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Shaza Hotels Highlights the Growing Value of Smaller Hospitality Brands

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Shaza Hotels Highlights the Growing Value of Smaller Hospitality Brands

In a landscape dominated by mega-chains, Shaza Hotels is proving that smaller, value-driven brands are not only resilient but essential to the future of hospitality. With a strategic focus on authenticity, agility, and deep cultural resonance, Shaza is charting an alternative course – one that is winning the confidence of guests and investors alike.

Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President, Business Development and Growth, Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza, stated, “As markets evolve, travellers are increasingly seeking brands that are not only efficient but meaningful. Smaller brands like Shaza have the agility to respond faster to shifting guest expectations and industry disruptions. Our strength lies in the ability to personalise, localise, and humanise the travel experience.”

Shaza’s unique brand narrative, rooted in the traditions of the East, gives it an edge in today’s fragmented marketplace. From curated guest journeys to a flexible operating model, Shaza is redefining how boutique brands can scale effectively without losing soul.

By placing purpose above mass production and innovation above imitation, Shaza Hotels stands as a symbol of what hospitality should become – deeply personal, regionally relevant, and globally resonant.

SOHBA Targets Regional Tourism Surge with Brand-Backed, Owner-Focused Operating Model

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SOHBA Targets Regional Tourism Surge with Brand-Backed, Owner-Focused Operating Model

SOHBA Hospitality Management has announced a strategic focus on expanding into underserved secondary and tertiary hotel markets across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC, offering a scalable operating model tailored for niche and mid-sized properties and new tourism corridors. The announcement follows the company’s recent launch at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai. With leadership ties to the Thomas Cook Tours portfolio, SOHBA Hospitality Management benefits from deep-rooted expertise in tourism, travel distribution, and hospitality strategy.

Dr. Sami AlHussainy, Board Member and Chairman of the Legal and Strategic Sector, SOHBA Hospitality Management, said, “SOHBA Hospitality Management has been created with flexibility and regional relevance in mind. We see significant untapped potential in markets where owners need agile partners with strong brand management experience. Our model is purpose-built for these projects -offering customised, brand-compliant operational support where it’s most needed.”

Developed as a white-label hotel management firm, SOHBA Hospitality Management is structured to manage properties on behalf of owners while working with leading international brands under franchise agreements. SOHBA Hospitality Management’s approach includes short- to mid-term management agreements, allowing the company to stabilise hotel operations, align with international brand standards, and set up strong commercial and service foundations. The company’s boutique, a la carte model is seen as ideally suited for properties in diverse locations that are increasingly gaining importance in national tourism development strategies.

In Egypt, for example, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has prioritised regional development as part of its Tourism Development Strategy aligned with Egypt Vision 2030. As infrastructure expands in governorates such as Aswan, New Alamein, Fayoum, and North Sinai, opportunities are emerging for hotel development outside Cairo and the Red Sea Riviera. SOHBA’s flexible contract structures and strong regional understanding allow it to activate such assets quickly, making it an ideal partner for local owners and investors.

Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the company sees significant opportunity in support of Vision 2030, particularly in locations such as AlUla, Abha, and coastal towns along the Red Sea. These emerging destinations require agile, locally knowledgeable operators who can work effectively within international branding frameworks while addressing the nuances of local guest expectations and owner needs.

With a leadership team that brings decades of international hospitality expertise, SOHBA positions itself as a bridge between the capabilities of major global brands and the realities of local hotel owners in high-growth destinations. By combining international standards with cultural authenticity and market responsiveness, SOHBA aims to unlock value for investors while supporting the broader tourism growth ambitions of the region.

For more information visit https://sohbahmc.com

About SOHBA Hospitality Management

Founded with a passion for excellence in hospitality, SOHBA Hospitality Management provides premium, bespoke hotel management services designed to maximise value for owners and hotels alike. Established by industry experts with extensive regional and international experience, SOHBA combines world-class standards with local authenticity, specialising in white-label hotel operations for leading global hospitality brands. Through a perfect blend of traditional hospitality values and innovative strategies, SOHBA delivers tailored, performance-driven results that set each property up for sustainable success.

For media please contact:

Hina Bakht

Managing Director

EVOPS Marketing & PR

Mob: 00971 50 6975146

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www.evopsmarketing.com

Ajman Bank Partners with Yubi MENA to Support Business Banking Customers

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Ajman Bank Partners with Yubi MENA to Support Business Banking Customers

Ajman Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in the MENA region, has announced a partnership with Yubi MENA to deliver seamless SME trade working capital, supply chain finance, and other value-added services to clients. The collaboration aims to expand SME market penetration by leveraging Yubi’s advanced technology platform & strong domain expertise.

The Yubi Group is the world’s only technology company powering the end-to-end debt lifecycle. As part of this partnership, Yubi is activating its corporate loans & supply chain financing platform – Yubi Enterprise Credit Market for Ajman Bank. This enterprise financing marketplace enables seamless access to credit for businesses through a 100% digital & hassle-free process.

The partnership announcement event was attended by Faizal Kundil, Head of Consumer Banking – Ajman Bank; Gaurav Kumar, Founder & CEO of Yubi; Jyoti Ranjan, Head of Business Banking – Ajman Bank; Mohammed Mardas, Head of Distribution – Ajman Bank; and Sivakumar Rajakkannu, Senior Vice President and Head of Yubi Enterprise Credit Market, MENA.

Faizal Kundil, Head of Consumer Banking at Ajman Bank, stated, “Banks have to work with fintech firms rather than consider them competition. We are in the midst of a journey towards digital transformation, and this collaboration will enhance our SME finance offering to customers in that space.”

Gaurav Kumar, CEO of Yubi, commented, “We are delighted to partner with Ajman Bank to power the SME ecosystem through cutting-edge technology and innovative financial solutions. Our mission is to make access to finance seamless and faster for SMEs, and this partnership marks a significant step towards achieving that goal in the UAE and beyond.”

The collaboration reflects Ajman Bank’s commitment to empowering SMEs with advanced technological tools and greater access to finance, fostering a culture of innovation and fintech partnership in the region.

Pakistan and UAE Discuss Enhanced Cooperation for Pakistani Workforce in the UAE

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Pakistan and UAE Discuss Enhanced Cooperation for Pakistani Workforce in the UAE

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi met HE. Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to United Arab Emirates held a meeting with HE. Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in Dubai.

Ambassador Tirmizi conveyed regards and gratitude on behalf of Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain to HE. Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar.

The meeting focussed on issues of mutual interests especially those pertaining to Pakistani diaspora working in multiple sectors in UAE. Ambassador Tirmizi lauded and thanked the leadership of UAE for reposing great trust in Pakistan as a brotherly and friendly country. He appreciated the government and people of UAE for hosting about 1.7 million Pakistanis who are supporting their families and country by sending remittances back home.

Both sides underlined the significant role played by Pakistanis in the development of UAE and the tremendous potential and opportunities for further enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields. In view to facilitate Pakistanis seeking jobs in UAE, the meeting focussed on enhancing mutual collaboration aiming efficiency in visas processing, screening, documents attestation, etc.

Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation offered all possible assistance in streamlining the visas aligned services, especially sharing the best technological practices minimizing human interactions and ensuring transparency. He said that Pakistanis will continue to play their role in the progress of UAE and both sides will work together to mitigate the challenges, if any.

Ambassador Tirmizi also discussed health insurance for Pakistani workers, and it was agreed that both sides will work closely to address related issues and encourage workers to opt for health insurance schemes.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from both sides.

SOHBA Hospitality Management Debuts at Arabian Travel Market 2025 Strengthening Egypt’s Hospitality Sector with Bespoke Solutions

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SOHBA Hospitality Management Debuts at Arabian Travel Market 2025 Strengthening Egypt’s Hospitality Sector with Bespoke Solutions

Marking a new chapter in the regional hospitality landscape, SOHBA Hospitality Management announced its official formation and launch today at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. Established with a passion for operational excellence and authentic guest experiences, SOHBA Hospitality Management specialises in bespoke hotel management solutions, offering owners a dynamic and flexible pathway to long-term success.

Headquartered in Egypt, SOHBA Hospitality Management has been founded with a strong focus on supporting tourism development across Egypt while building a robust growth pipeline in key GCC markets, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt welcomed over 15 million international visitors in 2024. Under its Tourism Development Strategy aligned with Egypt Vision 2030, the country aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028 through increased hotel investments, diversified tourism offerings, and major infrastructure enhancements. SOHBA Hospitality Management’s investment plans are closely aligned with this national vision, contributing to Egypt’s objective of establishing itself as a premier global destination for leisure, culture, and hospitality excellence.

Conceptualised to operate as a white-label hotel management company, SOHBA Hospitality Management manages properties on behalf of owners in collaboration with leading international brands under franchise agreements. Whether overseeing new developments or repositioning existing hotels, SOHBA provides a tailored management term aimed at establishing a strong operational foundation before progressing to longer-term partnerships.

Eng. Mohammad Al-Nadi, President of SOHBA Hospitality Management, said, “At SOHBA Hospitality Management, we believe every hotel has its own soul, its own story. One size does not fit all. Our mission is to make owners proud, guests delighted, and brands confident through an approach that combines cultural authenticity with the highest service standards and truly personalised management. We are also deeply committed to supporting the growth of Egypt’s tourism sector by bringing world-class operational expertise and bespoke management solutions to new and existing hotel projects across the country.”

Led by a strong team with decades of regional and international expertise, SOHBA Hospitality Management draws on extensive experience – shaped by both successes and challenges – to deliver a superior management model focused on agility, accountability, and asset value optimisation.

Michael Zager, CEO of SOHBA Hospitality Management, commented, “Our objective is not merely to manage hotels but to set them up for sustainable, long-term success. Brands provide the franchise, and SOHBA seamlessly manages the day-to-day operations on ground. This structure ensures operational discipline, strategic marketing, robust revenue management, and consistently high service delivery – combining the global reach of international brands with the personalisation of local management.”

Distinct from traditional hotel management firms, SOHBA Hospitality Management offers an a la carte, boutique-style service model. Every project is approached individually, blending world-class standards with a deep understanding of local markets to enhance guest satisfaction and drive superior financial returns.

Rogier M. Hurkmans, COO ofSOHBA Hospitality Management, stressed, “SOHBA Hospitality Management represents the perfect balance of traditional hospitality values and modern innovation. Our team’s in-depth knowledge of the regional market, combined with a vast international experience, empowers us to create memorable guest experiences while delivering strong operational and financial results.”

With a commitment to cultural authenticity, tailored strategies, and uncompromising service excellence, SOHBA Hospitality Management is set to reshape the future of hotel management across the region – one uniquely crafted success story at a time.

For more information visit https://sohbahmc.com

Shaza Hotels Debuts in Bahrain with Mysk Al Fateh Signing at Arabian Travel Market

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Shaza Hotels Debuts in Bahrain with Mysk Al Fateh Signing at Arabian Travel Market

 Shaza Hotels, a leading hotel management company inspired by the rich cultures of the Silk Route and Arabian hospitality, has announced its entry into the Kingdom of Bahrain with the signing of a management agreement for Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain with Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co. B.S.C. (c), a prominent Bahraini investment company. The agreement was formalised between Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, and Ghazi Abdulla Nass, Chairman, Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co. B.S.C. (c) in Bahrain.

The partnership was unveiled during an exclusive ceremony held at the Shaza Hotels stand at the Arabian Travel Market by Simon Coombs and Faisal Ali Al Farsi, Board Member of Nuzul Holdings B.S.C. (c). The event was attended by senior leaders from both organisations, including Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President – Business Development and Growth, and Franck Descat, Vice President – Asset Management at Shaza Hotels; as well as Islam Abdelhakim Abo Alam, Board Member of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., and Ms Mona Ahmed Al Musallam, Board Member at Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co.

This strategic milestone marks the debut of Shaza Hotels in Bahrain and reinforces its commitment to expanding its presence across the GCC through distinctive lifestyle hospitality offerings.

Speaking on the occasion, Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, stated: “We are delighted to mark our entry into the Kingdom of Bahrain with such a special property. Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain is a perfect fit for our growing Mysk portfolio – combining contemporary luxury with a sense of place and purpose. Our partnership with Nuzul Holdings reflects a shared vision to bring meaningful hospitality experiences to the region, and we look forward to delivering exceptional value to our guests and stakeholders alike.”

Ghazi Abdulla Nass, Chairman, Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., commented: “This partnership with Shaza Hotels – a brand known for its cultural depth and operational excellence – reflects our long-term commitment to developing high-quality hospitality assets that meet Bahrain’s evolving tourism demand. Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain is designed to cater to the increasing number of long-stay guests, executives, and families seeking a modern, serviced living environment in one of the most connected and cosmopolitan areas of Manama.”

Ideally situated in the heart of Juffair, one of Bahrain’s most vibrant residential districts, Mysk Al Fateh Bahrainis a bespoke property catering to the needs of today’s discerning traveller. The 15-storey twin tower development features 118 contemporary suites, including elegant one, two and three-bedroom residences and four exclusive penthouses – each thoughtfully designed for business and leisure guests. With state-of-the-art fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, modern meeting spaces, and curated family-friendly amenities, the property redefines upscale urban living in the Kingdom.

Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain will officially open its doors to guests on 1st May 2025, offering a unique and enriching stay experience that blends modern comfort with warm Arabian hospitality.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Bahrain witnessed nearly a 20% increase in visitor numbers in 2024, driven by renewed regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and government-backed tourism initiatives. The government’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026aims to surpass 14 million annual visitors by 2026 and raise the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP from 7% in 2022 to over 11%by 2026.

Major developments are further fuelling growth, including the $1.1 billion Bahrain International Airport expansion, which has doubled capacity to 14 million passengers annually, and the Exhibition World Bahrain, now the largest MICE venue in the Middle East.

Shaza Hotels invites industry professionals to visit its stand HC 3445, Hall 2, at Arabian Travel Market 2025 to explore how the brand is redefining hospitality excellence for the modern traveller.

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi Engages with Students at the British University in Dubai

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Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi Engages with Students at the British University in Dubai

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to the UAE visited the British University in Dubai today, where he was warmly received by Vice Chancellor Professor Abdullah Alshamsi and faculty members. During his visit, Ambassador Tirmizi delivered an insightful lecture on the historical and strategic ties between Pakistan and the UAE.

He highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, tracing its roots to ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley and Gandhara. The Ambassador also emphasized the country’s diverse geography, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, which feature five of the world’s fourteen peaks above 8,000 meters.

Ambassador Tirmizi pointed out that 68% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30, representing significant potential for growth and innovation.

Discussing Pakistan-UAE relations, he noted the over 70-year-long friendship between the two nations, rooted in shared values, cultural ties, and mutual support on regional and global platforms. He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his historic 1966 visit to Pakistan. The Ambassador also mentioned that Pakistan was the first country to recognize the UAE and contributed significantly to its development in sectors such as banking, aviation, and agriculture.

With bilateral trade exceeding USD 10 billion and a vibrant Pakistani diaspora of 1.8 million in the UAE, the economic and people-to-people ties continue to flourish. He referenced recent high-level engagements, including visits by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and senior UAE leadership, which have further deepened cooperation through multiple Memorandums of Understanding.

Concluding his address, Ambassador Tirmizi encouraged students to read widely and travel, inviting faculty members and students to visit Pakistan to experience its natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary diversity.

Dubai April 24, 2025.

Pakistan Business Council Sharjah Charts the Way Forward in April Strategy Session

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Pakistan Business Council Sharjah Charts the Way Forward in April Strategy Session

The Pakistan Business Council Sharjah (PBCS) convened a results‑driven directors’ meeting at Digital Vision to assess recent performance and set the agenda for the months ahead.

Chaired by Dr. S. M. Tahir, the directors unanimously agreed to institute in‑person strategy meetings during the first week of every month, ensuring faster decisions and stronger teamwork.

Key outcomes and acknowledgements

- Directors reaffirmed their commitment to expanding PBCS initiatives and streamlining operations.

- Thanks were extended to First Vice Chairman Syed Saleem Akhtar for hosting the session.

- Director Membership Committee Haji Mohammed Yaseen invited members to the next meeting at Al Nawab Restaurant, Sharjah.

- The meeting concluded with prayers for the late mother of Director Coordination Safdar Rashid.

Attending directors

  • Dr. S. M. Tahir – Chairman
  • Syed Saleem Akhtar – First Vice Chairman
  • Amir Hassan – Second Vice Chairman
  • Salman Wasil – Honorary Secretary
  • Khalid Chudhary – Director, Advisory Board
  • Haji Mohammed Yaseen – Director, Membership Committee
  • Mian Umar Ibrahim – Director, Executive Committee
  • Muhammad Farooq – Director, Finance Committee
  • Khawar Hussain – Director, Media Committee
  • Zaheer Ahmad – Director, Event Committee
  • Safdar Rashid – Director, Coordination
  • Suhail Khawar – Executive Member

PBCS closed the gathering on an optimistic note, anticipating continued collaboration and success in the coming months.

The Embassy organized a Community Awarness Event

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The Embassy organized a Community Awarness Event

The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi organized a community awarness event, drawing a large gathering of Pakistani community members to support the renovation and expansion of the historic Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistan School. Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to the UAE expressed deep appreciation for the community’s enthusiastic participation in this noble initiative, emphasizing the Embassy’s commitment to working alongside the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an Abu Dhabi to transform the school into a leading sustainable educational institution.

Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted that, in line with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2025  as the ‘Year of the Community’, the Embassy seeks the collective spirit of the Pakistani diaspora to give back to society by supporting the school. “The Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistan School has been a cornerstone of education for generations, and with the unwavering support of our community, we can elevate it into a model institution that provides quality and inclusive education,” he said.

Established in 1974 under the patronage of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the school is serving over 2,000 students annually, offering affordable quality education. Originally built through the collaborative efforts of the Pakistani community and the Embassy, the school now requires significant upgrades to meet contemporary educational standards. The event  aimed to address critical needs, including the construction of a new building block, reconstruction of boundary walls, flooring and the provision of furniture. Additionally, plans are underway for a future project to build a residential block for teachers, ensuring better retention and enhanced welfare for staff.

During the event, the school’s Principal, Mr. Abdur Rashid, reflected on the institution’s 50-year legacy of academic excellence and appealed for continued community support. “To sustain and elevate our educational standards, we rely on the generosity of our community. Every contribution will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our students,” he remarked. The Pakistan Embassy calls upon all community members and well-wishers to contribute generously to this transformative initiative through coordination with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an Abu Dhabi and the Embassy

Swiss-Belhotel International Reinforces Regional Commitment with Strategic Visit to Oman and Bahrain

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Reinforcing Swiss-Belhotel International’s operational excellence and regional growth strategy, Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President, Swiss-Belhotel International, and Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International, recently concluded a successful leadership visit to the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The tour, which covered several of the group’s flagship hotels in both countries, aimed to further strengthen relationships with property owners, engage with hotel teams, and explore future opportunities in line with Swiss-Belhotel International’s expansion and performance vision for the region.

Commenting on the visit, Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, expressed his gratitude for the recognitions, stated: “Bahrain and Oman are among our most valued markets in the Middle East, offering both depth and dynamism. It was incredibly rewarding to connect with our dedicated teams on the ground and to witness firsthand the passion with which they bring our brand values to life. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we believe in building from within, and these visits are a testament to our ongoing investment in people, performance, and partnerships.”

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International’s, stressed: “Our time with our hotel teams and owners in Oman and Bahrain has been extremely rewarding and energising. We listened, exchanged ideas, and identified tangible ways to enhance guest satisfaction, strengthen brand standards, and unlock new growth. As we continue to expand in the region, our goal is to complement this growth with operational excellence at every touchpoint.”

Among the key properties visited were Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef, Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain, Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair, and Swiss-Belinn Airport Muscat, Oman. These visits reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to operational excellence, team engagement, and delivering exceptional guest experiences across its existing portfolio.

In addition, the leadership also explored opportunities to introduce new brands under the Swiss-Belhotel International umbrella in both markets, catering to evolving traveller preferences across segments. With 18 brands and a strong presence across 20 countries, Swiss-Belhotel International is recognised for its world-class management models, multi-brand strategy, and owner-centric approach, ensuring that each property thrives in its respective market.

The visit comes at a time of surging tourism momentum for both countries. According to official reports, Oman received approximately 3.9 million international visitors in 2024, while Bahrain witnessed nearly a 20% increase in visitor numbers, driven by renewed regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and government-backed tourism initiatives.

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is pursuing ambitious goals. It aims to attract 6 million tourists annually by 2030 and ultimately reach 11 million annual visitors by 2040as part of Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy. Bahrain’s national Tourism Strategy 2022–2026too has set bold goals. The kingdom is aiming to attract 14.1 million tourists annually by 2026and to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from around 7% (in 2022) to 11% by 2026.

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