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Omar Shihab |
Founder & General Manager, BOCA |
Hospitality Project Director, Restauranteur, Consultant and Food and Beverage Concept Creator based out of Dubai, UAE. Omar recruited and worked with talented chefs, restaurant managers, beverage professionals, interior designers, branding specialists and building experts to create world-class hospitality concepts in the Gulf.
Currently Omar is the Founder and General Manager of BOCA DIFC; a locally grown high-end multi-award winning Mediterranean restaurant and bar located in the prestigious Gate Village of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC). BOCA offers high-end cuisine from the coast of Spain,
France and Italy in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
Born and raised in the UAE, Omar lead BOCA’s sustainability initiatives that have been routed in its operation since inception. The restaurant has been sourcing ingredients locally since day one and have built on this and evolved it in many other aspects including crediting and promoting local and sustainable produce and producers from farmers and fishermen, reducing kitchen wastage and promoting multiuse of ingredients throughout the menu, demand driven inventory, setting up a recycling & reusing program, ban single use plastic utensils and directing and conceptualizing events and partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Recently BOCA has been one of five restaurants from the Arabian Gulf recently featured in the Truth, Love & Clean Cutlery guidebooks https://truthloveandcleancutlery.com/ These are the world’s first guides to truly showcase exemplary, organic, sustainable, and ethical restaurants.
Nigel J Lobo |
Executive Chef and Group Culinary Administrator, Royal Orchid Hospitality Group |
Nigel J Lobo is currently the Executive Chef and Group Culinary Administrator at the Royal Orchid Hospitality Group in Dubai. Prior to this, he was the Chef de Cuisine at The Eloquent Elephant at the Taj Dubai.
Nigel holds a Bachelors degree in Tourism Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Kitchen
Management from the renowned Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD). He spent his formative years training at Miramar under Michelin star Chef Paco Perez, at Compartir under Chef Mateu Casanas in Spain; Attica in Australia under Chef Ben Shewry, La Vie under Chef Thomas Buhner in Germany and at a local tapas bar in Valladolid-La Tahona under Chef Jose.
Nigel remains passionate about Modern European cuisine and being born and raised in the UAE, he has harnessed the locally available produce to create successful menus which he has rolled out across all the group’s outlets. A sports and music enthusiast, Nigel enjoys playing squash in his free time and has been a lifelong supporter of the English football club Arsenal FC. Nigel is also a trained pianist
Ammar Metanios Al Ekili |
Co-founder, Ammareto Healthy Cuisine |
At the young age of 37, Ammar Al-Ekili, has already established a strong name for himself in the restaurants, hotels and hospitality industry.
Growing up around food and in a kitchen is where his passion for cooking started. Ammar was exposed to food and cooking in a professional way since living in Syria.
After completing his Degree in Hotels Management, he enrolled at Rotana Hotels. From day one he completely fell in love with the mystery world of culinary and cooking.
Since then, his career has taken off with a bang. He competed in and won the Gold medal for Emirate cuisine, Gold medal for new Arabic cuisine at Emirates salon culinary 2006, and Silver medal at Middle East junior chef of the year, as well as countless others awards. He is also on the judging panel for various international competitions.
Ammar worked in many top Hotels and Restaurants in the country like Golden Sands Hotel, Dynamic Hospitality Group, Rotana, Movenpick Hotel, VIDA Hotel by EMAAR, and many restaurants chain with different Group. In 2019 Ammar joined Golden Sands Hotel as the Cluster Executive Chef. Prior to this Ammar was with Dynamic Hospitality as the Corporate Executive Chef for Hotels, Restaurants and Catering Operation, looking after total of 12 different restaurants and hotels.
Chef Ammar was chosen to be one of 250 chefs around the word who attend the World chefs tour against hunger which took place in South Africa 2011, where he displayed his talent in live cooking, presenting multi cuisine in different hotels and malls in Johannesburg and east London.
Ammar is hosting several culinary TV shows in Abu Dhabi TV- Sabah Aldar live show, and weekly Ramadan Tonight show at Sky News Arabia TV, where has gained enormous popularity for his unique culinary skills and craftsmanship
Ammar is proud being a Senior Member of Chaine De France Association, Emirates Culinary Guild and Syrian Culinary Guild
Ending off, Ammar comments, “When it comes to food, I believe that flavour comes first! Food needs to be immediately delicious and inviting, not overthought, overworked or overcomplicated. Flavour is paramount and key in making great food and also running a great kitchen. Making it look pretty is where we get to have a bit of fun as a chef, and yes we eat with our eyes first, but ultimately flavour is what makes the guests come back.”
Shadi Dawi |
Hospitality & Marketing, Investments Expert |
Shadi Dawi has over 23 years of business development, marketing & operations experience in Hospitality & F & B Industry within GCC, Mena Region & UAE (Mainly Dubai & Abu Dhabi). Shadi has an MBA in Hotel & Restaurants yet F & B from Lebanese American University. Moreover, Shadi is a regional industry-recognized speaker, Trainer, “Public & Media Figure in UAE & Arab world’’ and an expert in Digital & Artificial intelligence Marketing, with a successful track record of achievements with appearance on most international & local TV channels. Although, Shadi has occupied numerous key & C level positions with reginal & world class organizations in the UAE although he has managed international vents like formula one Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas island concerts, Dubai international film festival 2007, rugby 7, HH Dubai Crown Prince Faz3 Championships, and many others. Lately, shadi is the group operations & business development Director for UAE top ranked conglomerate hospitality & F/B Retail organization. During his exposure in Dubai & UAE, he has opened more than 12 high-end restaurants, 4 upper-scale catering companies & high-end pastries. Recently in 2018, shadi added to his marketing portfolio the Beauty world, Fashion & Cosmetics by managing international brands exhibitions & saloon SPA’s PR campaign. Shadi also has done many successful “Grand Openings” & “Events Management” for leading restaurants, hotels perfume & garments shops in Dubai in prime locations like a boulevard, Dubai mall & Sheik Zayed road. Consequently, Shadi received a Certificate of Appreciation from H. H. Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammad Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai…
Shadi’s Moto is: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference!
Faysal Younes |
Managing Partner, Café Younes and Black Coffee by Café Younes |
Faysal Younes is one of the most experienced CEOs in the MENA Food & Beverage sector, having deployed and managed over 200 restaurant outlets, for 14 brands, in 10 MENA countries over the past 20 years.
Faysal has worked with 3 of the leading MENA Food & Beverage platforms: 1) Alshaya (Starbucks Coffee), 2) Azadea and 3) Eathos, and brings with him very solid experience in the retail and in the F&B sectors.
Faysal was also voted one of the “Top 50” CEOs in 2016 in the GCC by the Caterer Middle East magazine (December 2016 edition).
Faysal Younes, who is currently based in Dubai, is the Managing Partner of Café Younes, a 3rd generation chain of specialty coffee shops from Lebanon. Café Younes was established in 1935 and is the largest home-grown specialty coffee shop in Lebanon today, with 12 locations.
Faysal Younes was recently the CEO of Eathos, a Dubai based well-capitalized regional restaurant operating platform targeting the highly attractive MENAT region. The company, which Faysal built its core infrastructure and which manages a multi-brand portfolio such as Sushi Art, Kababji and Tortilla, is backed by seasoned private equity professionals with a strong track record in F&B investments and by leading Middle Eastern groups that provide unprecedented access across the key markets of the platform.
Prior to that, Faysal was the F&B President of Azadea Group and was heading a multi-brand portfolio of 8 different franchised concepts including Paul, Eataly, The Butcher Shop & Grill, Kosebasi, Columbus, and Pulp Juice. Since joining the company in early 2012, Faysal’s primary objective was to expand the platform’s footprint in the MENAT region, mainly through brand integration, joint ventures and acquisitions.
Before joining Azadea Group, Faysal spent around 13 years with the Alshaya Group – Starbucks Coffee – where he held numerous positions of increasing responsibilities since 1999. During his tenure at Starbucks Coffee, Faysal started as a Store Manager, successfully opening the first Starbucks Coffee store in Lebanon market, and then found his way to becoming Area Manager, Operations Manager and then Regional Operations Manager where he led the aggressive expansion plan of the Starbucks brand in over 8 countries in the MENA region.
Faysal graduated from the Lebanese American University in Beirut and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing. He is married with 2 children.
Ryan Ingram |
Founder, Managing Director, TerraLoop FZE |
I’m an environmentalist fueled by compassion, curiosity, and dissatisfaction with the status quo. After 10 years of working in the Environmental Conservation and Hospitality sectors of the UAE and , in response to the enormous volume of food waste being generated – I founded TerraLoop Food Waste Consulting. It has been five years now and aside from having helped our clients reduce over 240,000kg of solid waste and divert another 900,000kg, our solutions have saved them more than AED1,100,000. At TerraLoop I guide the development of Sustainability Frameworks and programs for the hotels, malls, restaurants and offices that empower the people that work there, to make meaningful change a reality. Saving on food cost, reduction of waste haulage fees and mitigation of carbon emissions are some of our key deliverables that resonate with operators and owners alike. I’m passionate about trees, the Zero Waste Movement and raising awareness about how we can all live more environmentally responsible lives.
Rabih Omran
Founder and Managing Director, Rocfort Kitchens |
Rabih is the founder and managing director of Rocfort kitchens. Having worked the hospitality industry from all sides, including one of the biggest kitchen contractors, he decided he wanted to be an entrepreneur who treats each client’s business as if it was his own: provide a top quality, specialized, personalized, pragmatic and affordable service.
Passionate about cooking, Rabih works closely with his clients to deliver the right kitchen at the right budget. He believes that kitchen planning and the proper use of technology and equipment innovation are a key success factor in any F&B concept. He focuses particularly on the after sales service and preventive maintenance to ensure continuous operation with minimum interruption and breakdown. Rabih’s clients appreciate his positive solution driven approach, availability, depth of knowledge and commitment.
Murad AlnasurFounder and Managing Partner, Restonalysis FZE |
Mr. Alnasur is the Managing Director of Restonalysis, a consulting firm for the F&B business where he specializes in launching of new F&B ventures, re-structuring existing business to help put it on the proper operational path, developing and implementation of policy and procedure, developing operational and HR manuals, develop new brands, market adaptation, the total execution of F&B projects from idea to opening, and franchising. Mr. Alnasur is well versed in the rules, regulations, laws and operational criteria of the region. Operations and anything involved in building restaurants, building teams, making F&B ventures profitable, and ensuring guest satisfaction is his biggest passion.
Mahmoud El MeligyChief Operations Officer, Dubai Refreshments Company |
* I have an Extensive 24 years of experience in different fields and roles from Financial to General Management . I have spent the Majority of My Career in the Carbonated Soft Drinks industry between the 2 Industry Giants ; Coca-Cola and Pepsi .
* I handled different Countries like Egypt, Ghana, Saudi Arabia ,Algeria and Currently the UAE .
* I have a Bachelor Degree of economics from The American university in Cairo .
* I started my professional Career back in 1995 as A banker in Egyptian American bank ( Affiliate of American Express bank ) as a credit and marketing officer ,
* Then I moved to Coca- Cola Egypt in 1997 and I have held various commercial and marketing roles until I left them in 2001 and went to Saudi Arabia with Pepsi- Cola Al Jomaih in Riyad in a capacity of Regional Sales manager .
* In 2003 I moved back to Coca-Cola in Ghana west Africa and I was the deputy general manager for Coca-Cola bottler in Ghana ( Affiliate of Coca-Cola Equatorial that owns Coca Cola bottlers in Barcelona and Balearic Islands , in addition to 7 operations in West and North Africa)
* Then I was assigned with the company( Equatorial) to go to their latest acquisition in Algeria , where I held the role of The Commercial Director .
* In 2006 I returned back to Egypt , where I stayed for 6 years as a sales and Marketing director for Coca-Cola Egypt .
* In 2012 I decided to make another career Move and came to Dubai and joined Dubai Refreshments as the Chief Operating Officer , which is the Job I’m Currently handling till this present day .
* Dubai Refreshments is a publicly listed company , that has been the Franchisee of Pepsi cola Products , ever since 1959.
* We deal in Different categories , such as Carbonated soft drinks , water, ice tea , Squash Drinks ( Robinson) , syrups ( Tesseire) , Wafers/Cakes ( Edita ) , Savory Snacks ( snack time by Euro cake) , Juices and Ice Cream .
Shadi DawiHospitality & Digital Marketing Guru, Al Arabiya Consultancy |
Shadi Dawi has over 23 years of business development, marketing & operations experience in Hospitality & F & B Industry within GCC, Mena Region & UAE (Mainly Dubai & Abu Dhabi). Shadi has an MBA in Hotel & Restaurants yet F & B from Lebanese American University. Moreover, Shadi is a regional industry-recognized speaker, Trainer, “Public & Media Figure in UAE & Arab world’’ and an expert in Digital & Artificial intelligence Marketing, with a successful track record of achievements with appearance on most international & local TV channels. Although, Shadi has occupied numerous key & C level positions with reginal & world class organizations in the UAE although he has managed international vents like formula one Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas island concerts, Dubai international film festival 2007, rugby 7, HH Dubai Crown Prince Faz3 Championships, and many others. Lately, shadi is the group operations & business development Director for UAE top ranked conglomerate hospitality & F/B Retail organization. During his exposure in Dubai & UAE, he has opened more than 12 high-end restaurants, 4 upper-scale catering companies & high-end pastries. Recently in 2018, shadi added to his marketing portfolio the Beauty world, Fashion & Cosmetics by managing international brands exhibitions & saloon SPA’s PR campaign. Shadi also has done many successful “Grand Openings” & “Events Management” for leading restaurants, hotels perfume & garments shops in Dubai in prime locations like a boulevard, Dubai mall & Sheik Zayed road. Consequently, Shadi received a Certificate of Appreciation from H. H. Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammad Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai…
Shadi’s Moto is: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference!
Jacqueline MorrisDirector of Leasing, The H Dubai |
Jacqueline Morris joined the H Hospitality Collection in September 2016 as Director of Leasing in charge of all Hotel leased F&B outlets, retail and the 40 storey office tower.
With over 10 years’ experience managing residential, retail and commercial properties for 3 major UAE Investment Groups, Jacqueline has successfully turned around the landmark buildings within her portfolio in Dubai. Dramatically increasing their occupancy, revenues and level of service, Jacqueline has been instrumental in the formation of Magnificus Property Management, which has recently taken over the management of CI Tower, the flagship office tower of Capital Investment International, and is set to add more properties to her Abu Dhabi portfolio in the coming months.
With the majority of F&B outlets in The H Dubai being externally leased plus more being created in CI Tower and in the new Hotels which are in the pipeline across the Middle East, Jacqueline continues to successfully manage the expectations of both the Tenant and the Landlord to the highest standard.
UrnexStrategic Partnerwww.urnex.com |
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From the beginning, Urnex® products have represented the highest standards of quality, consistency, and effectiveness. We pride ourselves on our long history as a manufacturing organization and the close relationships of trust and communication we have built with our customers around the world. Creating products based on proprietary formulas developed through an intimate understanding of coffee equipment allows us to offer a solution for every brewing need. Our products are the result of applied problem-solving and experience. When you work with Urnex, you work with a team of people who are dedicated to anticipating and solving the challenges your coffee business faces. At our Elmsford, New York factory, the Urnex Brand team oversees industry leading standards of quality control. We carefully monitor each item that bears our name with the common goal of ensuring that our customers serve the best tasting beverages possible. |
FINITY® WATERStrategic Partnerwww.finitywater.com |
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” Finity® branded water filtration is manufactured by Marmon Water Foodservice which is a newly formed company under the Marmon Group, a subsidiary of the Berkshire Hathaway Company. ” Marmon Water has operated in the water technology business for nearly a century. During this time, we have become a vertically-integrated manufacturer and leader in residential, retail, industrial filtration, and water filtration media development. We have utilized our knowledge and technology to develop a new water filtration platform that targets solutions specifically designed for foodservice applications – Finity®. |
At Creneau International we translate hospitality design and franchise concepts.
We listen to you, we ask many questions and if you ask us for an answer you might just get another question that’s because there are no answers, only options, and we want to choose the best one. Our Clients are our partners, and so we will not work for you, we will work with you and that’s a complete different relationship. One thing you need to know about us, we’re allergic to copycats. The cats we like are the ones that dare to take risks and stand out. And although we are a design and branding agency we realize that design and branding are mere surface. The invisible parts of a concept are the parts that will shape the surface and these are as important, that’s why we like to dig deep before we even start to form a surface.
California Walnut Commission (CWC)Associate Sponsor |
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The California Walnut Commission (CWC), established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The California Walnut Commission represents the California walnut industry, made up of over 4,800 growers and close to 100 handlers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). CWC is mainly involved in research into the health benefits of walnuts and export market development activities. The CWC is represented in nine countries as well as the European Union by local firms specializing in marketing, international trade and communications strategy related to food, beverage and agricultural products. PRODUCTS: Shelled and In-shell Walnuts |
Naveed Dowlatshahi
Chief Executive Officer, Kash Global Group |
Born and educated in the UK Naveed started his career in the automotive industry and later progressed into retail and has been working in the F&B industry for most his 25+ years of work experience.
From the beginning, Naveed has been fascinated with food and the daily challenges that the restaurant scene brings, and this is what has fueled his passion for the industry.
Since moving to Dubai in 2005 Naveed has either introduced, managed or created over 60 F&B and Retail concepts from across the world and worked in senior executive roles for prestigious companies such as Gourmet Gulf Company, Dubai Holding, BinHendi Enterprises, The Landmark Group and most recently Naveed worked with the Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group at City of Arabia where he spearheaded the master planning and development of 17 non-branded restaurants, 13 food carts, staff canteen feeding over 1,800 meals a day and a 25,000 sq. Ft. central commissary at the IMG Worlds of Adventure Theme Park.
Carole Moawad
Co-Founder, M’OISHÎ |
Born and raised in Lebanon with an education in chemistry, Carole hadn’t ever predicted that she would someday be the co-founder of M’OISHÎ, the UAE’s first and only homegrown mochi ice cream manufacturers.
Carole graduated from Saint Joseph’s University (Lebanon) in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and went ahead to pursue her master’s degree in Business and Health Management from Université Denis Diederot (Paris). Following her graduation, Carole took on the role of Assistant Hospital Director at Saint Charles Hospital in Lebanon, before moving to the UAE in 2014. Having worked across renowned healthcare institutions within the UAE, including Eternity Medicine Institute, Munich Health and PwC, the thought of launching her very own mochi ice cream café struck Carole in 2016, during a holiday back home, in Beirut.
Dana Fadlallah Baki
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, LUNCH:ON |
Dana Baki is the Co-Founder & COO of LUNCH:ON, one of the UAE’s hottest startups, serving over 1000 companies in the UAE and partnering with over 200 restaurants.
LUNCH:ON is a food tech startup focused on solving the problem of food at work, offering office workers food from the best restaurants at a significant discount and with free delivery. The company has invested heavily in its scheduling, bundling and order prediction software which has enabled it to achieve massive cost savings for its restaurant partners that they then pass on to their users. Whether it’s employees ordering for themselves from the daily hand-picked menu or companies ordering food for a meeting, training event, or larger corporate event, the platform takes the usual hassle and cost out of food at the office
Before co-founding LUNCH:ON, Dana was a Partner of Business Development at AlJal Capital—a boutique financing and venture capital firm in the United Arab Emirates. Previously, she worked for Procter & Gamble in the United States for 7+ years, benefiting from a wide range of assignments within the company and gaining expertise in Corporate Strategy, Marketing and Consumer Insights. She holds an MBA from Georgetown University and B.A. in Economics and English Literature from The University of Michigan.
Michael SchaberlGlobal Market Development Manager Foodservice, Avery Dennison |
Driving automation of tasks and digitizing processes in the foodservice industry has been Michael’s passion since his start with Avery Dennison 15 years ago. His underlying aim is not only to reduce routine work and giving chefs the time back to focus on their creativity and their customers, but also to tackle the global epidemic of lost or wasted food along the supply chain.
In his role as Market Segment Manager for Foodservice he worked with leading global hotel and restaurant chains in Europe and Asia, identifying their individual needs and translating them into scalable solutions.
In recent years, Michael specialized on food traceability and inventory management designed to win back consumers’ trust into the food supply chain and utilized as a customer experience enabler, – even post-consumption.
Michael is based out of Munich, Germany, where he enjoys hiking in the mountains or windsurfing and sometimes acts as an ambassador for the Bavarian way of life.
CoffeeBI
Media Partner |
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CoffeeBI is an independent business intelligence boutique specialising in the coffee industry (coffee and machinery, Ho.Re.Ca., Vending, etc.).
Being specialised means having a deep knowledge of markets, its segments, niches and micro niches, and giving data with a high level of accuracy. Supporting the industry means going in-depth into companies’ needs, giving value to the whole value chain, by helping companies export and give a better service. CoffeeBI INTERNATIONAL TEAM includes professionals, market experts, analysts, reporters
and coffee lovers that go the extra mile to answer the concrete market and business questions of all the main players of coffee industry.
CoffeeBI is also a COMMUNITY, one of the worldwide leading portals dedicated to the coffee industry, that includes companies, coffee experts, baristas or just coffee lovers.
Michael HardieFranchising and Training Manager, AWJ Investments LLC |
Michael is the Franchise Manager with AWJ Investments for the past 3 years. Leading Operation Falafel, Catch22, Awani and Chicks n’ Friends across the United States, Middle East and Europe, collectively over 80+ units have been signed to date.
He brings +18 years of experience in the Hospitality business across New York, Los Angeles, Kuwait and Dubai. Working previously with P.F. Chang’s for 10 years as the Area Manager for the UAE and KSA markets.
Great Minds Public Relations
PR Partner |
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Great Minds Public Relations helps organizations, companies & individuals communicate with the public, potential clients, targeted consumers, future partners, to government decision-makers, through different media channels.
Empathy and respect are the cornerstones of understanding and necessary to create conversations, eventually, they will lead to engagement.
IN GMPR we believe that to create an immensely deep impact, we build our campaigns on 3 pillars, creative content, because in a content-saturated world, where everyone is trying to grab attention, we produce and distribute outcome-focused content in a variety of formats that matches the consumption behaviours of the audiences we need to influence.
Second, strong media relations and unparalleled insight into the ever-shifting media landscape and the relationships necessary to generate high-quality coverage and visibility for the stories our clients want to tell.
Third, developing integrated media strategies to optimize the impact of a great story or campaign, we depend on the production of an artful blend of new and traditional media distributed across owned, earned and paid channels to reach audiences in the right place at the right time.
Koppert Cress
Strategic Partner |
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Koppert Cress is a producer of innovative, and food-safe living micro-vegetables, specialities and cresses, our seedlings come from unique plants, each having their own specific effects on the senses either for Flavour, fragrance, feel or just presentation! This Collection is presented as Architecture Aromatique’. Servicing the International and global gastronomy. Koppert Cress enables the best Chefs to be the best! Plant Power using Nature to Nurture!
Ammar Metanios Al EkiliCorporate Executive Chef, Ammareto Healthy Cuisine |
At the young age of 37, Ammar Al-Ekili, has already established a strong name for himself in the restaurants, hotels and hospitality industry.
Growing up around food and in a kitchen is where his passion for cooking started. Ammar was exposed to food and cooking in a professional way since living in Syria.
After completing his Degree in Hotels Management, he enrolled at Rotana Hotels. From day one he completely fell in love with the mystery world of culinary and cooking.
Since then, his career has taken off with a bang. He competed in and won the Gold medal for Emirate cuisine, Gold medal for new Arabic cuisine at Emirates salon culinary 2006, and Silver medal at Middle East junior chef of the year, as well as countless others awards.
Ammar worked in many top Hotels and Restaurants in the country like Dynamic Hospitality Group, Movenpick Hotel, VIDA Hotel by EMAAR, and many restaurants chain with different Group. In 2017 Ammar joined Dynamic Hospitality as the Corporate Executive Chef for Hotels, Restaurants and Catering Operation, looking after total of 12 different restaurants and hotels.
Chef Ammar was chosen to be one of 250 chefs around the word who attend the World chefs tour against hunger which took place in South Africa 2011, where he displayed his talent in live cooking, presenting multi cuisine in different hotels and malls in Johannesburg and east London.
Ammar is hosting several culinary TV shows in Abu Dhabi TV- Sabah Aldar live show, and weekly Ramadan Tonight show at Sky News Arabia TV, where has gained enormous popularity for his unique culinary skills and craftsmanship
Ammar is proud being a Senior Member of Chaine De France Association, Emirates Culinary Guild and Syrian Culinary Guild
Ending off, Ammar comments, “When it comes to food, I believe that flavour comes first! Food needs to be immediately delicious and inviting, not overthought, overworked or overcomplicated. Flavour is paramount and key in making great food and also running a great kitchen. Making it look pretty is where we get to have a bit of fun as a chef, and yes we eat with our eyes first, but ultimately flavour is what makes the guests come back.”
Paul Da-Costa-GreavesCulinary Countries Manager UAE, UK, Ireland & Asia, Koppert Cress |
Culinary & Gastronomy Countries Manager for Koppert Cress who are the leading producers of Innovative and food-safe living micro-greens, specialties and cresses. Horticulture, together with gastronomy is the best friend on your plate.
When the crossover with Life Science and Health is made, you can say that a right menu is the result of the Advisors, Doctor/Dietician, Creator, the chef, the producer and the grower.! Paul Da-Costa-Greaves is a Media Chef and is also Culinary Countries Manager for Koppert Cress taking care of the UAE, UK Irish & Asian Gastronomy markets along with his development team of Cress Chefs!,
Paul is a Media Chef Born in Liverpool. English Mother & West Indian Father, who’s baby food consisted of jerk chicken, rice ‘n’ peas, plantain, sweet potato, yam & ackee, this opening of eyes to the world foods and culture. Paul has an infectious Personality who is a cheeky Chappie excitable, entertaining, inviting, spontaneous & devilish.
Paul practices within his lifestyle a good sense of well-being, using various ingredients for food nutritional nourishment. Most of his beliefs are based around a lot of elements, Sanuk!. ‘meaning to enjoy’ is to ‘have pleasure’.
HMHStrategic Partner |
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HMH (Hassan Mohd Habib Co. LLC), an Al Redha Group company, is a leading POS (Point-of-sale) solution provider in the GCC and Middle East region. The organization was established in the year 1998 with its global headquarters located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. |
World Franchise AssociatesSupporting Association |
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World Franchise Centre is the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of international franchise development opportunities. Covering country, regional, multi unit, master and area licenses, this site provides an overview of more than 200 brands operating in the food, retail and service sectors seeking franchisees worldwide. |
World Chefs AssociationCulinary Partner |
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The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a dynamic global network of 110 chef associations worldwide. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries 91 years of history since its founding at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier. Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large. Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas: Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, our expansive network of Worldchefs Certified Schools and curriculums, and the world’s first Global Hospitality Certification recognizing on-the-job skills in hospitality; Networking – Worldchefs provides a platform for connection to chefs around the world, and a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the preeminent biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo; Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and runs the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge; Humanitarian & Sustainability – our Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe. |
ICCACulinary Partner |
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International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) Dubai is a world-class culinary training centre, delivering programs accredited by the internationally recognised City & Guilds, London. Featured as one of the “Top 10 Culinary Institutes in the World” and awarded the “Recognition of Quality Culinary Education” by the World Association of Chef’s Societies (WorldChefs), a global authority on food standards. |
YASHTECHStrategic Sponsor |
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A leading supply brand in consumables to sectors such as “ Banking, Aviation, Food, Retail & 3PL “. Yashtech – being developed, maintained and professionally run by well expertise team, who have been in the industry having been gained excellent experience in technical, operation, pricing and marketing, for solution provisions to industries such as Banking, Aviation, Food & Retail. On regular intervals – we have been a source of solution provider to complicated issues – right from printing solution to customer care, to one and all customer driven markets. |
Mid east informationMedia PartnerMedia |
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Mid-East.info is an online business communication platform. Daily updated with news, articles, reports and other forms of content related to business in the MENA region
Filmecho
Media Partner
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filmecho/filmwoche is a weekly trade magazine for more than 70 years now and an inherent part of the German speaking film-industry it. filmecho/filmwoche is the official magazine of the Association of German Cinemas (HDF Kino e.V.). 60% of the readership are cinema-owners.
Food & DrinkMedia Partner |
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Food & Drink International is the independent voice of the food and drink supply chain – in print and online. Established for over twenty years, the magazine is a trusted source for industry news. Available via subscription, online at www.fdiforum.net and at numerous events, Food & Drink International is read by the people who matter at many of the sector’s leading names.
International Fire Protection
Media PartnerMedia |
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IFP Magazine is the only international journal dedicated to fire safety, prevention and protection covering every aspect of the passive and active fire protection market. The editorial features are written by industry experts and comprise a unique blend focusing on the latest technology and equipment as well as highlighting sector specific issues from around the world. Regular product and company profiles, events updates and news make IFP the first choice read for fire safety professionals.
Gulf Fire
Media PartnerMedia |
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Gulf Fire Magazine is the only quarterly journal specific to the Middle East Fire market dedicated to both fire protection and firefighting. The editorial features are written by industry experts and comprise a unique blend focussing on the latest technology, training methods and equipment as well as highlighting sector specific issues from around the region. Regular product and company profiles, events updates and news make Gulf Fire Magazine the first choice read for fire protection and firefighting professionals.
EME outlookMedia PartnerMedia
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EME Outlook is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries in the region.
With content compiled by our experienced production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of both Europe and the Middle East.
The magazine is owned and published by Outlook Publishing, who also produce global business titles, Asia Outlook and Africa Outlook, providing a superb platform for advertisers and media partners to showcase your services and place you in the hands of the continent’s most influential people.
PREMIER HOSPITALITY
Media PartnerMedia |
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Published monthly by Roma Publications, Premier Hospitality is a subscription-based publication, showcasing all the best hospitality projects throughout the UK and abroad. From Michelin star restaurants and innovative bars to prestigious clubs, 5*hotels and more, Premier Hospitality has it covered, with interviews from many of the industry`s biggest names, including leading interior design practices, architects, chefs and hoteliers.
Launched in October 2012, Premier Hospitality is a full-colour, 100+ page, glossy magazine, which is available in both print and digital formats. Premier Hospitality is packed with features, news and beautiful imagery and has previously included features such as Manchester House, Celtic Manor, Hotel Chocolate and Yo! Sushi, to name but a few.
For more information about Premier Hospitality or sister publications Premier Retail, Premier Construction and Rail Construction News, please visit: premierconstructionnews.com
Travel and Tour World
Media PartnerMedia |
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Travel And Tour World proudly promotes more than 100 international travel trade events as media partner including WTM London and ITB Berlin and China, AIME , Arabian Travel Market, Imex Events and many more.
The magazine is distributed in the travel trade shows to the decision makers of the global travel industry. While engaging more than 250,000 readers along with easy accessibility from iOS and Android devices, we offer cost-effective advertising options for global branding.
Our niche readers include global travel and tourism industry leaders and professionals including Tourism Board Officials, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), MICE Planners, Aviation professionals, Hospitality leaders and more.
HORECA INTERNATIONALMedia PartnerMedia |
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HORECA INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE is both printed and digital, it’s the leading magazine about Ho.Re.Ca., food service, retail, mass distribution channel, hotel industry, food equipment, food products, ingredients, semi-prepared items, furniture, tableware and cutlery. It reaches more than 20.000 readers, hotels, restaurants, catering companies, shops, bakeries, pastry shops, cafes, bars, pubs, ice-cream shops, fast foods, etc.
Hotelier Indonesia
Media PartnerMedia |
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Hotelier Indonesia covers hotel management companies & every major chain headquarters. Hotelier Indonesia reaches hotel owners, senior management, operators, chef and other staff who influence, designers, architects, buyers and suppliers for hospitality products and services . We more unique than any other hotel publication in the world..
Food & Beverage Networker
Media PartnerMedia
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Spanning the entire value chain of the flourishing food and beverage industry, our dedicated publication covers everything from raw materials to processing, packaging and retail. With decades of expertise covering industry at the sharp end across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, our specialist magazine – ‘Food & Beverage Networker’ – leverages on such knowledge to collate the very best insight from across the sector. The magazine’s core readership is key decision-makers and senior executives from leading companies operating within each of the major F&B supply chain segments.
Providing fresh insight for a new industrial era, we provide on-point comment, engaging reports and relevant analysis of today’s foremost developments across the food & beverage space, encompassing the emerging trends in trade, market challenges, environmental issues and technological innovations that are informing the operations of today’s F&B industrials..
ScabrouMedia PartnerMedia |
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Where the best restaurants in the world go to search for manufacturers, suppliers, products and more.
RefreshmentRefreshmentMedia PartnerMedia |
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Refreshment magazine focuses on the water coolers, office coffee services and vending sectors. While also taking an in-depth look into products for vending from bottled water and drinks, to snacks and confectionery. It also focuses on hydration, health and wellness, new technologies and environmental and social responsibility issues.
Foodbev MediaMedia Partner |
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With two leading publications and 5 dynamic award schemes, FoodBev Media provides everything our audience needs to stay on top of the latest news, views, trends and innovations across the whole of the food and beverage industry. Learn how you can stay in-the-know in your sector today
Martin KublerChief Executive Officer, sps: affinity |
A CEO, Writer, Public Speaker, Lecturer
Martin Kubler is a hotel GM turned business consultant with 20+ years executive-level management experience in Europe and the Middle East. In the past, Martin held senior management roles in internationally flagged as well as independently owned and operated hotels in Europe and the Middle East and worked for operators such as Accor, Wyndham, and Thistle.
In May 2011, Martin founded Iconsulthotels, a boutique hospitality, leisure, and tourism consulting firm based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which quickly gathered local and regional acclaim. In 2016 Iconsulthotels acquired sps:affinity – Strategic Partnership Solutions and rebranded as sps:hotels, part of sps:affinity.
Martin knows people and how to communicate with them, but he also knows how to make organisations work and extract the best profits for their many stakeholders.
Martin holds an MBA in Marketing, and Innovation from Glion Institute of Higher Education, and is highly creative, passionate about communication, new media and the interactive world. He is interested in many things and understands an eclectic mix of business, science, and art.
Martin is also a sought-after professional speaker with recent appearances at The Hotel Show Africa (Johannesburg, June 2018) and The Restaurant Show 2018 (Dubai, February 2018) and past appearances in Muscat, Oman, Las Vegas, USA, and London, UK.
Tony HabreChief Executive Officer, Addmind Hospitality Group |
Tony envisioned the good that real experience can have. He understood intuitively that real experience has the power to do more than create memories – it can create positive change in ourselves, and then in turn, in the world.
After having received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the American University of Beirut in 2000, Tony immediately ventured into the world of hospitality, creating and managing some of the best successful concepts which marked the grand debut of Lebanese nightlife.
His entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit led him to where he is today, managing a portfolio of twenty of the most prominent venues and successful brands of clubs, bars, restaurants and beaches in the MENA region and abroad.
Samer ChoucairDirector, CE – Creates |
Samer currently heads CE-Creates, a Crescent Enterprises platform that endeavours to create and develop innovative businesses that generate a sustainable social impact and address economic, social, and environmental challenges. This is driven by the strong belief that such a triple bottom line approach to doing business is the most effective way to generate shared value for all stakeholders.
In 2017, Samer led the conceptualization and launch of Kava & Chai, a home-grown specialty coffee and tea chain that is rooted in Arab hospitality, welcoming and embracing cultural diversity through food and art. Kava & Chai has grown to six locations in a year and a half and is eyeing international markets in 2019.
Samer comes from an entrepreneurial background with more than 20 years of experience in the start-up space across a variety of industries, from entertainment to F&B, e-commerce, media, and healthcare in Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Singapore. Prior to joining Crescent Enterprises in 2014, Samer was the COO of Groupon Middle-East where he was instrumental in building the company to its current leading market position.
Samer is a member of several start-up communities and organizations and provides mentorship on a personal level as well as through business competitions, universities, and other organizations such as the Khalifa Fund. He also sits on the investment committee of Dubai Angel Investors.
Peggy LiManaging Partner, sps: affinity |
Michelin-Experienced Service Industries Consultant, Public Speaker, Trainer & Coach
Peggy Li is a Michelin Star experienced F&B professional turned service industries consultant with 15+ years executive-level, project management, and pre-opening management experience in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
Peggy has worked for world-renowned establishments and brands such as L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Aubaine, and Punch Bowl Pub in London, Shanghai, Bangkok, and many other locations.
Peggy joined sps:affinity – Strategic Partnership Solutions as a Managing Partner in 2018 and specialises in supporting F&B and non-F&B brands looking to expand into new markets, especially China, or to attract new audiences. She is an expert problem solver with and highly goal orientated. She is equally at home working with and mentoring start-ups as she is managing multi Million USD turnover operations.
Peggy is an active member of the Dubai Business Council and the UAE Chinese Business Women Council as well as several networking organizations and associations working towards elevating and empowering female entrepreneurs.
Peggy is also a start-up mentor and adviser at WOMENA, In5 Tech Incubator & Accelerator and SHERAA. She has mentored entrepreneurs behind concepts such as mathaqi.com and halakiwi.com.
Fadi GhalyCo-Founder, UNDER500 |
Fadi Ghaly is the Co-founder of UNDER500, a healthy eatery concept that offers a wide selection of delicious, wholesome and healthy meal and dessert options under 500 calories.
Fadi’s passion of heath and love of food, inspired him to establish UNDER500, Fadi saw an opportunity in the market and wanted to develop a food concept that focused on nutrient based, tasty meals, which are low in calorie and taste delicious all prepared freshly daily. With a vision to redefine the F&B industry and contribute to a healthier Dubai.
Fadi started his career in 2008 in the branding and graphic design industry. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation, business development and corporate change, has led him to several market achievements.
Prior to founding UNDER500, Fadi opened a Dubai-based branding Agency Eyedea in 2012. Through innovation, passion, focus and execution, Fadi has develop the agency to a high level branding company that it is today, developing and creating business opportunities across the Middle East region.
Farida AhmedGeneral Manager, Frying Pan Adventures |
A hospitality and events veteran, Farida Ahmed’s education and work stints have seen her globe trot through Switzerland, USA, Goa and Dubai. As the General Manager of Frying Pan Tourism LLC, she is at the helm of team-building, human resources, guest services, and public/media relations. She is also a food trail host and her ability to weave stories around culture and food has seen her lauded in both local and international media publications. When not tinkering with gadgets or trying out singular dishes like crocodile meat, she obsesses over grammar, whodunits and TV shows focused on behavioral science.
Courtney BrandtFounder, A to Za’atar |
Courtney Brandt is an American author living in Dubai. In addition to contributing to her food and hospitality blog, A to Za’atar, Courtney is a host on the television show What’s Cooking, UAE. She is also a Zomato Ambassador, member of the Association of Food Bloggers, and a regular contributor to Dubai Eye 103.8.
In addition to her ten novels, Courtney has been published with the following outlets: Curiosity Magazine, Elite Daily, Touring Bird, The Forward Feed, Wine & Style magazine, A Luxury Travel Blog, Matador Network, JustLuxe, Travelettes, Citizen Femme, Khaleej Times, Roads & Kingdoms, and Eat this Poem. She has spoken at various conventions and panels, including The Restaurant Show, SIAL, Gulf Host, Caterer Middle East, SMSummit Jordan, New York University Abu Dhabi, and last year was invited to attend the Google Local Guides Summit.
Melissa MurrayPartner, Bird & Bird |
Melissa is ranked as a Thought Leader by Who’s Who Legal on Middle East franchising, specialising in acting for international franchisors and master franchisees on their operations.
Melissa advises international and regional franchisors, distributors, hotel operators, developers and service providers on their operations in the Middle East and specifically the United Arab Emirates. She specialises in all forms of strategic and operational franchise, agency, intellectual property, and commercial law governing franchise operations throughout the Gulf and Middle East.
Her experience includes franchising and exploitation of intellectual property rights in the fashion & retail, food & beverage, childcare & education, real estate, sporting goods, pharmaceutical, IT services and general retail industries.
Melissa is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and holds an LLB from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.
A capable lawyer that represents a lot of franchises in the Middle East,” Melissa Murray has built a strong practice in the region, practising from the Dubai office. Her portfolio of clients includes some enviable international names.
Chambers Global, Franchising 2018
Sau Lin WanTrade Mark Attorney, Bird & Bird |
Lin has a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of intellectual property and trade marks across the MENA region.
Lin is a trade mark Attorney with over 20 years of experience, based in our Dubai office.
Lin has a decade of experience advising clients on trade mark registration and enforcement across the MENA region, including providing practical guidance and advice on worldwide portfolio management, trade mark filing strategies, trade mark prosecution, brand clearance and searching, drafting specifications, advising and dealing with oppositions, appeals, cancellations, third party disputes and infringements.
Lin has qualifications in intellectual property and trade marks from Nottingham Trent University. She is a member of The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA), International Trademark Association (INTA), Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) and Association for the Protection of Industrial Property in the Middle East and North Africa (APPIMAF).
Sau Lin Wan is praised for her ‘consistent and pragmatic’ approach.
Legal 500, 2017
Reif OthmanChef and Founder, REIF Japanese Kushiyaki |
Reif Othman’s culinary creations are without limits, a sensory expedition and gastronomic journey through a perfectly balanced one-of-a-kind cuisine… He explores all that Asia and the Mediterranean has to offer, his “Meditterasian” concept is a concoction of exquisite flavours that fuse east and west.
With his credibility in the culinary world Reif Othman was named by Arabian Business Magazine the 12th Most Influential Person in Dubai the 100 Most Influential Person in the Emirate 2017.
2016-2017 saw Reif pick up
Zein Ibrahim Nouri Al-ZomutSenior Food Permits and Controls Officer, Dubai Municipality |
She is a Senior Awareness and Applied Nutrition officer at Dubai Municipality, Food Safety Department, where she contributes in organizing and implementing nutrition policies and programs, evaluates food services systems and makes the needed recommendations that will provide optimal nutrition and quality food.
She has been working as a clinical dietitian and nutritionist for more than 10 years, with a background in nutrition and food technology and well-rounded experience in clinics, consultation firms and FMCG industry. Zein holds a Master’s of Science in Nutrition and Food from Florida State University/USA. She is also Fulbright alumni, and a member in professional organizations such as Golden Key International Honor Society, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in US and Agriculture Engineering Association in Jordan.
Jasenet Betita LiwanagAwareness and Applied Nutrition Officer, Dubai Municipality |
She is a dietitian with more than 18 years of food production and food service experience in different settings such as hospital, food manufacturing facility, restaurant, bakery and coffee shop. Joined the Applied Nutrition Team two years ago as an awareness and applied nutrition officer to pursue her passion in helping people to be healthy and disease-free through proper nutrition and is mainly involved in Eat Healthy, Live Healthy program, Salt Reduction project and Foodwatch nutrition back-end development.
Scott PriceCo- Founder, Nick & Scott Restaurants |
In the ten years that they have spent in the UAE, longtime friends and colleagues Nick Alvis and Scott Price have played a pivotal role in shaping and developing the region’s dining scene.
Having spent over a decade working for Gordon Ramsay in London, Paris and Dubai, in 2011 they launched their first restaurant, Table 9 by Nick and Scott, to great success winning a string of accolades and garnering attention for being one of the first homegrown concepts. In 2013, they showcased their diversity by creating and establishing the Taste Kitchen brand, a chain of popular, award-winning contemporary café-style restaurants.
Their greatest achievement to date came in early 2017 with the opening of Folly by Nick and Scott at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. As part of a long-term, multiple restaurant partnership with Gates Hospitality, the two conceived the concept from scratch and guests will spot their signature style not just in the menu – with its unfussy, innovative dishes and commitment to quality ingredients – but in the decor, craft cocktails, music playlist and general vibe.
Nick AlvisCo- Founder, Nick & Scott Restaurants |
In the ten years that they have spent in the UAE, longtime friends and colleagues Nick Alvis and Scott Price have played a pivotal role in shaping and developing the region’s dining scene.
Having spent over a decade working for Gordon Ramsay in London, Paris and Dubai, in 2011 they launched their first restaurant, Table 9 by Nick and Scott, to great success winning a string of accolades and garnering attention for being one of the first homegrown concepts. In 2013, they showcased their diversity by creating and establishing the Taste Kitchen brand, a chain of popular, award-winning contemporary café-style restaurants.
Their greatest achievement to date came in early 2017 with the opening of Folly by Nick and Scott at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. As part of a long-term, multiple restaurant partnership with Gates Hospitality, the two conceived the concept from scratch and guests will spot their signature style not just in the menu – with its unfussy, innovative dishes and commitment to quality ingredients – but in the decor, craft cocktails, music playlist and general vibe.
Zaid Al HachemGroup Director, Dynamic Hospitality Group |
Zaid Al Hachem is the Group Director of Dynamic Hospitality, responsible for leading the development, management, growth and profitability of the food and beverage and hospitality divisions of Al Aroud Group namely – Dynamic Hospitality, Dynamic Catering and Dynamic Operator. He took over the position in 2015 and has since overseen the development of a series of milestone projects including 16 restaurant concepts and brands in multiple locations under the Dynamic umbrella that have accelerated the growth of the group while positioning it as a leading name in the industry across the UAE.
Zaid has extensive experience across strategic business development, sales and marketing and operations in the hospitality sector. With a career spanning over a decade working with some of the world’s leading international brands including Movenpic Hotels & Resorts, Zaid has been engaged in 65 locations, that consisted of 12 pre-openings and 6 operation take-overs.
Zaid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the prestigious Lebanese American University as well as a diploma in Avionics from Royal Jordanian Air Academy. He is also engaged in an MBA programme at Swiss Business School.
Sunjeh RajaDirector & Chief Executive Officer, International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai) |
Sunjeh Raja is the Founder, Director & CEO of the ICCA Dubai, a world-class culinary training centre established in the year 2005. Since then he has been spearheading the rapid market penetration and engagement of the company’s Technical Vocational Education Training programmes in the region. In this role, he takes a hands-on approach to manage ICCA Dubai as an international centre of excellence, offering a world-class culinary education.
Raja is a recipient of several awards and recognitions
Raja specializes in concept, product, and business development with a strong foundation in the corporate and finance sectors, showing a flair for entrepreneurship since his early foray into the business world and has worked in a number of directorial positions across a range of sectors.
He at the moment is helping establish a SAR 80 Million Centre of Excellence in Culinary, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in strategic partnership with the Emaar the Economic City (EEC), under name & style “International Centre for Culinary Arts – King Abdullah Economic City (ICCA – KAEC, KSA)”.
Alan HoneinChief Operating Officer, SugarMoo Desserts LLC |
A Columbia University graduate Alan is a serial entrepreneur with a large portfolio of successful start-up investments and projects that include District Lounge, Walk In Closet, AgencyWize, SugarMoo Desserts, as well as Laundrybox, now known as Mybox Dubai.
Alan has a long-standing passion for hotels that started when he worked at Phoenician Luxury Hotel & Resort in Arizona. Succeeding that, Alan has influenced the world of media and advertising for over a decade through his work at companies like Al-Jazeera News Networks, Q-media, JCDecaux and ITP Publishing—the largest publisher in the region at which he handled the Arabian Business digital platform.
He has built a solid network in television, outdoor, radio and digital media, which has led him to new and bigger opportunities and is now fully invested in SugarMoo Desserts, a business that he helped create and conceptualize.
Ravi ChandranChief Executive Officer, Liwa Minor |
Ravi has 28 years of extensive experience in Europe and the Middle East in the hospitality industry, executing multiple start-ups, creating new concepts and leading multi-brand multi-site operations and has spearheaded 24 food & beverage brands, turned around loss making businesses, restructured acquired businesses and sustained success through new business model innovation.
Ravi currently leads Liwa Minor based in UAE and operates The Coffee Club for the MENA region, an All Day Dining Café from Australia with 29 outlets in operation in the GCC. Since joining in August 2016, Ravi has set the strategic direction for the MENA region for The Coffee Club brand with a steadfast and robust roll-out plan of 100+ outlets to be opened in the Middle East in the next five years along with entry to five new markets.
Ravi graduated with a GMP from Harvard Business School, USA and holds an MBA from University of Bradford, UK, and a Diploma in Hotel Management from Les Roches, Switzerland.
Jack JacobCo-Founder & Account Director, Promedia Public Relations & Trade Representative of California Walnut Commission in Turkey and UAE |
With over 27 years of public relations experience at Promedia, Jack’s specialties include event planning, product launches, corporate and issue-focused media campaigns. His expertise lies in strategic planning, writing and project management. He develops corporate and marketing collateral, press releases and other media kit materials, websites and corporate documents. Jack also assists clients with developing the right marketing strategies.
Jack is California Walnut Commission trade representative and consultant for Turkey and UAE since 2014. He overlooks the correct execution of the PR and trade service campaigns in those markets for California walnuts; generating and supervising the implementation of “Integrated Marketing Communications” strategies and tactics.
David SingletonArea Vice President, Franchise Operations & Development EMEA/South Asia, Hard Rock Cafe International |
David joined Hard Rock Cafe in 2018 to lead the franchise operations and development in EMEA and South Asia region operating 62 Cafes with a strong pipeline of growth. Prior to Hard Rock David led Dubai based Al Tayer Retail’s multi branded restaurant group of twelve International franchise and own brands including Armani Caffe, Almaz by Momo, Caffè Nero, Magnolia Bakery, Serendipity 3. As part of the Group’s Senior Executive team he was also responsible for the F&B new concept development in Bloomingdales, and Macy’s in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.
Previously to Al Tayer, David worked in Russia and the CIS as Brand Director for Rosinter Restaurants and as New Brand Concept Development Director on behalf of Mercedes Benz (Russia) charged with developing a new innovative restaurant concept. Prior to Russia, David spent over 25 years in the UK running, and building restaurant brands across all sectors of the industry.
Nigel J LoboExecutive Chef and Group Culinary Administrator, Royal Orchid Hospitality Group |
Nigel J Lobo is currently the Executive Chef and Group Culinary Administrator at the Royal Orchid Hospitality Group in Dubai. Prior to this, he was the Chef de Cuisine at The Eloquent Elephant at the Taj Dubai.
Nigel holds a Bachelors degree in Tourism Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Kitchen Management from the renowned Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD). He spent his formative years training at Miramar under Michelin star Chef Paco Perez, at Compartir under Chef Mateu Casanas in Spain; Attica in Australia under Chef Ben Shewry, La Vie under Chef Thomas Buhner in Germany and at a local tapas bar in Valladolid-La Tahona under Chef Jose.
Nigel remains passionate about Modern European cuisine and being born and raised in the UAE, he has harnessed the locally available produce to create successful menus which he has rolled out across all the group’s outlets A sports and music enthusiast, Nigel enjoys playing squash in his free time and has been a lifelong supporter of the English football club Arsenal FC. Nigel is also a trained pianist
Nigel J LoboExecutive Chef and Group Culinary Administrator, Royal Orchid Hospitality Group |
Nigel J Lobo is currently the Executive Chef and Group Culinary Administrator at the Royal Orchid Hospitality Group in Dubai. Prior to this, he was the Chef de Cuisine at The Eloquent Elephant at the Taj Dubai.
Nigel holds a Bachelors degree in Tourism Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Kitchen Management from the renowned Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD). He spent his formative years training at Miramar under Michelin star Chef Paco Perez, at Compartir under Chef Mateu Casanas in Spain; Attica in Australia under Chef Ben Shewry, La Vie under Chef Thomas Buhner in Germany and at a local tapas bar in Valladolid-La Tahona under Chef Jose.Nigel remains passionate about Modern European cuisine and being born and raised in the UAE, he has harnessed the locally available produce to create successful menus which he has rolled out across all the group’s outlets
A sports and music enthusiast, Nigel enjoys playing squash in his free time and has been a lifelong supporter of the English football club Arsenal FC. Nigel is also a trained pianist
Omar ShihabFounder & General Manager, BOCA |
Hospitality Project Director, Restauranteur, Consultant and Food and Beverage Concept Creator based out of Dubai, UAE. Omar recruited and worked with talented chefs, restaurant managers, beverage professionals, interior designers, branding specialists and building experts to create world-class hospitality concepts in the Gulf.
Currently Omar is the Founder and General Manager of BOCA DIFC; a locally grown high-end multi-award winning Mediterranean restaurant and bar located in the prestigious Gate Village of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC). BOCA offers high-end cuisine from the coast of Spain, France and Italy in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
Born and raised in the UAE, Omar lead BOCA’s sustainability initiatives that have been routed in its operation since inception. The restaurant has been sourcing ingredients locally since day one and have built on this and evolved it in many other aspects including crediting and promoting local and sustainable produce and producers from farmers and fishermen, reducing kitchen wastage and promoting multiuse of ingredients throughout the menu, demand driven inventory, setting up a recycling & reusing program, ban single use plastic utensils and directing and conceptualizing events and partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Recently BOCA has been one of five restaurants from the Arabian Gulf recently featured in the Truth, Love & Clean Cutlery guidebooks https://truthloveandcleancutlery.com/ These are the world’s first guides to truly showcase exemplary, organic, sustainable, and ethical restaurants.
Matthijs StinnissenHead Chef, BOCA |
Spending time in Dubai under the attentive care of the UK’s, and perhaps the world’s, best chefs Aikens and Atherton, Matthijs has unparalleled understanding of local ingredients and the varying palates of the Dubai market. Joining award-winning Mediterranean restaurant BOCA in February 2018 he kept all the original elements that guests know and love while using his expertise and creativity to take the menu to the next level.
During his tenure at BOCA, the restaurant was one of five from the Arabian Gulf featured in the Truth, Love & Clean Cutlery guidebooks. These are the world’s first guide to truly showcase exemplary, organic, sustainable, and ethical restaurants. BOCA was recognized for its efforts in sourcing locally; collaborating with local and regional fishermen, and farmers in the UAE.
Matthijs joined BOCA from Jason Atherton’s
Marina Social in Dubai where he was posted as Sous Chef working closely with Chef Patron Tristin Farmer, and more recently, Head Chef Craig Best. Matthijs arrived in Dubai with a post at Tom Aikens’ Pots Pans & Boards on Dubai’s Beach in JBR, and previously forged his culinary experience at 1, 2 & 3 Michelin star and “S.Pellegrino’s The World’s 100 Best Restaurants” establishments in the Benelux region.
Dirk van de HaarDirector, Creneau International Middle East |
Dirk van de Haar is the director of Creneau International Middle East, an international design and fit-out company and director of SWR hospitality, a successful restaurant operator.
Dirk (35) started his career in the hospitality industry as Food and Beverage Trainee for InterContinental in New York. After graduating from Stenden University he got an opportunity to move to the UAE and open the first Belgian Beer Café in the UAE located in the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City as restaurant manager.
As the first Belgian Beer Café was a huge success he took matters into his own hands and together with Creneau International Middle East, the master franchisor of the concept, he successfully opened the second café in Souk Madinat Jumeirah as F&B manager. This is the first child of SWR Hospitality, the restaurant operating group.
Over the years as Director, Dirk has successfully opened more restaurants & bars in the UAE, such as well-known Cargo (Pier 7), Maison Mathis (Arabian Ranches & Ras Al Khaimah) and Le Petit Belge (JLT, Business Bay and Motor City).
VeggiTech
Media Partner |
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VeggiTech is an Agro technology start up with the sole aim of disrupting the agriculture industry. VeggiTech obsesses on addressing the key challenges of traditional farming – soil, temperature and waterthrough its design of protected Hydroponics and Grow Lights assisted Hydroponics.
VeggiTech stands for Vegetation technology redefined and has currently chosen the harsh conditions of UAE to demonstrate these technologies in farms that are open for Investors, Students and Consumers to experience. The Leadership team firmly believes in moving beyond presentations and demonstrating technology that provides the Return on Investment in a live functional environment.
Mohamed A. Farrag
Chief Executive Officer, Al Thiqa Holding Company |
With a passion for food and restaurant management from an early stage, Mohamed started working in restaurants since the age of 18. From quality service restaurants and cafes all the way to fine dining and five star hotel multinational chains, he built a strong career in the F&B business. In 2016, he took charge as the CEO of Al Thiqa Restaurant Company in Kuwait. Back then, the company had one brand with 20 branches in Kuwait; leading the team today to have over eight brands, more than double the number of branches, with regional operations in the UAE, Lebanon, Iraq, and soon UK and KSA. In 2018, he was selected as Best Business Leader by MENAA organization.
Frying Pan AdventuresFood Tour Partnerfryingpanadventures.com |
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” We are the 1st food tour company in the Arabian Gulf. Our experiences are connected through a common thread of authenticity and knowledge, be it 4-hour walking feast through local neighborhoods, our monthly “Sufra” community experiences or a cooking session around the native Emirati cuisine. We are explorers, curators and storytellers whose hunger is best sated in the underbelly of the city. ” |
Bobby KapoorChef Partner, Cartalyst Solutions |
Bobby Kapoor knows the art and craft of making a restaurant work….even in a challenge. His core competence is creating innovative concepts that turn popular, in short ‘food themes that sell’. His contribution comes in all areas right from conceptualisation, look ’n feel, menu creation, in-kitchen-personnel training, coaching the support staff and finally working towards maximising profits. 17 hit concepts and a dozen LTOs later Bobby is raring to create more successes…. for others!
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Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) is a trade body representing Indian Media & Entertainment sector. MEAI membership comprises of media houses, animation and vfx companies, apps and gaming companies, journos, education institutes and other M&E entities. MEAI facilitates networking, promotes businesses through trade delegations and B2B meetings and marketing support to Indian IP promoters/developers. MEAI also plays an advisory role and facilitates industry government interactions.
http://www.meai.in/
DCinemaToday, online since 2003, is global resource for cinema professionals. DCinemaToday is focused primarily on the exhibition and distribution segments of the industry, particularly digital projection and immersive sound, laser and LED illumination, and other new technologies. DCinemaToday provides information about relevant companies, products, news releases, events, and much more, linked in an interactive format. DCinemaToday is supported by the industry’s leading technology, equipment, and services providers whose logos and information can be found on the left of each page.
https://www.dcinematoday.com/
CrowdReviews.com is a transparent online platform for determining which products and services are the best based on the opinion of the crowd. The crowd consists of Internet users which have experienced products and services first-hand and have an interest in letting other potential buyers their thoughts on their experience. CrowdReviews.com is driven by an algorithm allowing for both customers and providers of products and services to understand how the rankings are determined. The service can be used by potential buyers to learn more about their vendors prior to making a purchasing decision.
Crowd Reviews: http://www.crowdreviews.com
Industry Networks is a leading provider of construction intelligence and informatics in the Middle East & North Africa. BNC (Business News for Construction), a flagship project intelligence service of Industry Networks, is used by thousands of business leaders and construction industry professionals around the world to track developments, gain insight on projects and do business in the construction industry.
BNC tracks projects from concept to completion and offers a range of comprehensive and pertinent information including key details of property developers, consultants, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers involved with a project. BNC covers construction project of almost all sizes, across all sectors including urban construction, mega-developments, transportation, utilities, industrial developments and oil & gas.
https://www.bncnetwork.net/