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Hospitality

IRISH FOOD PRODUCERS SHOWCASE STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY

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Man in a navy suit and pink shirt wearing an Irish Food Board (Bord Bia) lapel pin, standing outdoors on a green lawn with trees in the background.

Exclusive interview questions with Jim O’Toole CEO of the Irish Food Board (Bord Bia)

This year, 15 Irish companies are exhibiting at Gulfood — what makes this group particularly strong or diverse?

The strength of this group lies in both its diversity and depth. We have companies represented across dairy, meat, ingredients and value-added food, serving retail, foodservice and manufacturing customers.

What is particularly notable is the mix of long-established exporters alongside companies that are newer to the region, all united by a focus on quality, reliability, and customer partnership. Together, they showcase the breadth of Ireland’s food offering and our ability to meet a wide range of market needs.

How important are traceability, provenance, and quality assurance for buyers in this region?

These factors are fundamental for buyers in the Middle East. Customers here place a strong emphasis on health and nutrition, knowing where food comes from and how it is produced.

Irish food and drink performs well in this context because our systems provide high levels of traceability and quality assurance, giving buyers confidence in both product integrity and consistency of supply.

You’ve led Bord Bia through a period of major global change — from Brexit to supply chain disruptions. Looking back, what has been the most defining moment of your tenure as CEO?

One of the most defining periods was navigating the immediate aftermath of Brexit while also managing global supply chain disruption. It reinforced the importance of market diversification, strong customer relationships and adaptability.

It also underlined the value of having a long-term strategy focused on building resilience for Irish exporters, rather than reacting to individual shocks in isolation. 

 Is there a moment from your travels or trade missions that really crystallized for you the global potential of Irish food and drink?

 What consistently stands out is seeing Irish products on shelves, menus and in foodservice operations in markets far from home. That visibility reflects years of work by exporters and agencies alike.

Trade missions like this one often crystallise the opportunity — when you see buyers from multiple regions engaging with Irish companies, it reinforces the truly global potential of Irish food and drink.

Which sectors — such as dairy, meat, seafood, or beverages — are seeing the strongest demand in the region?

 Dairy continues to perform very strongly in the region, particularly in ingredients and value-added consumer products. Meat is also seeing solid demand across retail and foodservice channels.

In addition, consumer foods and Irish beverages — particularly whiskey — continue to gain traction, supported by premium positioning and growing brand recognition.

How important is storytelling — origin, farming practices, sustainability — in influencing hospitality purchasing decisions today?

Storytelling has become increasingly important. Buyers are looking for products that not only meet quality and price requirements, but also align with consumer expectations around origin, production standards and sustainability.

Irish producers are well positioned here, as these stories are rooted in real practices rather than marketing alone, which resonates strongly with both buyers and end consumers.

What role can Irish producers play in supporting food security and consistency of supply in the Middle East?

Irish producers can play a meaningful role by offering reliable, high-quality supply from a well-regulated and export-focused food system.

Consistency, long-term planning and strong partnerships are key in this region. Ireland’s ability to deliver at scale, while maintaining quality and sustainability standards, makes us a dependable partner in supporting food security objectives across the Middle East.

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Hospitality

Address Jabal Omar Makkah Enhances Summer Pilgrimage Experiences with Night Umrah Stays

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As the summer evenings bring cooler temperatures to the Holy City, Address Jabal Omar Makkah invites pilgrims to experience the tranquility of Night Umrah, where worship, reflection, and comfort come together in one of Makkah’s most sought-after locations.

Located just steps from Al Masjid Al Haram, the spiritually centered luxury hotel offers guests the opportunity to perform Umrah during the peaceful evening hours before returning to refined hospitality, panoramic Haram-view accommodation, and thoughtfully designed experiences that place spirituality at the heart of every stay. Drawing on its exceptional location and guest-focused hospitality, the hotel continues to offer an experience centered on ease, comfort, and meaningful spiritual connection.

A Peaceful Time for Night Umrah

As temperatures become more comfortable after sunset, many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during the evening, when the atmosphere around Al Masjid Al Haram becomes calmer and more serene. With its unrivalled proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, Address Jabal Omar Makkah allows guests to move effortlessly between worship and rest, making the Night Umrah experience both convenient and deeply meaningful.

Whether preparing for evening prayers, returning after Tawaf and Sa’i, or embracing quiet moments of reflection, guests are welcomed into an environment thoughtfully designed around the rhythm of pilgrimage, allowing more time to focus on what matters most.

Moments Above the Holy City

Among the hotel’s most remarkable experiences is the iconic Sky Musallah, an elevated prayer hall set on a skybridge between the 36th and 38th floors. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest suspended prayer hall overlooking the Holy Kaaba, the Sky Musallah offers panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing an extraordinary setting for prayer and quiet contemplation above the city.

As evening falls and Al Masjid Al Haram is illuminated, guests can experience moments of serenity in one of Makkah’s most distinctive spiritual landmarks, creating memories that remain long after their pilgrimage has ended.

An Experience Rooted in Comfort and Spiritual Connection

Following moments of worship at Al Masjid Al Haram, guests can retreat to elegantly appointed Haram-view rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, tranquility, and uninterrupted views of the Holy Kaaba and the city skyline. Dining experiences at The Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge celebrate Saudi and Hejazi flavors, with menus thoughtfully structured around prayer and fasting schedules.

Combining exceptional proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, refined hospitality, and experiences inspired by the spiritual rhythm of Makkah, Address Jabal Omar Makkah provides an ideal setting for pilgrims seeking a meaningful Night Umrah experience this summer. The hotel’s recent international recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards further reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences.

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Hospitality

AMAYA Dubai Combines Business Dining, Landmark Views and Elevated Cuisine in the Heart of Downtown

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Located on the first floor of Dubai Mall, overlooking the iconic Dubai Fountain and positioned beside the mall’s renowned indoor waterfall, AMAYA offers a refined yet welcoming dining destination designed for every occasion. From elevated breakfasts and weekday business lunches to relaxed family gatherings, the restaurant blends exceptional cuisine, a thoughtfully designed setting and unforgettable views in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

An Elevated Breakfast Experience

Start the day with an elevated breakfast experience at AMAYA, where international flavours meet a serene, design-led setting with front-row views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. Served daily from 10:00 AM, the breakfast menu is designed for everything from quick morning meetings to leisurely social gatherings with family and friends.

Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of dishes ranging from comforting classics to elevated favourites, including Shakshuka, Eggs Benedict, customisable omelettes, French Toast, Lotus Croissant and pancakes. Signature offerings such as Truffle Toast, Smoked Salmon Croissant and Burrata Toast add a premium touch, while lighter options including oatmeal pancakes and fresh breakfast plates cater to those seeking a balanced start to the day.

With its calm atmosphere, scenic surroundings and spacious indoor setting overlooking the Dubai Mall waterfall, AMAYA provides the perfect backdrop for relaxed mornings, family breakfasts and memorable catch-ups.

A Refined Business Lunch Experience

Available Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, AMAYA’s business lunch offers a sophisticated setting for client meetings, team lunches and relaxed midday dining.

The curated menu features a selection of starters, mains and desserts, bringing together international flavours in a refined yet approachable way. Guests can begin with Yellowtail Carpaccio, Tuna Tartare, Burrata or Quinoa Avocado Salad, followed by mains including Tiger Prawns, Truffle Smash Burger, Mushroom Risotto, Black Cod or Grilled Seabass with mashed potato. Desserts such as Lotus Mille Feuille, Matcha Cake and Chocolate Tartlet complete the experience.

Guests can choose between outdoor seating with uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain show or the elegant indoor dining space overlooking the Dubai Mall waterfall, offering an iconic backdrop for every business occasion.

A Dining Destination for Every Occasion

Beyond breakfast and business lunches, AMAYA welcomes guests to enjoy an all-day dining experience suited for families, friends and social gatherings. The restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated kids’ menu and colouring activities, allowing younger guests to stay entertained while parents enjoy their dining experience.

Combining a central Dubai Mall location, exceptional cuisine and a unique setting surrounded by some of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks, AMAYA creates a seamless transition from a relaxed morning escape to a vibrant daytime dining destination.

For reservations and enquiries: +971 4 587 1000, +971 58 682 6787 | Location: Amaya, 1st Floor, near the Waterfalls, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

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Hospitality

Mövenpick JLT Taps Family Occasions and Indoor Leisure to Drive Late-Summer Hospitality Demand

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Some months call for staying close to home, and Mövenpick JLT is leaning into that with two very different reasons to spend an evening at Cluster A. At Rohini, Raksha Bandhan becomes an excuse to slow down and share a table with family, while next door at UBK, the summer heat becomes the perfect alibi for a string of low-key, feel-good nights out that never require stepping outside.

Rohini: Sibling Stories – A Raksha Bandhan Celebration

There’s something about Raksha Bandhan that gets lost in a quick voice note or a rushed video call between siblings pulled in different directions by work and routine. Rohini is bringing the celebration back to where it belongs, around a table, over good food, with time that actually feels shared. The occasion sets the tone for a month packed with reasons to linger, from retro nights with live music to long, easy weekday lunches.

  • Sibling Stories Set Menu: AED 200 – Buy 1 Get 1 Set Menu for Brothers & Sisters | 23–30 August
  • 90’s Retro Live – Cassettes, Curry & Kulcha: AED 99 – 1 Curry, 1 Kulcha| Every Thursday, 7 PM – 11 PM
  • Tandoori Tuesdays: Veg Kebab Platter AED 89 | Chicken Kebab Platter AED 139 | Non-Veg Kebab Platter AED 199 | Every Tuesday, 5 PM – 11 PM
  • Ladies Day Out Wednesday: AED 99 – Main Course | Every Wednesday, 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Chaat & Chatter: AED 49 – 1 Tea/Coffee + 1 Food Item | Tue 5 – 7 PM, Wed – Sun 3 – 7 PM
  • Gupshup & Gulp – Ladies Kitty Party (Min. 6): AED 129 – 3-Course Set Menu with Water/Mocktail/Tea/Coffee | AED 149 – 3-Course Set Menu with Water | Tue 5 – 7 PM, Wed – Sat 12 – 7 PM

UBK: Summer’s Better Indoors Anyway

There’s no shame in admitting the heat has won this round. UBK has built an entire week around that reality, turning “let’s just stay in” into the best plan going. Whether it’s a Monday that’s really about decompressing, a Tuesday girls’ night, or a Sunday spent with pets underfoot and a pint in hand, UBK makes the case that summer indoors was never a compromise, it’s simply the better option.

Venue: Mövenpick JLT, Cluster A, Dubai
Pre-booking required | Complimentary valet parking available

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