare efforts through the introduction of a dedicated summer support network across the UAE, designed to support their well-being during the summer months.
The initiative includes cooling and rest facilities strategically deployed across the UAE, alongside dedicated rider support areas within Keeta’s operational facilities. Together, these spaces will provide riders with access to air-conditioned environments, complimentary cold drinks, seating areas, and essential amenities that enable them to rest, recharge and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Colin Xu, Head of Logistics Operations at Keeta UAE, said, “Delivery riders are central to Keeta’s operations and to the service we provide every day across the UAE. During the summer months, our support for riders must be practical, accessible, and responsive to their needs on the ground. By expanding access to cooled rest areas, hydration points, and dedicated support facilities, we are reinforcing our commitment to rider welfare and creating a safer, more supportive working environment for the people who keep our platform moving.”
The programme forms part of Keeta’s broader efforts to strengthen rider welfare and ensure delivery partners are supported with practical facilities that reflect the realities of working through the UAE summer.
Beyond providing practical support, the initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of community among riders by creating dedicated spaces where delivery partners can take a break, connect with colleagues and recharge throughout the working day.
Keeta will continue listening to riders throughout the summer, using their feedback to refine the support network and ensure facilities remain accessible, practical and aligned with their needs on the ground, while they carry out their essential role of serving communities across the UAE.
Hospitality
ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI AND FUJIFILM INVITE CREATIVES TO CAPTURE THE WORLD’S ONLY HOTEL DESIGNED ENTIRELY BY ZAHA HADID
This July, photographers, creatives and design enthusiasts are invited to step inside the world’s only hotel designed entirely by Zaha Hadid as ME by Meliá Dubai partners with Fujifilm Middle East for an exclusive architectural photography workshop within the iconic Opus building.
Taking place on Saturday, 4 July, the workshop will welcome a select group of participants for a rare opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most celebrated architectural landmarks from the inside. Guided by Fujifilm X-Photographer (brand ambassador) Beno Saradzic, a Dubai-based Emmy-nominated cinematographer and award-winning photographer renowned for his architectural imagery, attendees will discover how to translate architecture into compelling visual stories while exploring the sculptural forms, dramatic perspectives and visionary design that define the hotel.
Widely regarded as one of Dubai’s most architecturally significant landmarks, ME by Meliá Dubai is a striking expression of Zaha Hadid’s visionary design language, where fluid forms, dramatic geometry and sculptural interiors converge. From the sweeping curves of its atrium to the intricate interplay of light, reflection and space, every corner presents a unique photographic opportunity, making it the ideal setting for an immersive exploration of architectural storytelling.
The workshop will begin with an introductory briefing, where participants will gain insight into the fundamentals of architectural photography, composition, and visual storytelling. From there, attendees will embark on a guided photowalk through the hotel’s remarkable interiors, learning how to capture geometry, symmetry, reflections, textures, and the ever-changing interplay of light within Zaha Hadid’s visionary spaces.
As a brand that champions contemporary culture, creativity and self-expression, ME by Meliá Dubai has long served as a platform for artistic discovery, where architecture, art, fashion, gastronomy and culture converge. This collaboration with Fujifilm reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to nurturing creative communities and providing inspiring experiences that extend beyond traditional hospitality.
Designed for photographers and creatives of all skill levels, the workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading experts while gaining exclusive access to one of Dubai’s most photogenic destinations.
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