2017 – Year in Perspective

Season’s Greetings and wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2018…

In a rapidly changing world, at Gates Hospitality we are making an enduring impact by staying focused on our purpose of Building a better hospitality world and a responsible brand – for our guests, our stakeholders, our teams and our industry.

It has been a very exciting journey for me personally being the “Gate Keeper”, the owning company of well-known home-grown brands such as; Ultra Brasserie, the internationally acclaimed concept; Reform Social & Grill Dubai, The Black Lion Public House & Dining, Bistro Des Arts as well as the ownership of Six Senses Zighy Bay.

The year gone by, 2017, was a truly gratifying period as far as Gates Hospitality goes. Continuing the successful growth of our portfolio 2017 we oversaw the launch of three new and vibrant brands in Dubai. Souk Madinat Jumeirah saw the opening of Folly by Nick & Scott, as well as Publique, Dubai's premier "Apres Ski chalet". The third venue of the year Via Veneto Osteria e Cucina opened Q3 this year – located on the ground floor of Manzil Hotel, The Boulevard, Downtown Dubai which is now licensed as we have just received our liquor license!

Our restaurant brands Reform Social & Grill, Bistro Des Arts, and The Black Lion, Bistro Des Arts were selected in the Ahlan! Hot 100 Restaurants Dubai list.

The year also saw Gates Hospitality win a few awards and accolades… Leaders in F&B Awards 2017 event saw me win the Leading F&B Investor Award, Folly by Nick & Scott won the Best New Comer Award, as well as Raven Rudolf (Bar Manager of Folly by Nick & Scott) won the Best Bartender the same evening.

The Folly team again won at the What’s On Dubai Awards last month when Chef Nick Alvis and Chef Scott Price were crowned with the “Favourite Chefs of the year” Title Award.

Conde Nast Traveller,  had also chosen Six Senses Zighy Bay as winner in the following categories;

-Readers’ Awards 2017, Overseas Hotel Spas, No. 3

-Readers’ Awards 2017, The World’s Top 100, No. 46

-Conde Nast Traveller, UK – 2017 Gold List, Coastal Hotels

-Conde Nast Traveller, UK – 2017 Gold List, The 20 Best Hotels in the World 

-Conde Nast Traveller, Spain – Best Health and Wellness International Hotel

I too had a memorable year and was chosen the 'Hospitality Industry CEO of the Year - MENA' in the prestigious Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM) 2017 CEO Awards.

The year ended on a high when I was ranked #3 under “Independent F&B Entrepreneurs” in the prestigious Caterer Middle East Power 50 List, and Chef Nick Alvis and Chef Scott ranked #3 under Chef’s Power 50 List.

The year ahead looks very exciting too & to start the year with a bang, Gates first global foray vide an international venue outside the region will be opening early Q1, 2018. Not any international restaurant brand but one of the best restaurant in NY city being Red Farm is undergoing the last few touches prior to the launch and again not any address but a stunning site at Covent Garden, London, U.K., is the grand international entry.

These are just some of the things that have kept me busy in 2017 and guess what, endless plans for the year ahead & beyond. The focus will remain on our DNA values; INNOVATE | ENRICH | BELONG | ENGAGE.

I take this opportunity to thank all of the people who have helped me make this happen; my family, my business partners, my team members & all of our guests.

Here is wishing ONE et ALL a Prosperous, Safe and Healthy year ahead.

SEASON GREETINGS….