Hospitality

Headline: BLENDING EXECUTIVE WORK HOURS WITH ELEGANT EVENING EXPERIENCES

Published

1 month ago

July 29, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive interview with Ashish Agrawal, Founder of Bondz

After spending almost two decades in banking, what inspired you to make the leap into hospitality?

I’ve always believed that entrepreneurship was where I ultimately wanted to be. Banking gave me an incredible foundation—it taught me discipline, financial acumen and, most importantly, how relationships are built on trust. But throughout those years, I found myself increasingly drawn to hospitality because it’s one of the few industries where you have the opportunity to create memorable experiences every single day.

After nearly two decades in banking, I felt it was time to challenge myself and build something of my own. I wanted to create a brand that reflected my personality and values—where people could connect, celebrate milestones, build relationships and feel genuinely welcomed. Bondz is the result of that vision. It’s more than a hospitality business; it’s about creating spaces where meaningful conversations and lasting connections happen naturally.

Entrepreneurship often comes with uncertainty. Looking back, what has been your biggest learning curve since making the transition?

The biggest lesson has been understanding that no amount of planning can prepare you for every challenge. When you’re building a business from scratch, you’re constantly making decisions with incomplete information, taking calculated risks and adapting to situations you never anticipated.

I’ve learned that resilience is one of an entrepreneur’s greatest strengths. There will always be setbacks, but each challenge teaches you something valuable—whether it’s about your business, your team or yourself. Hospitality, in particular, is an industry that evolves every day, so staying flexible, listening to your customers and continuously improving are essential. Every obstacle has helped shape Bondz into what it is today.

Bondz is a distinctive name. What does it represent beyond simply bringing people together?

The name Bondz carries multiple meanings, and that’s exactly what we wanted. At its heart, it’s about the bonds people create over food, drinks and shared experiences. Some of the most meaningful conversations, partnerships and friendships begin around a table.

At the same time, because we’re located in DIFC—one of the world’s leading financial districts—we liked the subtle connection to the financial term “bonds.” It reflects our roots while also reinforcing our vision of creating a place where business and social life intersect naturally.

Ultimately, Bondz represents connection in every sense of the word. Whether you’re meeting a client, reconnecting with friends or celebrating a milestone, we want every visit to leave you with a memorable bond.

DIFC attracts professionals from across industries. How has that influenced the concept?

DIFC is one of the most dynamic business communities in the region, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs and global executives from every corner of the world. That diversity played a significant role in shaping Bondz.

We wanted to create a space that adapts to different needs throughout the day. During business hours, it’s a sophisticated setting for meetings, networking, coffee catch-ups and executive lunches. As the day transitions into evening, the atmosphere evolves into an elegant lounge where guests can unwind over handcrafted cocktails, curated entertainment and exceptional dining.

Our menu, design and service philosophy have all been created with an international audience in mind, ensuring guests from different cultures and industries feel equally at home.

You often speak about creating experiences rather than simply serving food. What does memorable hospitality look like to you?

Great food and exceptional drinks are important, but they’re only one part of the experience. What guests remember long after they’ve left is how they were made to feel.

For me, memorable hospitality is built on genuine service. It’s about anticipating a guest’s needs, paying attention to the smallest details and creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable, valued and recognised.

Guests may not always remember every dish they ordered, but they’ll always remember how your team treated them. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in building a culture where service is warm, attentive and authentic. It’s this emotional connection that transforms first-time visitors into regular guests.

How closely did you work with Executive Chef Brando Del Mundo in shaping the menu?

It was a highly collaborative process. I had a clear vision of the kind of dining experience I wanted Bondz to offer—globally inspired cuisine that complements both business lunches and relaxed evening dining.

Chef Brando brought that vision to life with his creativity, technical expertise and deep understanding of international flavours. Together, we focused on creating a menu that’s approachable yet refined, offering dishes that are memorable without being overly complicated. The result is a menu that reflects Bondz’s personality—contemporary, versatile and designed to bring people together.

From co-working and networking during the day to cocktails and conversations in the evening, Bondz embraces two very different personalities. How do you ensure each experience feels authentic without compromising the other?

That balance was intentional from day one. We never wanted Bondz to feel like two separate concepts operating under one roof. Instead, we designed it as a venue that naturally evolves with the rhythm of the day.

Our recently introduced Executive Work Hours reflect this philosophy perfectly. During the day, Bondz offers professionals a refined alternative to noisy cafés or hotel lobbies, providing a comfortable setting for meetings, focused work and networking over quality food and coffee. As the evening unfolds, the space seamlessly transforms into an intimate speakeasy-inspired lounge with curated music, handcrafted cocktails and vibrant social energy.

We’re fortunate to have Nitesh Manghnani of Knite Events, who brings more than two decades of experience in curating nightlife experiences, alongside an experienced hospitality team that understands how to manage this transition effortlessly. Most importantly, we continuously listen to our guests. Their feedback plays a vital role in shaping our offerings, ensuring Bondz remains relevant, welcoming and authentic throughout every hour of the day.

Hospitality

iDiet brings Taste and Personalised Dietitian Support to the Heart of Healthy Eating in the UAE

Published

4 days ago

September 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As UAE consumers increasingly look for healthier ways to eat without compromising on taste, convenience or their lifestyles, premium meal plan brand iDiet is taking a more personal approach to nutrition by combining wholesome chef-crafted meals with dedicated dietitian support and flexible meal plans designed around individual goals and everyday routines.

Operating in the UAE since 2021, and currently serving all emirates, iDiet is the UAE brand of Lebanon’s established HealthBox Diet and Nutrition Center, founded in 2010 by nutritionist and entrepreneur Sabine Karam and is backed by more than 16 years of experience in nutrition, food and healthy meal planning.

Taste sits at the heart of the iDiet experience. Fresh, high-quality ingredients and no preservatives come together across menus inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, Oriental and international cuisines, offering the variety needed to keep healthy eating interesting and avoid boredom. Rather than relying on restrictive or repetitive diet food, iDiet focuses on meals that deliver on both nutrition and flavour – an approach designed to make customers feel they are choosing a better way of eating, rather than simply following a diet.

This is complemented by ongoing, personalised support from a dedicated dietitian. Every customer is assigned a dietitian as their account manager, providing guidance and accountability throughout their subscription, from selecting the most suitable meal plan and navigating nutritional needs to adjusting menus and making recommendations as goals, preferences and routines evolve. This continued relationship means customers have a nutrition professional supporting them beyond the initial assessment and throughout their entire meal plan journey.

“Healthy eating only becomes sustainable when people genuinely enjoy the food and feel supported throughout the journey,” said Sabine Karam, Co-Founder of iDiet. “At iDiet, we don’t believe people should have to choose between food they love and food that supports their health. Our dietitians stay closely involved throughout the customer journey, while our chefs work to make every meal nutritious, varied and genuinely delicious. Ultimately, we want to make healthier eating feel practical and enjoyable enough to become part of everyday life.”

iDiet offers a diverse range of personalised meal plans in the UAE, catering to different health goals, dietary needs and lifestyles. Options include low-calorie, high-protein, keto, vegan, cleanse, maintenance, anti-inflammatory, pregnancy and intermittent fasting plans. Customers can also enjoy a variety of meals inspired by different cuisines, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population and tastes.

Flexibility is also built into the experience. Through the iDiet app, customers can swap, pause and skip meals as their schedules change, while continuing to receive support from their dietitian. This allows meal plans to adapt to real life, rather than requiring customers to adapt their lives around a rigid diet.

Beyond its meal plan subscriptions and healthy food delivery, iDiet also offers healthy treats through its website and delivery platforms including Deliveroo and Careem, as well as healthy corporate catering and corporate wellness activations for businesses looking to make healthier eating more accessible in the workplace.

The brand’s UAE offering builds on the established HealthBox business, which began in a small kitchen in Beirut in 2010 and has since grown into a leading diet, nutrition and healthy catering business. Today, iDiet serves more than 3,500 customers and delivers over one million healthy meals annually in the UAE, alongside HealthBox’s established operations in Lebanon that also serve more than one million meals annually. With more than 16 years of experience across nutrition, culinary development, kitchen operations and customer experience, Sabine continues to be closely involved in the development of iDiet’s products and customer journey.

Today, iDiet is building on that regional expertise to meet the evolving expectations of UAE consumers by bringing together great-tasting food, expert nutritional guidance, personalisation and flexibility to make healthy eating easier to enjoy and easier to sustain.

Hospitality

Barceló Hotel Group Expands Egypt Presence with Occidental Cairo Grand Museum Opening

Published

4 days ago

September 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Barceló Hotel Group announces the opening of Occidental Cairo Grand Museum, a 207-key, modern four-star urban retreat in the Egypt capital. With an exceptional location near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, situated opposite the Grand Egyptian Museum, the property promises a central base from which to discover the city’s rich history and culture.

Occidental Cairo Grand Museum marks the Spanish hotel group’s second property in Cairo, further strengthening its presence in Egypt. The opening represents another milestone in the company’s expansion strategy and reinforces its position across Middle East and North Africa, a region with significant potential for tourism growth. It also demonstrates the group’s ability to identify strategic assets in high-value locations and develop distinctive offerings tailored to international demand.

Occidental Cairo Grand Museum, A Gateway to Discover Egypt

Occidental Cairo Grand Museum brings contemporary style to one of Cairo’s most historic settings. It features 207 rooms and suites, showcasing contemporary design and thoughtful comforts, promising a calm retreat after a day of exploring. Guests can cool off in the rooftop pool, recharge at the spa and wellness centre, or stay active in the fully-equipped fitness centre. For business travellers, a versatile 266-square-metre meeting space features modern audiovisual technology and accommodates events of up to 60 guests.

Dining is designed to take guests from relaxed daytime meals to memorable evenings overlooking the city. The main restaurant serves a selection of varied international dishes, while the hotel’s bars offer distinct settings for every occasion, from casual drinks at the Champs Sports Bar to quiet moments in the welcoming Lobby Bar. The standout Stage Skybar & Lounge can be found on the rooftop, where cocktails, sunset skies, and panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza come together for an unforgettable end to the day.

Cairo, A Growing and Increasingly Established Market

Egypt continues to establish itself as one of North Africa’s most dynamic tourism markets, supported by its developing infrastructure and unique cultural heritage, which has been further enhanced by landmark projects such as the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Within this growing tourism landscape, Cairo continues to strengthen its position as a key emerging market, attracting leisure travellers drawn to its historic heritage as well as business and incentive travellers.

“Cairo is a strategic location due to its iconic appeal, commercial importance, and ability to offer rich cultural experiences. The addition of Occidental Cairo Grand Museum enhances our presence in this strategic market and demonstrates the strength of our management model in creating sustainable, long-term value for owners, guests, and destinations,” says José Canals, Chief Operations Officer for the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia at Barceló Hotel Group.

Barceló Hotel Group contributes to local economic development through quality employment and support for local businesses. Its operations in Egypt sustain 1,876 direct and indirect jobs, with permanent employment levels above the industry average. The group also sources entirely from approved local suppliers, 70% of which are based in the immediate area, generating more than €4 million in revenue for these businesses.

In line with its Barceló ReGen sustainability strategy, the group is committed to a responsible growth model that combines tourism development with the creation of shared value for local communities by generating economic opportunities, supporting employment, and encouraging growth of local businesses. As a result, each new opening expands the group’s international presence and actively contributes to the social, economic, and environmental progress of the destinations in which it operates.

Hospitality

Join the Roni Revolution at Pizza Di Rocco This September

Published

4 days ago

September 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

September is bringing a pepperoni takeover to Pizza Di Rocco with the launch of the Roni Revolution, a limited-time line-up giving the much-loved topping four very different spins. Available throughout the month, the new collection ranges from double pepperoni and a fully loaded Italian-inspired creation to combinations with hot honey and ricotta or homemade pesto Genovese.

Beyond the new Ronis, Pizza Di Rocco is making it easy to feed a crowd with Team Treats for office lunches and get-togethers. For celebrations at home or your chosen venue, the team can even bring the pizzeria to you, arriving with a wood-fired oven to prepare and serve fresh pizzas on site for a proper Pizza Di Rocco pizza party.

Meet the Ronis: The Roni Revolution Lands at Pizza Di Rocco

Pepperoni fans, this one’s for you. From 1 to 30 September, Pizza Di Rocco is giving one of the world’s most-loved pizza toppings its moment with the Roni Revolution, a limited-time line-up that reinvents pepperoni four different ways.

Keep things classic with the Roni Roni (AED 59), loaded with double pepperoni, fior di latte mozzarella and oregano, or go all in with the Italian Stallion (AED 65), topped with pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage and caramelised onion. The Hot Honey Ricotta (AED 55) brings together pepperoni, whipped ricotta and chilli honey for a sweet and spicy twist, while the Pesto Roni (AED 65) swaps the traditional tomato base for homemade pesto Genovese, finished with pepperoni, fresh basil and Parmesan.

Can’t pick a favourite? The Four Ronis offer lets you order any four Roni pizzas for AED 199. Try them all, share them around and find your Roni before the revolution wraps up on 30 September.

Available until 30 September 2026.

Bring the Pizzeria to Your Next Party

Why order pizza when you can have it made fresh at home? Pizza Di Rocco brings its wood-fired oven and dedicated team straight to your location, turning birthdays, celebrations and get-togethers into an authentic pizza party, with pizzas prepared and cooked live for guests.

The team takes care of everything from transport and complete setup to cooking and serving, with hosts able to choose up to five pizza flavours, appetisers, and desserts for the occasion. Each pizza is made fresh and served piping hot from the oven, so guests can enjoy the fun of watching their pizzas come together before tucking in. Available for events of 30 guests or more, it’s an easy way to bring a little taste of the pizzeria to your own party.

For more information and pricing, contact enquiries@pizzadirocco.com.

Get the Team Together with Pizza Di Rocco’s Team Treats

With everyone back at their desks, September is the perfect time to bring the team together over lunch. Pizza Di Rocco’s Team Treats make office lunches, meetings and team celebrations easy, with generous sharing packages delivered straight to the workplace.

The Squad Meal (AED 699) serves around 10 to 15 people with two appetiser sharing boxes, one jumbo chicken strips box, ten pizzas, a dessert selection and soft drinks. For larger teams, the Club Meal (AED 999) caters for 15 to 25 people with three appetiser sharing boxes, one jumbo chicken strips box, eighteen pizzas, dessert and beverages. Planning something bigger? The Pro Meal (AED 1,999) feeds 40 to 50 people with thirty-five pizzas, appetisers, chicken strips, dessert and soft drinks.