Issue 157 | May-Jul 2026
hospitalitynewsmag.com
Issue 157 | May-Jul 2026
COFFEE CULTURE
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COMES OF AGE THE TRENDS, TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITIONS SHAPING 2026
ALL THE LATEST ON: REGIONAL TOURISM AND TRAVEL • INSIGHTS FROM MENA CHEFS • INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS
EDITORIAL
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé
SAUDI ARABIA AND COFFEE: WHERE HERITAGE MEETS GLOBAL AMBITION
Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Editorial manager Rita Ghantous Sub-editor Miriam Dunn Account managers Maha El-Khoury, Josette Hikri, Nour Pharaon advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Subscription executives Houayda Haddad-Roumman, Mirna Maroun subscribe@hospitalitynewsmag.com Circulation coordinator Rita Nohra-Kejijian Graphic designer Ibrahim Kastoun To advertise advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Published by Hospitality Services LEBANON Dekwaneh Tel: +961 1 480081 UAE HSME Tel: +971 585848018 info@hospitalitynewsmag.com www.hospitalitynewsmag.com All the information disclosed in the magazine was provided by the parties concerned by each publication and checked to the highest possible extent by the editors. However, the magazine cannot ensure accuracy at all times of all information published and therefore could in no case be held responsible should any information reveal to be false or insufficient. We welcome views on any subject relevant to the hospitality industry, but request that letters be short and to the point. The editor reserves the right to select and edit letters. Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
Dagmar Symes, CEO of Al Hamra, charts the kingdom’s coffee journey from traditional ritual to contemporary regional hub. Few beverages carry the cultural and social meaning that coffee holds in Saudi Arabia. From the aromatic qahwa—brewed from lightly roasted beans and infused with cardamom, saffron or ginger—to the sleek specialty cafes emerging in Riyadh and Jeddah, the kingdom is redefining what it means to drink coffee. Personally, coffee has always been one of those small rituals that shape the rhythm of a day. It also has a remarkable ability to bring people together. Experiencing this in Saudi Arabia adds another dimension, since the tradition here carries a depth of history and hospitality that is both authentic and inspiring. A market rooted in tradition Today, Saudi Arabia has developed into one of the most dynamic coffee markets in the Middle East. And, significantly, the kingdom’s young and globally connected population is driving much of this transformation. Many Saudis have studied or lived abroad and returned with an appreciation for specialty coffees, artisanal brewing methods and new experiences. Cafes, moreover, have evolved into social spaces where people meet, work and exchange ideas. A complete coffee ecosystem What is particularly striking, however, is that Saudi Arabia’s ambition goes far beyond being a strong consumer market. A key initiative is the Saudi Coffee Company, launched by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which aims specifically to strengthen the kingdom’s role in the global industry, while supporting sustainable local production. In particular, this includes the Jazan region, where the cultivation of mountain-grown coffee has thrived for generations. Homegrown Saudi cafe brands are emerging, combining quality, innovation and cultural identity. In turn, many have become gathering places for art, music and community events, further reinforcing the social role that coffee has always played. From heritage to the future Qahwa remains at the heart of Saudi hospitality, served in homes and gatherings just as it has been for generations. Yet alongside this tradition, a new chapter is emerging, shaped by creativity, entrepreneurship and thoughtful investment. Ultimately, Saudi Arabia is steadily positioning itself as one of the most sophisticated coffee markets in the GCC. Each cup carries not only the aroma of freshly roasted beans but also a story of heritage, hospitality and a future that is still brewing. Dagmar Symes CEO at Al Hamra symesdagmar
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS In the field of hospitality, cooking and beverage competitions are certainly not a waste of time. The hotels, restaurants and hospitality universities registering for and participating in these competitions are wideranging. They are considered a golden opportunity for employees and hospitality students, in terms of personal development and credibility in the field of hospitality and its industries. EDUCATING THE HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS OF TOMORROW
Scan to read his book
Nouhad Dammous (May 2019) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
MAY-JUL 2026 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue MAY - JUL 2026
HORECA NETWORK 8
On the calendar: Hospitality Services’ 2026 lineup
EVENTS WHERE TO BE SEEN 10 10 10 10 10
FHS Saudi Arabia returns to drive investment ATM 2026 rescheduled to August at Dubai World Trade Centre The Saudifood Show returns for 2026 New August dates for Emirates International Salon Culinaire 2026 Calendar
8
HORECA
10
ATM
12
Basel Talal
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 12
Basel Talal on the power of a people-first approach in hospitality
14
Why discipline is key to leveraging global opportunities
16
5 influential chefs on passion,persistence and paying it forward
OPINION INFLUENCERS TOURISM 22
Why the algorithm is behind overtourism
24
The UAE: firm foundations, bold ambitions
26
Mastering hospitality growth with an asset-light strategy
28
Navigating the future of MENA business travel
30
Bar designs that drive revenue in nightlife venues
COUNTRY REPORT MANAGEMENT TRENDS ARCHITECTURE F&B 32
Why luxury F&B is no longer about extravagance
EYE ON SPAIN 34
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Spanish cuisine: a celebration of culinary contrasts
HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | MAY-JUL 2026
WHERE JOURNEYS MEET In the heart of Riyadh’s prime business district, Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC offers today’s travelers a stay built around connection and purpose. Enjoy services designed specifically for business travelers, and elevate your workday with an experience that sets a new standard for Riyadh’s business hospitality.
Special report: COFFEE & COFFEE SHOPS 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56
Why coffee is the definitive functional beverage The experiential coffee culture transforming MENA Turkish and Arabic coffee: from tradition to trend Homegrown Middle Eastern coffee shops have their day 12 original coffee shops redefining cafe culture 7 inspirational Parisian cafes for the MENA coffee scene The hidden logic of roasting How brewing innovation is scaling new heights 6 experts on what’s brewing in the coffee industry Inside the neuroscience of coffee
36
Coffee
59
Human Resources
66
Beverage
SOLUTIONS TECHNOLOGY 58
How AI is transforming the events industry
HUMAN RESOURCES 59
The key to balancing global expertise with local talent for hospitality success
MARKETING 60
Why wellness strategy delivers a competitive edge
61
3 ways AI can help the events industry reach net zero
GREEN
PRODUCT ZONE FOOD 62
7 ways food processing delivers healthier food products
64
10 coffee machines powering today’s cafe culture
66
5 experts on how tea-infused alcoholic beverages are causing a stir
69
Chocolate Fudge Cake
EQUIPMENT BEVERAGE
CHOCOMANIA ON THE MARKET 70
New products
Coming issue AUG - OCT 2026 • Special report New projects and investments • Influencers Hoteliers • Technology GEO • Food Ice cream and gelato • Beverage Syrups
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | MAY-JUL 2026
HORECA NETWORK
REVIEW
ON THE CALENDAR:
HOSPITALITY SERVICES’ 2026 LINEUP
For more than 30 years, Hospitality Services has been curating first-class events across the region. Here is what’s planned for 2026.
GAULT&MILLAU SAUDI ARABIA
WHISKY LIVE BEIRUT
June 2, 2026 The famous Gault&Millau Yellow Guide makes its kingdom debut this June. An initiative of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, developed in collaboration with Gault&Millau France and HSME, the first edition covers nearly 250 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, AlUla and Dammam. A gala celebration and awards ceremony will bring together chefs, journalists, influencers and partners to mark the occasion.
Oct. 7–9, 2026 Lebanon’s most anticipated whisky event brings together top international producers, distributors and experts for a unique tasting experience. Highlights include masterclasses on cask finishes, maturation and blending, a Star Bar serving creative whisky cocktails, pop-up food stations and a Lifestyle Boutique, with a Gold Circle area offering access to rare and limited-edition expressions.
HORECA OMAN Sept. 14–16, 2026 The fifth edition of HORECA Oman returns to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. More than 200 local and international exhibitors will spread across 5,000 square meters, with 8,000 professionals expected through the doors. The program includes HORECA Talks alongside a full roster of competitions— Hospitality Salon Culinaire, Junior Chef, Barista, Latte Art, Mocktail, Art of Service and Bed Making.
HORECA JORDAN Oct. 11–13, 2026 Now in its 11th edition, HORECA Jordan returns to the Jordan International Exhibition Center in Amman. The country’s largest food, beverage and hospitality event brings together exhibitors, buyers and professionals for a packed program of competitions, live demonstrations and networking.
HORECA LEBANON
SALON DU CHOCOLAT ET DE LA PÂTISSERIE DUBAI Sept. 22–24, 2026 The Middle East’s definitive celebration of chocolate, pastry, gelato and coffee returns to Madinat Jumeirah. World-class chocolatiers, pastry chefs, baristas and mixologists gather for a program of live demonstrations, masterclasses, competitions and the unmissable Chocolate Fashion Show.
Nov. 10–13, 2026 The flagship event where it all began celebrates its 30th anniversary at Beirut’s Seaside Arena. Expanded this year with a third hall, the landmark edition welcomes more than 24,000 professional buyers and 400 exhibitors across 13,000 square meters, gathering the entire hospitality ecosystem under one roof.
HORECA RIYADH Dec. 7–9, 2026 Now in its 15th edition, HORECA Riyadh unites key players from across the kingdom and beyond at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. The program focuses on sector growth, innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging talent, with a rich variety of competitions and forums.
SALON DU CHOCOLAT ET DE LA PÂTISSERIE RIYADH Dec. 7–9, 2026 Celebrating its fourth edition alongside HORECA Riyadh, the kingdom’s premier chocolate, pastry, gelato and coffee showcase brings together world-class chocolatiers, pastry chefs and innovators from around the globe at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. hospitalityservices.me
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | MAY-JUL 2026
BBQ BROS
SIGNS LANDMARK EXPANSION DEAL ACROSS KSA AND JORDAN From a single concept rooted in Lebanon, BBQ Bros has grown into an international lifestyle brand built around open-fire hospitality. Now, founder Mario Aoun is taking the brand into two dynamic regional markets through an ambitious partnership that marks a bold new chapter in the company’s story.
Long-term vision “This is not simply a franchise expansion,” said Mario Aoun during the signing ceremony. “This is the beginning of a long-term regional vision. We are building infrastructure, culture and experiences designed to elevate open-fire hospitality to a completely different level across Saudi Arabia and Jordan.” In a move set to reshape the premium live-fire dining landscape of the Middle East, Mario Aoun, founder of BBQ Bros, has officially signed a major strategic partnership with Samer Abu Khadra of Centro Kitchen Company. The agreement grants the company the rights to develop and operate BBQ Bros across Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The partnership also includes the aggressive rollout of multiple BBQ Bros restaurant outlets throughout Saudi Arabia and Jordan, bringing the brand’s signature open-fire experience, theatrical live cooking and globally recognized hospitality culture to two of the region’s most dynamic markets.
A milestone deal
Jordan is expected to become the first country to launch under the new agreement, with operations targeted for July 2026. Saudi Arabia will follow shortly after, beginning with Riyadh in September 2026, paving the way for what insiders are already calling a major regional hospitality movement.
The landmark partnership marks one of the most ambitious hospitality expansions in the region’s open-fire dining sector, covering both large-scale catering operations and full restaurant development across the two countries. At the heart of the agreement lies the launch of a state-of-the-art central production facility designed to serve as the operational backbone for BBQ Bros in Saudi Arabia. The facility is expected to set new benchmarks in production capacity, quality control, logistics and culinary innovation, supporting everything from luxury events and high-profile gatherings to large-scale hospitality activations.
Fire-driven hospitality
For years, BBQ Bros has built a reputation far beyond traditional barbecue culture. Under the leadership of Mario Aoun, the brand evolved into an internationally recognized fire-driven hospitality concept, blending premium ingredients, open-fire craftsmanship, live entertainment and immersive guest experiences. From Lebanon to the UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Belgium and beyond, BBQ Bros has positioned itself as a lifestyle brand centered around what Aoun calls “The Fire Movement.”
Samer Abu Khadra emphasized the scale and seriousness of the project, describing the partnership as “a transformative hospitality investment built on operational excellence, culinary innovation and longterm market leadership.” Industry observers are already watching the partnership closely, particularly given the exceptional growth of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and lifestyle sectors under Vision 2030, as well as Jordan’s rapidly evolving premium dining scene. The upcoming launches are expected to introduce a new generation of BBQ Bros destinations, combining high-energy livefire kitchens, elevated design aesthetics, premium catering capabilities and largeformat hospitality experiences tailored to both local and international audiences. With the ink now dry on the agreement, the flames are officially lit for what could become one of the region’s defining hospitality expansions of the coming years. From embers to empire, BBQ Bros is entering a new era. bbqbros.me MAY-JUL 2026 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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