Hospitality

Luxury is Defined by Experience, Not Price

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager – Northern Emirates

How does Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel differentiate itself in the luxury segment?

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel redefines luxury with its exceptional blend of exclusivity, exceptional service and a profound commitment to social responsibility. Situated in the breathtaking view of the Arabian Gulf, our resort offers a serene retreat, setting a standard for secluded luxury itself.

Guests are welcomed with attentive services and bespoke experiences, ensuring that every guest’s needs and desires are met with precision and care. Every aspect of the guest experience is thoughtfully designed to deliver a truly unparalleled and extraordinary stay.

Beyond its opulence, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel is a leader in sustainable luxury, implementing eco-friendly practices that minimize environmental impact. The resort utilizes electronic registration for its guest’s registration, provides Electric Vehicle Charging station, adheres to rigorous waste reduction and recycling programs. We also engage in community initiatives, and partner with local communities to promote sustainability. Our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices further enhances its appeal, resonating with discerning travelers who value both luxury and social responsibility.

With a focus on superlative service and meticulous attention to detail, how does your team ensure that every guest enjoys a personalized stay?

At Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, our team ensures every guest enjoys their stay with us through a commitment to exceptional services. Our staff undergoes extensive training to anticipate guest needs and deliver exceptional service, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful and tailored. We use advanced technology to track guest requests and act on it immediately. We utilize guest profiles and past stays to provide customized recommendations and anticipate future needs. Our team maintains these records to ensure that every detail, from the room preferences to dietary restrictions, is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience.

Can you share how Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel elevates the dining experience to match the luxurious ambiance of the property?

Guests are treated to high-quality, expertly prepared dishes by our skillful chefs, using fresh, premium ingredients that highlight both local and international flavours. The elegant dining spaces such as Arabesque Restaurant – an all-day-dining restaurant; Dragon’s Place – where you can enjoy the finest Asian fusion delicacies; Nojoom Lounge – where you can enjoy Shisha with a mix of your favourite dishes; and, Bahi Café – all day savoury pastries, all are designed to complement the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel’s opulent atmosphere and refined décor that creates a captivating environment.

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel is described as a heritage retreat with a contemporary spirit. How do you blend traditional elements with modern luxury?

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel is a stunning example of traditional architecture blended with contemporary design. We artfully merge traditional Arabian elements with modern luxury to create a unique and immersive experience.

Our luxury hotel rooms & suites combine the convenience of modern designs and the rich feel of the Arabian architecture. The Arabesque detail in the design, the use of ‘Mashrabiya’, the warm brocades and the subtle gold touches create a unique and distinguished feel.

Our luxury restaurant features a mystical One Thousand and One Night, shaped in the form of a half crescent, with the hanging Arabian royal handmade lamps, mounted torches and warm design.

As an upscale 5-Star brand, what strategies do you employ to attract and retain discerning travelers who seek a luxurious yet distinctive environment?

To attract and retain discerning travelers who seek a luxurious yet distinctive environment, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, as an upscale 5-star brand, employs a range of sophisticated strategies. We offer exceptional services through tailored services and bespoke amenities that cater individual preference most especially those who are celebrating special occasion, like we offer unique and personalized sand-writing on the beach, crafted for guest’s special occasion.

As known for its luxury and guest experience, we ensure that guests can enjoy our series of special pool activities, such as offering our dynamic aqua aerobics program led by our experienced team. This program provides a refreshing workout in the pool, combining fitness with fun in a vibrant and social setting.

On environment part, we ensure the active participation in our environmental initiatives during their stay with us, such as simple waste segregation in their room, minimizing the use of plastics, conserving water & energy in their room. This ensures a luxurious stay yet aligns with eco-conscious values.

How does the private beach setting contribute to the experience at the Hotel?

A private beach setting at Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel greatly enhances the guest experience. This unique feature allows guests to enjoy unparalleled privacy and seclusion, with dedicated lifeguards and premium amenities such as plush loungers, umbrellas and also features shaded areas provided by lush trees allowing guests to relax in natural environment. The setting also allows options to order food and beverages directly from the beach.

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel recently collaborated with Dr. Linen in the 360 Weave Textile Recycling Initiative. Can you elaborate on the significance of this initiative for your hotel and how it aligns with your broader sustainability goals?

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel recently collaborated with Dr. Linen in the 360 Weave Textile Recycling Initiative, handed over 745 kilograms of old linens and uniforms that can no longer be used. The initiative transforms discarded linens and uniforms into new, useful materials, ensuring that they are repurposed effectively and contributing to a reduction in textile waste.

The initiative is a significant step to address the growing concern of textile waste and aligns with Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel’s broader sustainability goals. By participating in this initiative, we made a substantial impact on waste reduction, resource conservation, and overall environmental responsibility.

Is luxury defined by price or by experience?

Luxury is primarily defined by experience rather than price, and this extends to environmental care as well. Luxury involves exceptional service, the ability to provide quality, unique and memorable experiences and a commitment to sustainability. By integrating environmental care into luxury experience, brands not only offer refined comfort but also demonstrate a responsible approach to preserving the natural world. The combination of exceptional service, quality and environmental stewardship defines the modern concept of luxury.

Hospitality

THE COVE ROTANA RESORT RAS AL KHAIMAH APPOINTS AZMI SHALABY AS GENERAL MANAGER

Published

2 days ago

June 5, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah is proud to announce the appointment of Mr Azmi Shalaby as the new General Manager of the five-star property.

Set along a private stretch of coastline between rolling hills, lagoons, and lush landscaped gardens, the resort continues to strengthen its position as one of the emirate’s leading leisure destinations with the appointment of Shalaby as General Manager. Under his leadership, the property will focus on further elevating the guest journey, refining the resort in line with Rotana brand standards, strengthening commercial growth, and introducing new activations across the destination.

In his new role, Shalaby will oversee all aspects of the resort’s operations, supporting the continued evolution of the property while reinforcing Rotana’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the region.

Commenting on his appointment, Shalaby said: “I am pleased to join The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah at such an exciting stage in its journey. The resort already holds a distinctive position within the region’s hospitality landscape, and I look forward to working closely with the team to further enhance the guest experience, build on the property’s strong reputation, and continue creating memorable stays shaped by genuine hospitality and operational excellence.”

Bringing with him nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, Shalaby joins the resort following an accomplished career across internationally recognised hospitality brands. Having started his journey in the industry in 1996, he previously held leadership roles with InterContinental Hotels Group before joining Rotana in 2008 at Grand Rotana Resort & Spa.

Over the course of 18 successful years with Grand Rotana Resort & Spa, Shalaby played a key role in driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and commercial performance, while contributing to several notable industry achievements and awards. His extensive experience in resort operations, team leadership, and strategic planning positions him strongly to lead the next chapter of the resort’s journey.

Hospitality

GAULT&MILLAU SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHES FIRST EDITION, HONORING ALMOST 250 RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE KINGDOM

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

The first edition of the Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala took place on June 2, 2026, at Radisson Manhal – Riyadh, marking a major milestone for the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving culinary and hospitality sectors. In the presence of ambassadors and official representatives, the gala and awards ceremony brought together chefs, restaurants, hospitality professionals, journalists, influencers and partners to highlight culinary excellence and honor the talents shaping the future of Saudi gastronomy.

Held in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, with the support of HSME, the event marks the official launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the standing of the prestigious Yellow Guide as a trusted benchmark for culinary quality, creativity and excellence in the Kingdom.

A major highlight of the evening was the unveiling and distribution of the official Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Guide. Featuring a carefully curated selection of almost 250 restaurants across five of the Kingdom’s major cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Abha and Dammam — the guide sets a new national benchmark for culinary quality and creativity, positioning Saudi Arabia firmly on the global gastronomic stage. Through this national selection, the guide aims to uncover hidden gems, showcase regional diversity and highlight Saudi Arabia’s distinctive flavors, traditions and innovations. The guide also shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women restaurateurs and chefs, whose leadership continues to shape and elevate Saudi Arabia’s dining scene.

Each selected restaurant receives an official Gault&Millau plaque, reflecting its inclusion in the national guide and acknowledging its contribution to the growth and visibility of the Kingdom’s dynamic F&B industry.

The evening also honored exceptional culinary and hospitality talent through five special trophies, three of which were presented to brilliant women in the industry:

Chef of the Year: Wed Saleh
Pastry Chef of the Year: Hachem Taleb
General Manager of the Year: Sara Katanani
Emerging Chef of the Year: Elia Kaadi
Young Talent of the Year: Nihal Felemban

A special Inspiring Leadership Award was presented to Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, for empowering the industry and for her valuable work and vision

Patrick Hayoun, CEO of Gault&Millau France and International, said: “The launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia represents an important step in our international journey and reflects the remarkable momentum of the Kingdom’s culinary scene. Through this first edition, we are proud to highlight almost 250 restaurants and recognize the chefs, teams and talents shaping a distinctive Saudi gastronomic identity. Gault&Millau’s mission has always been to discover, support and promote culinary excellence, and Saudi Arabia offers an extraordinary landscape of creativity, ambition and authenticity.”

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, added: “The launch of the first Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala reflects the growing maturity, creativity and diversity of the Kingdom’s culinary sector. At the Culinary Arts Commission, we are committed to preserving Saudi culinary heritage while empowering chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals to innovate and reach new levels of excellence. This platform contributes to strengthening the visibility of Saudi gastronomy locally and internationally while supporting the Kingdom’s broader cultural transformation.”

Joumana Dammous Salame, managing director of HSME, commented: “We are proud to support the launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission. This first edition is an important moment for the Kingdom’s culinary scene, bringing together restaurants, chefs, journalists, influencers and partners around one shared ambition: to celebrate excellence, encourage innovation and give Saudi gastronomy the recognition it deserves on both the regional and international stage.”

Beyond recognition, the gala provided a platform for connection and collaboration, fostering dialogue, visibility and new opportunities for Saudi culinary talent within the region and beyond.

The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia platform is built around three primary components:

Printed Guide: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Guide will serve as a key resource for exploring the Kingdom’s culinary scene. The edition includes expert reviews of top restaurants, chef profiles and signature recipes. It also features city- and region-based highlights, along with toque ratings from 1 to 5, covering a wide range of price points and making the guide accessible and inclusive for all readers.

Digital Platform: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia website, part of the international platform, will offer an engaging digital experience with updated restaurant reviews, practical details and direct links, providing greater visibility for local establishments.

Annual Gala: The Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Gala is designed as an annual cornerstone gathering, offering networking opportunities for chefs, journalists, influencers and partners while showcasing Saudi culinary excellence to both national and international guests. Honoring the country’s top culinary talents, the event will feature an awards ceremony with Gault&Millau plaques and trophies.Through this collaboration, Gault&Millau and the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission aim to elevate local culinary talent, create new industry standards and promote international connections that will help shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape. Further editions are planned, with new cities set to join the prestigious listing

Editor’ note: Attached list of

restaurants with 3 toques – REMARQABLE RESTAURANTS
restaurants with 2 toques- CHEF’S RESTAURANTS
restaurants with 1 toque- GOURMET RESTAURANTS
Selected restaurants

ABOUT GAULT&MILLAU

Founded in 1969 by journalists Henri Gault and Christian Millau, the Yellow Guide has dedicated over 50 years to identifying and listing the finest restaurants, artisans and specialty shops across various regions. Today, Gault&Millau continues its mission to support chefs and emerging talents worldwide by discovering and promoting local gastronomy on a global scale.

As a recognized authority in gastronomy and hospitality across 20 countries, Gault&Millau has become a benchmark for culinary excellence, building a prestigious network of over 14,000 restaurants and attracting millions of followers. With the expertise of more than 400 professional inspectors, Gault&Millau aims to discover, celebrate and elevate both established and emerging culinary talents. The brand’s mission is to showcase local culinary traditions globally, offering a trusted standard of quality and fostering growth within the industry.

ABOUT THE SAUDI CULINARY ARTS COMMISSION

Founded in 2020, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission is leading the further development of the Kingdom’s culinary arts sector. By driving investment and building robust regulatory frameworks, the Commission is supporting the next generation of Saudi chefs and hospitality professionals as they aspire to reach their full potential.

Together with the Ministry of Culture, the Commission is working to unlock a thriving cultural sector to preserve and elevate the culinary traditions that make the Kingdom unique.

To learn more about the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, please visit https://culinary.moc.gov.sa/en and the Commission’s pages on Instagram @mocculinary and X @MOCCulinary.

ABOUT HOSPITALITY SERVICES MIDDLE EAST (HSME)

Founded over 30 years ago, Hospitality Services specializes in organizing hospitality and foodservice exhibitions and events across the region, including HORECA Lebanon, HORECA Jordan, HORECA Kuwait, HORECA Riyadh, HORECA Oman, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh and Whisky Live Beirut. The firm’s events extend to publications and platforms that serve the hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries, namely Hospitality News Middle East, Lebanon Traveler and Taste & Flavors.

Hospitality

YOUR OFFICE JUST GOT AN UPGRADE: VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI LAUNCHES ITS WORKATION EXPERIENCE

Published

4 days ago

June 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

As Dubai’s professionals redefine what a productive workday looks like, voco Bonnington Dubai is introducing its Workation offer, a 24-hour stay package for those who believe where you work is just as important as how you work

There is something to be said for a change of scenery. Positioned in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers and moments from the DMCC Metro, voco Bonnington brings together the comfort of a luxury stay with the infrastructure of a fully equipped workplace. The result is a seamless experience where productivity and indulgence don’t just coexist, they quietly elevate each other.

The Workation package starts from AED 275 and includes a 24-hour stay with a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room, access to the pool and gym, two hours of meeting room access for up to five guests, complimentary coffee or tea in the meeting room or Author’s Lounge, and a 20% discount across all food and beverage outlets. Terms and conditions apply.

For anyone who has ever wondered what their workday could look like with a little more breathing room, the answer might be closer than expected. Built around the idea that productivity thrives when the environment does too, the Workation moves away from the tired “work from the beach” fantasy and toward something far more useful: a city-based experience shaped around real schedules and real results.

In a city that rarely slows down, this is something quietly radical. An intentional pause that doesn’t require leaving Dubai or clearing your calendar. Just a better version of the workday, right in the middle of it.