The Factors Affecting the UAE Restaurant Industry

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven states, combines a rich history with thriving metropolitan areas — making it one of the Middle East’s most important economic centers. The owners, operators, and investors in UAE restaurant chains have reaped the rewards of its shifting demographics and its thriving economy has historically been linked to oil production and high…read more →Read more...

How Macroeconomic Conditions Will Influence KSA Restaurant Operators

Once flush with cash, the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now making several moves to diversify its economy — all part of an effort to combat the budget deficit through cuts to spending and energy subsidies as well as sharp increases in fees and taxes. In recent trips to Asia and Washington, D.C., Saudi royals have worked to woo…read more →Read more...

Why India’s Foodservice Industry Is One of the Fastest-Growing in the World

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made headlines in June 2016, when he announced the e-commerce giant would invest $3 billion into India, citing the region’s “huge potential.” That this came on the heels of the company’s 2014, $2 billion infusion, was big news. While Apple’s Tim Cook once said India is where China was “maybe seven to ten years ago,” Bezos…read more →Read more...

15 Ramadan Promotions that Worked

Ramadan, or the holy month of fasting and abstinence, is feted in all Muslim countries around the world. But as the diaspora continues to grow stronger – Muslims are the only major religious group forecasted to grow faster than the world’s population as a whole –brands are standing up and taking notice. Here’s a look at successful Ramadan restaurant promotions from a few powerful brands…read more →Read more...

Arabic Hospitality Can Solve Saudi Arabia’s Unemployment Crisis

Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s fastest growing restaurant markets, is in the midst of an unemployment crisis. Arabic Hospitality may provide part of the solution. While the nation’s GDP reached $653 billion in 2015 (almost than double the KSA’s 2006 GDP of $328 billion), unemployment rates for Saudi nationals stands at a shocking 11.4 percent. When unemployment was one…read more →Read more...

A Brief Overview of the Hospitality Industry in the Middle East

In the Middle East, eating out equals prime socializing time. No wonder then that the hospitality industry in the Middle East has experienced rapid restaurant growth and is set for more.Read more...

Syrian Struggle Sinks Hospitality Industry in Lebanon

Lebanon, with its Tripoli and Beirut sites, ancient monuments, famed cuisine and rich culture has brought in droves of tourists to eat in their restaurants, stay in their hotels and contribute toward the blossoming hospitality industry in Lebanon. But this same prized geography of the country has put it in too close of a proximity to troubled neighbor, Syria.Read more...

Hospitality Industry in Egypt in Flux

Egypt has had a tumultuous few years and continues to go through changes with the 2013 overthrow of its former president Mohamed Morsi. With the Middle East and North Africa seen as a growth area for the hospitality industry, investors with future expansion hopes are keeping a close eye on the country.Read more...

A Brief Overview of the Restaurant Industry in Bahrain

The restaurant industry in Bahrain is growing along with a rising demand for dining out. This non-OPEC, oil exporting country also has perhaps the best free market economy in the Middle East, according to a 2013 Economy Freedom Index, making it a great place to invest in the restaurant business.Read more...