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THE ART OF CULINARY VERSATILITY

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Exclusive interview with Chef Tim Newton, Executive Chef of the Demind Group

You began your culinary journey in a small town and went on to work across some of the world’s leading gastronomic destinations. Looking back, what moments fundamentally changed the way you understood food and the craft of being a chef?

I don’t think there was one defining moment that changed how I understood food. As a young cook, you learn how to respect ingredients and bring out their best flavours. As you grow in the profession, you also learn how to create dishes that are commercially successful without compromising on taste. Now, in my forties, my focus is on respecting the product, creating something memorable for the guest, ensuring the business remains profitable and, most importantly, being original in my work.

From working alongside some of the industry’s most respected chefs to leading the culinary direction of multiple high-profile concepts, what experiences have most shaped your approach to cooking and leadership?

My approach to both cooking and leadership has been shaped by seeing where others have failed, as well as recognising my own failures. One of the greatest tests of a chef is the ability to make a mistake, recover from it and avoid repeating it. Do I still make mistakes as a leader? Absolutely. But I make a conscious effort to acknowledge and correct them immediately.

As Executive Chef of Demind Group, how do you see your role beyond creating dishes? What is your larger vision for the teams, concepts and dining experiences you are building?

My role at Demind has always extended beyond creating dishes. I have had the privilege of helping to shape and develop the brands themselves. My director has consistently given me the freedom to create, experiment and, importantly, make mistakes and grow from them. My vision for the team is to help each person mature and develop their skills. I never expect my employees to remain with me forever, so I believe it is our responsibility to prepare them for successful careers beyond Demind.

With Bagatelle, OPA, La Niña and Myrra each having their own culinary personality, what is your overarching vision for the kind of dining experiences Demind Group should be known for?

Demind Group is known for creating top-tier dining experiences, but each of its concepts has a distinct identity. At La Niña, guests experience refined Spanish and Latin American cuisine in a beautiful, romantic setting. OPA offers a complete night out, combining vibrant party energy with excellent food. Casa Myrra is positioned as an upscale-casual concept, offering the quality and attention to detail associated with La Niña and OPA, but within a more relaxed atmosphere.

Each of these concepts draws from a distinct culinary culture, from French and Greek to Iberian Latino and Greek-Spanish influences. How do you approach reinterpretation without losing the authenticity that makes a cuisine recognisable?

I approach every brand in the same way: I study, I develop the flavour profile and then I create. It may sound simple, but the process can take months. Take OPA Dubai, our flagship concept, for example. Even today, we never allow ourselves to become complacent when developing new dishes. Around 70 per cent of the menu remains consistent, while the remaining 30 per cent is continuously evolving. We study market trends, but we also aspire to set them. I travel across Greece, discovering regional dishes and ingredients that are often overlooked, while continually searching for the finest products available. At Demind, we are always moving forward.

Rapid Fire Questions:

What is the most unexpected food combination you genuinely love?

I’m a big fan of ranch dressing, so I would have to say Bolognese with a generous dollop of ranch on top. The height of gourmet dining!

What’s the one dish you would happily cook for friends at home, and what’s the one dish you absolutely refuse to make outside the professional kitchen?

Tacos, any day of the week.

What is the one kitchen rule you refuse to compromise on?

Respect one another.

A dish I would refuse to make outside the kitchen?

That’s a difficult one, because I don’t find anything too challenging. I would gladly take on any culinary challenge in my home kitchen.

Every chef has a dish they secretly think they make better than anyone else. What’s yours?

Paella—for sure!

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Hospitality

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers: The Perfect Destination for Memorable Events and Celebrations

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Whether you’re planning a dream wedding, an important corporate gathering or a special celebration with loved ones, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers offers an elegant setting for every occasion. Overlooking the picturesque Dubai Creek, the hotel combines timeless charm, warm hospitality and versatile event spaces with personalized services and thoughtfully curated dining experiences. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the hotel provides a beautiful backdrop for creating unforgettable moments, with dedicated event specialists ensuring every detail is taken care of. Discover some of the best ways to host your next event at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, with tailored packages designed to make every occasion truly special.

1. Say ‘I Do’ by the Creek: Celebrate Your Dream Wedding at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers

Every love story deserves a beautiful beginning, and Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers offers a romantic setting to turn your dream wedding into an unforgettable celebration. With the picturesque Dubai Creek as its backdrop, the hotel brings together timeless elegance, warm hospitality and the charm of a waterfront setting, making it a wonderful choice for couples looking to celebrate their special day in style.

Whether it’s an intimate ceremony surrounded by loved ones or a grand wedding reception, the hotel offers elegant event spaces, thoughtfully curated dining experiences and personalised menus to suit every celebration. What makes the experience even more special is the dedicated events team, who work closely with couples to bring their vision to life, ensuring every detail reflects their unique love story. The festive season adds an extra touch of warmth and magic, creating a beautiful atmosphere for moments worth cherishing.

With wedding packages starting from AED 200 per person, couples can enjoy a thoughtfully curated experience featuring (catering, wedding cake, and other inclusions). The hotel’s Ballroom (venue/ballroom name) can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it a beautiful choice for celebrations of all sizes. Price: From AED 200 per person | Capacity: Up to 500 guests | Package Includes: catering, wedding cake, and other inclusions

2. Where Business Meets Elegance: Host Your Next Corporate Event by Dubai Creek

Great business ideas deserve an inspiring setting, and Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers offers the perfect blend of professional hospitality, comfort and timeless elegance. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dubai Creek, the hotel provides a welcoming environment where meaningful conversations, fresh ideas and successful collaborations come to life.

Whether you’re hosting an important boardroom discussion, a large-scale conference, an interactive team workshop or a corporate celebration, the hotel offers versatile meeting spaces designed to suit different business needs. What makes the experience stand out is the personalised approach, with a dedicated events team assisting with every detail, from venue arrangements to thoughtfully curated food and beverage experiences, allowing guests to focus on what truly matters — connecting, collaborating and achieving their goals.

With half-day meeting packages starting from AED 250 per person and full-day packages from AED 300 per person, businesses can enjoy tailored experiences featuring 2 (coffee breaks, lunch, AV equipment, Wi-Fi and other inclusions). The hotel’s Deira meeting rooms can accommodate up to 75 delegates, supported by a dedicated events team to ensure seamless planning and execution. Businesses can also benefit from Marriott Bonvoy Points (corporate group offers or complimentary benefits). Price: Half-day from AED 250 | Full day from AED 300 per person | Capacity: Up to 75 delegates | Package Includes: Up to 2 coffee breaks, lunch, AV equipment, Wi-Fi and other inclusions

3. Celebrate Life’s Special Moments at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers

Some moments deserve more than just a celebration they deserve a setting that makes them truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a special anniversary, an intimate family gathering or a stylish private celebration, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers offers an elegant escape where beautiful memories are made against the charming backdrop of Dubai Creek.

Combining timeless surroundings with warm hospitality, the hotel provides versatile event spaces that can be transformed to reflect the personality and spirit of every occasion. From thoughtfully crafted menus and tailored dining experiences to personalised event arrangements, every detail is designed to make guests feel special. With the support of the hotel’s dedicated Events Booking Centre team, hosts can enjoy their celebrations while the finer details are taken care of, creating an effortless experience from beginning to end.

With private event packages starting from AED 250 per person, guests can create their ideal celebration with personalised menus, entertainment and other inclusions. The hotel’s flexible event spaces can accommodate up to 100 guests, while the dedicated Events Booking Centre team provides personalised planning assistance to ensure every occasion is thoughtfully organised. Price: From AED 250 per person | Capacity: Up to 100 guests

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Celebrate UAE National Day with 15% Off a Creekside Staycation at Sheraton Dubai Creek

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This UAE National Day, treat yourself to a relaxing getaway without leaving Dubai. Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers is offering UAE residents an exclusive 15% discount on its regular half-board rate, valid for stays from 27 November to 6 December 2026, with no minimum stay requirement.

Set along the picturesque Dubai Creek in Deira, the iconic five-star hotel combines timeless elegance with modern comforts. Guests can choose from beautifully appointed Deluxe Rooms with city or Creek views, Club Rooms with exclusive lounge access, and spacious Junior and Executive Suites, offering a comfortable retreat for couples and families alike.

Dining is equally inviting, with Italian flavours at Vivaldi, British favourites at The Chelsea Arms, relaxed poolside dining at By the Bay, and casual refreshments at the Lobby Café. Guests can also unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at Spa, or make use of the 24-hour fitness centre.

Adding a touch of festive magic, the hotel will be adorned with seasonal decorations throughout the holiday period. Guests staying on 4 December 2026 can also experience the hotel’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Lower Lobby, accompanied by a Christmas choir, creating a memorable start to the festive season.

With the flexibility of no minimum length of stay, guests can plan anything from a spontaneous overnight escape to an extended waterfront retreat. Combining comfortable accommodation, delightful dining experiences and a charming Creekside setting, this exclusive UAE National Day offer is the perfect opportunity to celebrate in style. To enjoy this exclusive UAE residents’ National Day half-board offer, book online using the promotional code ES2.

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Hospitality

Brands For Less Group and EM Normandie Business School partner to develop future retail industry leaders

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Brands For Less (BFL) Group, a leading off-price retailer across the GCC and Southeast Asia, and EM Normandie Business School have announced a strategic partnership to bridge academic learning with real-world business applications within the modern retail industry. The collaboration will run for three years and aims to bring together the commercial experience and market insights of Brands For Less with the academic expertise and international outlook of EM Normandie.

The partnership initiative, which starts immediately and is set to run throughout the 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 academic years, is designed to complement the academic learning of up to 60 students – 40 undergraduates and 20 postgraduates – across multiple business disciplines, including marketing, finance, digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As well as providing practical industry exposure and a better understanding of how business concepts are applied in a real-world environment, students will have the opportunity to engage directly with retail professionals, work on real business challenges, and explore internship and career pathways.

The programme will also support the professional development of BFL employees through tailored executive educational sessions and is built around three pillars:

  • Industry-led academic collaboration

BFL will work closely with EM Normandie’s academic departments to enrich the learning experience with real business context. The Group will contribute industry case studies, business challenges, market insights, and practical perspectives that can be integrated into coursework, research initiatives, and consulting-style projects. The company will also support knowledge-sharing opportunities through engagement with students and faculty, while exploring capstone projects, dissertations, and career prospects for future graduates.

  • Field visits and industry exposure

Brands For Less will welcome EM Normandie students to its facilities for educational visits, accompanied by faculty or school representatives. Aligned with curriculum objectives and learning outcomes, these visits will provide students first-hand insights into the daily operations of a leading off-price retailer. Activities may include operational tours, leadership talks, business presentations, exposure to supply chain and merchandising functions, and discussions around retail strategy, innovation, and customer experience.

  • Tailored executive training

EM Normandie will design a specialised executive training programme around the competency requirements of BFL teams. The programme will be delivered through the school’s Learning Centre located at Dubai Knowledge Park and licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). It will be developed in close consultation with Brands For Less to ensure it addresses the Group’s priorities.

“Developing talent is a strategic priority for the Brands For Less Group and a key component of our long-term growth plans,” said Khaled Arnaout, Chief Operating Officer at BFL Group. “This partnership with EM Normandie enables the Group to play a more active role in shaping future business leaders while creating meaningful opportunities for knowledge exchange, practical learning, and professional development.

“By opening our doors to students, sharing our challenges, and learning from their fresh ideas, we create an environment where knowledge meets practice, as well as developing valuable opportunities for our own people to learn and grow. Developing talent is one of our key performance indicators and a core part of our long-term strategy, so we see this partnership as a two-way learning experience and an investment in both our people and the future leaders who will shape our industry.”

Professor Khaireddine Mouakhar, President of EM Normandie Business School added: “At EM Normandie Business School, we believe that strong industry–academic partnerships are critical to preparing graduates for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy. Our commitment goes beyond academic excellence as we strive to equip students with the practical skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and professional competencies that employers value.”

Together, the two organisations aim to prepare future-ready graduates and to equip working professionals with the skills to succeed in a fast-evolving business environment.

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