La Maison Ani, the French brasserie by Chef Izu Ani and Fundamental Hospitality, will open at Mall of the Emirates in September 2026. The 367-square-metre restaurant will seat 142 guests across an interior dining room, open show kitchen, and a wraparound Parisian-style terrace. The brand’s second address in Dubai, after the Fashion Avenue flagship that has welcomed approximately 385,000 guests annually since its debut in 2022.

“To me, no one is a customer,  everyone is a guest. When someone walks into our home, our maison, we welcome them with care, warmth, and the desire to create something truly special for them. Food is our way of transmitting happiness to others.

What we do was never designed to be transactional. It is an invitation, a personal moment rooted in love, generosity, and respect. Respect for one another, for the ingredients we work with, and for the home we open to others every single day.” says Chef Izu Ani.

The new location will bring the brand closer to Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, JBR, and the Palm – neighbourhoods with a strong appetite for refined, all-day dining. It also marks the continuation of an international expansion that now spans London’s Knightsbridge, Doha, and confirmed openings in Monaco, Miami and Riyadh.

“La Maison Ani was built to travel, but Dubai will always be home. Mall of the Emirates allows us to deepen our roots in the city where everything began, while continuing to prove that homegrown concepts, born here, can resonate anywhere in the world” Says Evgeny Kuzin, founder of Fundamental Hospitality.

The Space

The interiors will carry La Maison Ani’s signature Parisian romanticism into a new setting. Soft coral tones will flow through fabric-panelled walls and leather moulding details, anchored by light walnut timber flooring and Palissandro marble table tops. Croissant-inspired artisan tilework will line the boulangerie counter, while Eiffel Tower-motif shelving and trellis glass globe lighting will add sculptural warmth overhead. The signature chandeliers complete the picture, unmistakably La Maison Ani.

A show kitchen and dedicated pâtisserie display will anchor the dining experience, with freshly baked breads, viennoiseries, and pastries presented throughout the day.

The 62-seat wraparound terrace, framed by an iron pergola, will offer something rare for a mall setting: a dining experience that genuinely transports into a Parisian garden planted in the heart of one of Dubai’s most visited destinations.

The Table

La Maison Ani at Mall of the Emirates will operate as a true all-day dining destination. The day will begin with the boulangerie: freshly baked baguettes, flaky croissants, artisanal breads, before moving through light, seasonal lunch options to the richer, more considered flavours of the evening brasserie service. The full pastry programme will run alongside every service.

The menu will mirror the Dubai Mall flagship, rooted in Chef Izu’s vision of craftsmanship, tradition, elegance, and French passion, with the same signature dishes that have defined the brand since its debut.

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.

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites is turning up the action at The Croft, introducing a new live sports experience designed for fans who want to watch the game properly with great screens, great atmosphere, and even better deals.

Set in the heart of Dubai Marina, The Croft now shows a packed calendar of live sport across football, rugby, Formula 1, tennis, and every UEFA Champions League fixture. Six indoor screens ensure you’re never far from the action, whether it’s a midweek match or a full weekend line-up.

From Real Madrid and FC Barcelona to Manchester United, Liverpool FC and Arsenal, the world’s biggest clubs take center stage, shown live in a setting that’s lively, social, and effortlessly relaxed.

To mark the hotel’s 17th anniversary, drinks start from just AED 17, adding a celebratory edge to every matchday and making it even easier to settle in for the long haul.

At its core, The Croft keeps things simple: good food, cold drinks, and a proper place to watch the game. British-inspired favorites and classic pub bites round out the experience, making it just as suited to a casual evening as it is to a big match with friends.

THE CROFT – LIVE SPORTS EXPERIENCE

Where the game comes first.

A new go-to for live sport in Dubai Marina, The Croft brings together a full calendar of matches, six indoor screens, and a laid-back, social atmosphere that keeps the focus where it should be: on the game.

With drinks from AED 17 as part of the hotel’s anniversary celebrations, it’s a space designed for fans to settle in, stay awhile, and catch every moment.

WHERE: The Croft, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina
WHEN: Ongoing                                                                                                                      PRICE: Drinks starting from AED 17

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Dinner)
• Sunday: 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM (Lunch & Dinner)
• Monday: Closed

For more information or to book, visit instagram.com/croftdubai or call 04 319 4000