Hospitality

Preserving Heritage Through Modern Hospitality

Published

3 months ago

July 31, 2026

Exclusive interview with Chef Peter Chaine, Executive Chef at The Club Abu Dhabi

You first arrived in Abu Dhabi in 1987, expecting what you described as a short chapter in your career, yet nearly four decades later, The Club remains an integral part of your journey. What has made this place so special that it continues to feel like home?

I took up an appointment in December 1987 to join The Club in the capacity of Sous Chef and moved on to the reins of Executive Chef in August 1990. I have received the full support of the Committee, Management, Staff and Members to achieve what it is today. The path was never easy, but with the thought “The Club is the second home to its Members,” always at the back of my mind, my team and I are challenged to deliver consistency at all times. I drive myself to take full responsibility for any food on a plate produced at The Club. Sourcing the highest quality ingredients that our Members can enjoy at the most competitive price is predominantly a reason for our success. The regular changes of outlet menus and special dishes or nights offered in various outlets and areas within the property make it a unique experience for the diners. The appreciation from our membership is seen by their decisions to avail themselves of these events. This success has seen our staff retention levels, in comparison to industry competitors, be the lowest.

Having witnessed Abu Dhabi’s remarkable transformation over nearly four decades, how have you seen The Club evolve while preserving the sense of community and belonging that has defined it for generations?

I have always felt that The Club forms a major part of the expatriate community due to the offerings in place. Hosting various events with local dishes for the wide repertoire of membership has driven us to always focus on “under promising and over delivering”.

Today’s diners seek more than exceptional food, they value authenticity, storytelling and memorable experiences. How has your culinary approach evolved to meet these changing expectations while remaining true to The Club’s heritage? And, you’ve witnessed Abu Dhabi transform from a quiet coastal city into a global destination. If food could tell the story of that journey, what would it say?

As much as I have seen Abu Dhabi grow in the past decades, I say the same of The Club, too. We are proud to think that we are a heritage site offering modern food of the highest standard within the industry in the region. The varying nationalities of membership have grown considerably and helped us to be more of a globally recognised organisation. Staples that have been Fish and Chips have now moved over to Chicken Tikka Masala, Thai Green Curry or a Beef Nashif.

The Port, hosting storage facilities, has been cleared and transformed into an International Cruise Terminal, while the rear end of The Club has facilitated the new 4- to 5-lane main highway.

Having mentored generations of chefs and helped establish the Emirates Culinary Guild, what responsibility do experienced culinary leaders have in nurturing the next generation of talent, and what qualities do you believe young chefs should cultivate to succeed in today’s industry?

I have earned my present position of Vice President in The Emirates Culinary Guild, as I was always interested in innovation and modernisation of dishes. I competed amongst some of the best and helped gain recognition for The Club within the fraternity of hospitality establishments in the UAE. Being there to offer assistance to colleagues when they collected many accolades for individuals and for the club is an achievement itself. We believe in nurturing the youth by way of offering regular on the job trainings where we can then look to maintain the standards while sustaining the level of enthusiasm for business growth.

Rapid Fire questions:

What does success mean to you today?

Success to me today is that we meet all expectations and deliver to the highest standards consistently.

A signature dish everyone should try at The Club?

My signature dish is none, as I expect the diners to be adventurous and place all trust in the hands of the chef’s creations and interpretation of a dish, and try all we have to offer.

A young chef every aspiring professional should learn from?

The industry I came into almost 4 decades ago has evolved; thus, we cannot expect the staff to work the long hours we worked, give up weekends or parties for work. However, the need to offer 8 honest and productive hours to the establishment should be the vision. The work and lifestyle balance is very important for the youth of tomorrow. They need to be aware that good mental health is vital for success in achieving a happy family. I would also like to see a future that brings a positive attitude as being most important. Whatever you do is never going to be enjoyed if you are not in that frame of mind. Training can be provided, but a positive attitude has to be instilled from the initial education.

Hospitality

Murmur Makes Its Dubai Debut at Marsa Boulevard This October

Published

18 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Murmur, Sharjah’s first homegrown fine-dining restaurant, is making its Dubai debut with a winter pop-up at Marsa Boulevard, opening on 30 October 2026. Known for its creative take on Emirati and regional flavours, Murmur brings together traditional tastes, global influences and modern culinary techniques, inviting guests to discover the flavours of the UAE through a fresh and approachable contemporary bistro experience.

Murmur’s menu celebrates familiar local ingredients and flavours while drawing inspiration from cuisines around the world. Its contemporary fusion approach offers the locals & residents a new way to rediscover their favourite flavours, while introducing international guests to regional cuisine through inventive yet comforting dishes.

For its Marsa Boulevard debut, Murmur has created an exclusive menu featuring playful interpretations of familiar favourites. Highlights include the Saffron Chicken Burger, featuring saffron garlic mayonnaise and a sesame saffron Hokkaido bun; Musakhan Croquettes, made with sumac chicken and fried onions; and Biryani Arancini, bringing together Murmur’s signature biryani and dal makhani in an Italian-inspired creation. Other specials include Eggplant Melanzane, served with roasted eggplant, matchstick fries and burrata, and Marsa Fries, featuring Murmur’s signature seasoning.

Alongside these exclusive creations, guests can explore Murmur’s signature dishes, including Wagyu Short Rib & Tahdig, pairing crispy tahdig rice with braised beef short rib, and Machboos Arancini, a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Emirati rice dish. For dessert, the Karak San Sebastian combines the comforting flavours of karak with the richness of a classic san sebastian, finished with saffron foam.

Set against the scenic waterfront of Marsa Boulevard, the winter pop-up offers an inviting outdoor dining experience, perfect for relaxed evenings, gatherings with friends and discovering new flavours during Dubai’s cooler months.

Inspired by murmuration, the beautiful synchronised movement of birds, Murmur reflects the idea of different elements coming together in harmony. With its first Dubai location, the brand continues to celebrate its local roots while bringing Emirati and regional flavours to a wider audience through creativity, culture and contemporary dining.

Location: Marsa Boulevard, Dubai | Opening Date: 30th October 2026 | Operating Hours: 4PM -12PM – Weekends 1AM | Reservations: Walk in basis

Hospitality

Building Loyalty in Dubai’s Competitive Hospitality Market

Published

4 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive interview with Eti Bhasin, Executive Director at Majestic Hotels, UAE

As Executive Director of Majestic Hotels, what are your key priorities in overseeing the group’s operations, growth and long-term direction?

Representing as the Executive Director of Majestic hotels, key priorities:

Bringing in strategies for forecasting the demand and simultaneously liaise with operations teams to meet objectives laid out for the year.

Values and ethos foundation laid out to be consistent amongst all team members working at Majestic Hotels, whether at different properties or within different tiers of management
Expansion possibilities and generating sources of revenue generation

Majestic Hotels announced its fourth Dubai property, Majestic Central Hotel, in 2026. The 68-room, three-star property is near Sharaf DG Metro Station and caters to business and leisure travelers, with flexible monthly stays?

With the war situation that occurred in March 2026, we were amidst the opening of our 4th property Majestic Central Hotel, and it was a challenge posed to us to function with the best strategies for survival and monthly long terms contracts were introduced for the locals residing here in UAE. Being right in front of the metro station proved advantageous to our local crowd and that brought our occupancy levels to over 75% within 2 days of opening.

Having built F&B concepts such as Dhaba Lane and The Permit Room, what have been the biggest lessons from your entrepreneurial journey, and how have they shaped your approach to hospitality?

One of the biggest learning lessons that I received from my F&B journey so far, is to be consistent and persistent towards your goal. Each day in hospitality is a new learning. No two days are the same and service industry humbles you in that way.

Most importantly, to be relevant whether in terms of digital awareness or even latest food trends, guests demands are ever evolving. Also, it’s necessary that restauranters need to be up to date with latest technologies and be able to translate the same into their business.

In 2026, Majestic Hotels marked two decades of operating in Dubai, reflecting on its homegrown identity, returning guests and the memories created through its properties.

When Majestic started, Dubai was a very different destination. Today, it is one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets. We have seen the city change, guest expectations change, technology change and the way people travel change. Through all of that, we moved from one hotel to four, but our strongest asset has remained the same: people who know us and choose to come back.

For us, 20 years is therefore not about looking backwards. It is about proving that a homegrown brand can evolve without losing its personality.

Your 20th-anniversary campaign combines staycation offers with discounts on dining. How do you see such experiences helping hotels connect with residents as well as international visitors?

A staycation allows us to become part of the guest’s life rather than simply part of their travel itinerary. For Dubai residents, it is an opportunity to rediscover their own city. For international travelers, it gives them an opportunity to experience more than the traditional hotel stay.

Dining plays an important role because food creates memories in a way very few things can. A guest may not remember every detail of their room, but they will remember a dinner, a celebration, a conversation or an evening spent with family.

That is why our anniversary campaign is not simply about putting a discount on a room. It is about giving people a reason to walk through our doors and creating enough of an experience for them to want to return.

Dubai’s hospitality market is highly competitive, with international chains, boutique properties and independent hotel groups competing for attention. How can homegrown brands differentiate themselves beyond brand name, pricing and location?

A homegrown hotel does not have the global footprint of a multinational chain, and it does not need to. What we have is something that is much harder to manufacture, local understanding and genuine relationships.

We know our market. We know our guests. We can make decisions quickly. We can adapt our products around what people actually need rather than waiting for a global brand strategy to change. But being homegrown cannot become an excuse for staying traditional. Local does not mean old-fashioned. International brands can offer recognition, homegrown brands can offer belonging. That is where we believe the real differentiation lies.

Hospitality

Terrace Dining, Oktoberfest, and Beach Days Return to InterContinental Abu Dhabi This October

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

With cooler days and balmy evenings returning to the capital, October brings a welcome change of pace at InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences. From leisurely afternoons by the water to al fresco dining and relaxing staycations, the waterfront destination offers plenty of reasons to make the most of Abu Dhabi’s beautiful autumn weather.

At Bayshore Beach Club, sun-filled days are best spent between the pool and private beach, with day passes, private cabanas and spa treatments offering different ways to unwind. As evening falls, the terrace at Byblos Sur Mer welcomes guests back for Lebanese dining, marina views, and live entertainment. Elsewhere, the new Chamas Series brings Brazilian flavours, churrasco, and lively entertainment to the weekly calendar, while Belgian Café joins the Oktoberfest festivities with ten days of hearty food, beers, and live music. Adding to the line-up, Porto Gina reopens on 15 October, welcoming guests back for Italian favourites and relaxed dining by the marina.

For those looking to extend their time by the water, a family-friendly staycation offers comfortable accommodation, dining, and beach club access, making InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences an inviting address for a leisurely October break.

Belgian Café
A little Bavarian cheer is coming to Belgian Café at InterContinental Abu Dhabi as the popular Oktoberfest celebrations return from 16 to 25 October. For ten days, the much-loved venue will embrace the festivities with hearty food, flowing beers, and live entertainment, bringing a taste of Munich’s famous celebration to the capital.

A special Oktoberfest menu will feature hearty favourites and generous sharing dishes, best enjoyed alongside Belgian Café’s extensive beer selection. Live entertainment on selected evenings will add to the festive atmosphere, making it a lively spot to gather with friends and raise a glass.

The celebrations run alongside Belgian Café’s popular weekly offers, from All-day Mussels on Tuesdays to Burger & Brew on Thursdays and a traditional Sunday Roast, giving regulars and newcomers plenty of reasons to pull up a chair throughout October.

All-Day Mussels
Date: Every Tuesday, all day.
Price: AED 95 for two pots of mussels.

Burger & Brew
Date: Every Thursday, all day.
Price: AED 95 per person for a burger and a pint of Stella.

Sunday Roast
Date: Every Sunday, 1pm to 5pm.
Price: From AED 95 per person for a traditional Sunday Roast served with Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato, and sautéed vegetables.

Oktoberfest
Date: 16 to 25 October, with live entertainment in the evenings.
Price: À la carte.

Bistro 81 at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi
A new addition to Abu Dhabi’s dining scene, Bistro 81 at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi brings the charm of a Mediterranean brasserie to the capital. Relaxed yet refined, the restaurant celebrates seasonal flavours, sharing-style dishes and the pleasure of good food enjoyed in equally good company.

From leisurely breakfasts and morning coffee to Mediterranean-inspired lunches and elegant dinners, Bistro 81 moves naturally through the day. With contemporary interiors, warm hospitality, and an inviting atmosphere, it’s a welcome new address for residents and visitors looking to settle in over a meal, catch up with friends, or enjoy an unhurried evening.

Byblos Sur Mer
Overlooking the private marina at InterContinental Abu Dhabi, the four-time MICHELIN-selected Lebanese restaurant brings together authentic Lebanese cuisine, warm hospitality, and live entertainment in a beautiful waterfront setting.

The weekly line-up offers plenty of reasons to visit, from a three-course Business Lunch and daily Happy Hour with 50% off beverages to Layali Byblos on Friday and Saturday evenings, where live singers, music and belly dancing accompany a four-course menu. Sundays bring Brunch Al Lubnani, a leisurely four-course Lebanese feast with live entertainment.

Adding to the October calendar, celebrated singer Sobih Tawfiq takes to the stage on 31 October for a special performance, promising an evening of Lebanese food, music and marina views.

Business Lunch

Date: Monday to Friday, 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Happy Hour

Date: Daily, 4pm to 7pm.

Brunch Al Lebnani

Date: Every Sunday from 1pm, with live entertainment from 2pm to 6pm.

Sobhi Tawfiq Live Performance

Date: Saturday, 31 October, 10.30pm to 2.30am.

For reservations or further information, call 050 721 1079.

Chamas
The unmistakable energy of Brazil takes centre stage at Chamas Churrascaria, where flame-grilled meats, handcrafted cocktails, and live entertainment set the tone for lively evenings. At the heart of it all is the traditional churrasco ritual: Passadores carve 12 premium cuts tableside, paired with a generous gourmet salad selection.

The newly introduced Chamas Series gives each evening its own character. Wednesdays bring Churrasco & Caipirinha Night, pairing flame-grilled cuts with refreshing Brazilian cocktails, while Thursdays take a more leisurely turn with Vinho & Churrasco, celebrating the pairing of grilled meats and wine. Fridays turn up the energy with a Carnival-inspired evening of samba dancers, live percussion, and Latin rhythms, bringing the excitement of Brazil’s famous celebrations to the restaurant alongside its signature churras co dining.

The entertainment continues throughout the week, with live singers from Wednesday to Saturday, 7.30pm to 10pm, and Chamas After Dark DJs every Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 1 am.

12-Cut Churrasco Experience
Date: Tuesday to Sunday, from 6pm.
Price: AED 260 per person for 12 premium cuts and a gourmet salad selection.

Evening Bites
Date: Daily, from 5pm.
Price: From AED 65 per dish.

Churrasco & Caipirinha Night
Date: Every Wednesday, 6pm to 11pm, with live entertainment from 7pm to 10pm.
Price: AED 260 per person, including 12 premium cuts, a gourmet salad selection, and one carafe of Caipirinha.

Vinho & Churrasco
Date: Every Thursday, 6pm to 11pm, with live entertainment from 7pm to 10pm.
Price: AED 260 per person for 12 premium cuts and a gourmet salad selection, and 50% off bottled wines.

Friday Samba

Date: Every Friday, 6pm to 11pm, with live entertainment from 7pm to 10pm.
Price: AED 260 per person for 12 premium cuts and a gourmet salad selection.

Chamas After Dark

Date: Every Friday and Saturday, 10pm to 1am, with DJ

Price: À la carte

Fishmarket
An Abu Dhabi institution since 1989, Fishmarket at InterContinental Abu Dhabi has welcomed generations of diners with its distinctive market-to-table approach to seafood. This October, rediscover the charm of this much-loved waterfront restaurant, where there is no set menu, and every meal is a matter of personal taste. Browse the impressive display of fresh fish, seafood and vegetables, choose your favourites and leave Chef Sawai and his team to prepare them just the way you like. A new selection of rice and noodle dishes adds further variety to a dining tradition that has stood the test of time.

Fresh Seafood Selection

Date: Daily, noon to 11pm.

Price: À la carte

Porto Gina
A little slice of Italy returns to the Abu Dhabi waterfront as Porto Gina reopens on 15 October, welcoming guests back with a refreshed menu, familiar Italian hospitality and a relaxed setting overlooking the marina at InterContinental Abu Dhabi.

The new menu brings together Italian favourites, beautifully prepared classics and new dishes worth discovering, setting the scene for leisurely dinners by the water. For those who enjoy the Italian tradition of aperitivo, L’Ora Italiana offers another reason to settle in, pairing an aperitivo board with two glasses of Spritz for a relaxed start to the evening.

L’Ora Italiana
Date: Daily, 5pm to 8pm.

Bayshore Beach Club
With October bringing the return of beautiful weather to Abu Dhabi, Bayshore Beach Club at InterContinental Abu Dhabi is an inviting place to spend a day by the water. Set along a private stretch of beach, the club offers the choice of a refreshing dip in the pool, a leisurely afternoon by the sea, or a long lunch with drinks in the sunshine. The Bayshore Day Pass makes it all the more appealing, with food and beverage credit included to enjoy throughout the day. On Saturdays, DJ Mary adds to the atmosphere with poolside music from 2pm to 5pm.

For those who prefer a little more privacy, the cabanas provide a dedicated space to settle in for the day, while a two-hour spa treatment offers another way to unwind, combining a 90-minute massage with a choice of a 30-minute facial or body scrub.

Day Pass
Date: Daily, from 8am to 8pm

Private Cabana

Date: Daily, from 8am to 8pm

Massage Offer

Date: Daily, 10am to 10pm.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi Staycation Offers
With its private beach, waterfront dining and inviting pools, InterContinental Abu Dhabi offers plenty of reasons to turn a day out into a relaxing staycation this October. Whether planning a family break, a weekend with friends, or a few days enjoying the capital’s beautiful autumn weather, two stay offers make it even more appealing.

The Family Getaway offers 50% off a second room when booking any room category, giving families and friends more space to enjoy their time together, with access to Bayshore Beach Club included. For those who prefer everything taken care of, the All-Inclusive Staycation combines an overnight stay with dining and selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages across participating venues, plus full access to Bayshore. Designed for two adults and two children, the package also includes complimentary accommodation and dining for children under 12.