Hospitality
BALANCING AUTHENTICITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND GUEST EXPERIENCE
Exclusive interview with Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President and Head of Development, Middle East, India & Africa, H World International
How has Future Hospitality Summit 2025 shaped up as a platform for thought leadership and collaboration within the hospitality space this year?
The Future Hospitality Summit continues to play an instrumental role in driving impactful dialogue and connections for hospitality brands in the region. This year, the summit highlighted how the industry is evolving towards purpose-driven growth and sustainable transformation.
For H World International, FHS 2025 has provided us with the opportunity to connect with investors, owners, and developers while sharing insights on aligning hospitality development with evolving traveller expectations. The summit’s focus on innovation and long-term value creation aligns with H World International’s vision to grow responsibly across key markets in the Middle East. FHS 2025 highlighted some key industry insights as well as key milestones and achievements by regional and international hospitality brands. We are proud to mark a key milestone on such a dynamic international platform. Globally, H World Group celebrates 20 years this year, with more than 12,000 hotels and 1.1 million rooms worldwide, and conferences such as FHS 2025 have played an important role in shaping our partnerships in the region.

What were some of the key trends or conversations at FHS 2025 that resonated most with you and your brand’s direction?
This year, the summit reflected a significant connection between digital transformation, sustainability, and authenticity as defining themes for the future of hospitality. These trends are shaping investment and operational strategies across the sector. The growing demand for high-quality mid-scale offerings was particularly notable, which has been an important focus for us. Our IntercityHotel brand continues to demonstrate a defining presence across the Middle East, focusing on functionality, urban designs, and efficiency that resonates with younger travellers who value reliability and purpose. We also saw greater emphasis on wellness and purposeful travel. Across our portfolio, the goal remains to create hotels that are operationally efficient, sustainable, and emotionally engaging.
We are incorporating more wellness-oriented elements across H World International’s hotel concepts, from enhanced fitness and relaxation spaces to thoughtful design that promotes rest and recovery. The industry-wide emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and localisation aligns closely with our approach of developing hotels that are operationally efficient while remaining culturally connected to their destinations.
You have led development across three vastly different regions, what’s one cultural insight that’s changed how you view hospitality altogether?
Having worked across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, I have learned that hospitality may be a universal language, but its expression is entirely local. True hospitality is about resonance rather than replication.
Each market carries its own identity. At H World International, we translate these nuances into experiences that combine the local heritage and culture with hospitality excellence that defines our brands in the region. This approach has shaped our expansion in key source markets such as Egypt, where our highly anticipated Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort and Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside, will soon welcome guests to experience world-class hospitality in very distinctive destinations.
Furthermore, Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort is the first international hotel brand in the region – a UNESCO heritage site, offering modern comfort and historic charm. This development reflects H World International’s vision to be the trusted partner of choice for owners and guests across the Middle East and Africa, supporting long-term growth in alignment with national tourism goals.
Can you share your insights on how evolving travel behaviours and cultural expectations are influencing how global hospitality brands redefine “guest experience” today?
Today’s traveller seeks far more than comfort or convenience; they expect a seamless, personalised, and purpose-driven experience. The integration of technology, sustainability, and emotional connection now defines the modern guest journey. Our regional portfolio mirrors these factors with brands such as IntercityHotel offering modern, functional spaces elegantly designed for today’s connected traveller. H Rewards, the world’s largest hospitality loyalty programme with over 288 million members, has also been pivotal to this transformation, allowing us to personalise stays, enhance guest engagement, and offer added value. As guests seek brands that combine quality with sustainability, our hotels integrate energy efficiency, reduced plastic use, and locally inspired designs, ensuring that every stay reflects both modern expectations and the enriched regional culture.
At H World Group, our global presence consists of more than 12,000 hotels and over 1.1 million rooms across 19 countries, enabling us to gain real-time insights from diverse guest demographics and cultural nuances. This scale gives us a deeper understanding of what travellers value most, enabling us to deliver experiences that balance local authenticity with consistent global quality.

We are seeing travellers seeking more authenticity and emotional connection, how is H World International interpreting this shift in its hotel concepts?
Authenticity and emotional resonance are increasingly central to how travellers define value. At H World International, we view this shift as an opportunity to craft experiences that tell a story, one that connects the guest to the culture, community, and sense of belonging. Across our portfolio, this philosophy is reflected through architecture, design, and locally inspired experiences. A great example is IntercityHotel Riyadh Al Rayaan, opening in June 2027, which blends German hospitality traditions with contemporary Saudi design influences, creating a product that feels both international and locally relevant.
Likewise, our Steigenberger Saint Catherine Resort in Egypt is inspired by the cultural and natural heritage of its surroundings, embodying a timeless design that honours the authenticity and spirit of Saint Catherine, a UNESCO heritage site.
This balance between cultural integrity and operational excellence enables us to create environments where guests feel genuinely connected to their destination.
With generational and cultural differences shaping travel demand, what challenges or opportunities do you see in designing experiences that feel globally relevant yet locally grounded?
The hospitality sector is navigating a complex yet exciting landscape, where generational and cultural diversity are reshaping what guests value. Younger travellers prioritise digital convenience, flexibility, and sustainability, while established segments continue to seek consistency and service excellence. The challenge and the opportunity lie in harmonising these expectations. At H World International, we are focusing on creating spaces that transcend demographics, combining timeless comfort with modern relevance. We integrate sustainable design, local materials, and technology to ensure our hotels remain adaptable and meaningful in every market.
Hospitality
MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS AL JADDAF REWARDS LONG SUMMER STAYS WITH 15,000 BONUS MARRIOTT BONVOY POINTS


This summer, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf is rewarding its longest-staying guests with something worth settling in for. Guests who stay 30 nights or more, completed before 7 September 2026, will earn a bonus of 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
The offer lands as Dubai’s hospitality market leans further into longer-stay demand and within that expansion, hotel apartments have carved out a distinct niche: business travellers on extended assignments, relocating executives and families settling in for months at a time are increasingly choosing the flexibility of a private residence over a traditional hotel room, a shift that is prompting operators across the city to compete harder for the long-staying guest.
The timing is no accident as Al Jaddaf has recently completed a refurbishment across its residences, refreshing interiors while preserving the warm, residential character the property is known for. Every apartment now also features an in-unit water filtration system for premium drinking water, removing the need for single-use plastic bottles across the building, part of a broader push to make longer stays not just more rewarding, but more comfortable and more sustainable. Beyond the apartment door, residents find a fully equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, a Balinese spa, a beauty salon, an ATM and an on-site convenience store, along with five restaurants and lounges that carry them from a business dinner to a relaxed family meal to a quiet evening drink.
The bonus builds on rewards that already come with every stay. Across the Marriott Executive Apartments brand, guests now earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every US dollar spent, while every night counts as one Elite Night Credit towards Marriott Bonvoy status. For those settling in for a month or a full season, a long stay in Dubai becomes a fast track to elite recognition across Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 10,000 hotels worldwide.
“Many of our guests choose to stay with us for months rather than nights, and this summer’s offer is a way of recognising that,” said Saad Al-Ghamdi, General Manager. “The longer a guest makes Al Jaddaf their home in Dubai, the more rewarding the stay becomes, both during their time here and across the wider Marriott Bonvoy programme.”
With monthly and yearly residency arrangements available, guests enjoy the flexibility of a private lease without the setup costs, the paperwork or the compromise on service that usually accompany it.
Set in the heart of Dubai with views over Dubai Creek and the city skyline, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf sits less than 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport. Its fully serviced one, two and three-bedroom apartments come with full kitchens, generous living and dining areas and dedicated workspaces, alongside twice-weekly housekeeping, 24-hour concierge and security, and in-room dining around the clock.
Reservations
To book the offer, guests can apply promotional code S2449 at marriott.com/DXBHC or through the Marriott Bonvoy app. To explore longer stays at Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf more broadly, please visit marriott.com/DXBHC or contact the hotel at reservations.jaddaf@marriott.com.
Hospitality
MAUSAM CONTINUES ITS REGIONAL CULINARY JOURNEY WITH THE COASTAL FLAVOURS OF PONDICHERRY
Following the success of its previous culinary showcases, Flavours of Royal India and Taste of Kerala, Mausam continues its regional cuisine series with the introduction of Coastal Flavours of Pondicherry, a limited-time dining experience inspired by the rich culinary heritage of India’s picturesque southern coastline. Set against stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Mausam offers an immersive setting that complements its authentic regional dining experiences.
Each edition in the series celebrates a different region of India through thoughtfully curated menus that highlight local traditions, distinctive ingredients and time-honoured recipes. This latest chapter pays tribute to Pondicherry’s unique blend of South Indian influences and coastal flavours, bringing together comforting dishes, aromatic spices and fresh produce that define the region’s culinary identity.
Guests can begin their culinary adventure with the fragrant Murungai Lemon Rasam, followed by a choice of the crispy Vazhaipoo Vadai or the flavour-packed Prawns Milagu Varuval. The main course showcases regional favourites including Mutton Takkali Kuzhambu, Chicken Fricassee and the traditional Avial, complemented by Madras Chicken Biryani or Lemon Rice, seasonal vegetables and freshly prepared breads. The experience concludes with a delicate Tender Coconut Custard, offering the perfect sweet finish inspired by the tropical flavours of the region.
Whether discovering Pondicherry’s cuisine for the first time or revisiting familiar favourites, guests can savour an authentic taste of India’s southern coast while enjoying one of Downtown Dubai’s most scenic dining destinations.
Offer: Coastal Flavours of Pondicherry Set Menu
When: 20th July – 31st July 2026
Price: AED 180 per person
Location: Mausam, Dubai Mall
For reservation, please call +971 4 438 4001 or email at emaarhospitalitypr@meansdesign.ae and follow-on Instagram @mausamdubai.
Hospitality
THE SHIFT TOWARD PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN UPHOLSTERY IN LUXURY HOSPITALITY
Abrar Fayaz Khazi, Country Director Qatar, Euro Systems
Qatar’s hospitality sector is entering a new phase of maturity. Across Doha, Lusail, West Bay, and The Pearl, luxury hospitality developments are no longer competing purely through architecture or visual grandeur, but through experience, comfort, operational performance, and long-term spatial quality.
As hospitality expectations continue evolving, upholstery and soft furnishing systems have become far more than decorative finishes. They are now playing a critical role in defining how guests physically experience luxury environments daily.
In many projects, upholstery is still approached primarily from an aesthetic perspective. However, within Qatar’s hospitality environment, material performance is equally as important as appearance. Hotels across the region operate under demanding conditions involving continuous air conditioning cycles, high occupancy turnover, UV exposure, and constant operational wear. Materials that appear visually impressive during handover can deteriorate quickly if they are not engineered specifically for the realities of the GCC climate.
This is where the industry is beginning to shift.
Architects, consultants, and hospitality operators are increasingly looking beyond colour palettes and texture selections toward performance-led specification strategies that support operational longevity, maintenance efficiency, guest comfort, and brand consistency over time.
For public areas, lounges, and high-traffic hospitality zones, upholstery must withstand continuous use without compromising appearance or comfort. Guest suites and premium rooms require softer tactile environments combined with shading systems that contribute to privacy, glare reduction, thermal comfort, and acoustic softness. Outdoor hospitality spaces introduce even greater complexity, demanding UV-stabilized, weather-resistant, and breathable materials capable of maintaining performance under aggressive environmental conditions.
At the same time, Qatar’s hospitality market is witnessing a noticeable shift toward warmer and more human-centric interior environments. Designers are moving away from colder minimalist aesthetics and introducing layered textures, softer finishes, and more tactile materiality that creates emotional connection and sensory comfort for guests.
This evolution is also changing how hospitality projects are approached operationally.
The most successful projects today are not driven by product selection alone, but by early technical collaboration between architects, consultants, interior designers, and specialized fit-out and upholstery experts who understand both design intent and long-term material behaviour within the region.
Early involvement allows projects to properly address critical considerations such as durability, flame retardancy, acoustic performance, foam retention, stitching detailing, UV stability, and maintenance planning before procurement stages begin. This significantly reduces long-term operational issues while protecting the integrity of the design vision.
There is also growing recognition within Qatar’s hospitality sector that localized manufacturing and technical execution provide major advantages for large-scale developments. Greater control over fabrication quality, lead times, detailing, mock-ups, and installation coordination is becoming increasingly important as hospitality projects accelerate in complexity and delivery expectations.
Luxury hospitality is ultimately measured by how a space performs long after opening day.
The projects that will continue defining Qatar’s hospitality future are those that successfully combine design ambition with technical performance, operational resilience, and guest-centred comfort, creating environments that not only look exceptional, but continue performing at the highest level for years to come.
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