Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Maison de Haute Pâtisserie opens at Four Seasons at Pearl-Qatar

Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar is introducing Nicolas Rouzaud, Maison de Haute Pâtisserie, a signature haute pâtisserie Française. The pastry chef has spent over two decades refining the art of French pastry, blending tradition with modern creativity.

Born and raised in France, his passion for baking began in the traditional bakeries of Toulouse and later led him to Les Compagnons du Devoir, where he earned his CAP diplomas in Pastry, Chocolate, Confectionary, Ice Cream, and Bakery.

Rouzaud's career took him from intimate pâtisserie kitchens to larger-scale production in Brussels, working at Michel Kayser’s two Michelin-starred Alexander in Southern France and Le Bristol Paris, where he rose to First Sous-Chef in Pastry. He has also launched The Connaught Patisserie in London and The Lanesborough in London.

The brand celebrates refined simplicity, offering luxurious yet accessible pastries that appeal to those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship. Each creation promises to evoke joy, wonder, and nostalgia, inviting guests to escape into a world where beauty and simplicity seamlessly intertwine.

Rouzaud's signature style will be evident in every dessert, reimagining French classics with the precision and artistry of a jeweller while honoring their rich heritage. Fruit takes center stage in each creation, celebrated in its purest form to highlight its natural beauty without excessive sweetness or unnecessary transformation.

Guests can delight their senses with an array of irresistible pastries, each crafted with precision and a deep respect for French tradition. The selection ranges from the delicate layers of a classic Flan Parisien to the rich indulgence of a Hazelnut Paris-Brest, showcasing Rouzaud’s mastery of flavor and texture.

The Tartelette, a fresh fruit pastry that embodies the essence of each season, is the pièce de résistance of Chef Nicolas Rouzaud’s collection. Crafted in a custom mould exclusive to the brand, this refined dessert reflects a philosophy of simplicity, precision, and indulgence. -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Vatel partners with Hawar resort to provide training for Bahraini youth

In a strategic collaboration aimed at nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders, Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School has forged a partnership with Hawar Resort by Mantis, a pioneering eco-luxury establishment located on the Unesco World Heritage site of Hawar Island. 
 
This collaboration underscores the Vatel Bahrain’s commitment to fostering industry-academia synergies and equipping its students with unparalleled practical training experiences.  
 
"Facilitating our students' training at this esteemed resort, a trailblazer in sustainable luxury tourism within the Gulf and the broader Middle Eastern region, represents an astute investment in the development of their capabilities and proficiencies," said Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain.
 
"This invaluable opportunity empowers our aspiring hospitality professionals to refine their skills in state-of-the-art facilities that parallel the industry's highest benchmarks," stated Sheikh Khaled. 
 
"This effort aligns with Vatel Bahrain’s dedication to offering its students internship opportunities across various hotels under the Accor Group umbrella, one of the largest hotel groups in the Middle East and globally," he added.
 
In a statement on the sidelines of signing the MoU with Hawar Resort by Mantis, Sheikh Khaled emphasized the distinctive nature of the resort, being among the first luxury eco-resorts in the Gulf and the broader Middle Eastern region. 
 
This prestigious establishment will provide Vatel Bahrain students with high-level training in the sector of luxury tourism, as well as various facets of hospitality, tourism, and hotel operations, thereby enhancing their potential to attain remarkable success and distinction in the dynamic labour market.
 
The strategic location of Hawar Resort by Mantis on the pristine Hawar Island, a Unesco-designated World Heritage Site, presents an unmatched learning environment for Vatel students. 
 
This immersive experience will enable them to acquire comprehensive insights into the intricate operations and best practices of luxury facilities that cater to discerning international and domestic travellers, he stated. 
 
Furthermore, it will equip them with the essential competencies requisite for securing coveted positions within the hospitality sector upon the conclusion of their academic journey, he added.
 
Sheikh Khaled said one of Vatel Bahrain’s recent graduates, Abdullah Traif, was part of the pre-opening team at Hawar Resort by Mantis and now holds the position of Housekeeping Supervisor at the resort. 
 
"Abdullah’s success is a living example of the quality education and training provided by Vatel Bahrain, which empowers our graduates to become key contributors in the hospitality sector," he stated.
 
Mohammad Ali Kunhi, Hotel Manager of Hawar Resort by Mantis, said: "We are delighted to forge this partnership with Vatel Bahrain, which will establish our resort as a premier training partner for the esteemed institution."
 
"This alliance will provide invaluable opportunities for Bahraini talents to engage in hands-on training within the dynamic work environment of Hawar Resort by Mantis, a sought-after destination renowned for delivering an integrated experience of relaxation amidst the captivating natural splendor of Hawar Island. We are confident that this collaboration will offer rich and diverse experiences to the college's students, furthering their professional development," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

DXB set to welcome 3.6m guests over Eid holiday peak

Dubai International (DXB) is bracing for a holiday surge unlike any other, with more than 3.6 million guests in total expected to pass through its terminals during the Eid travel peak from 26 March to 7 April.
 
The busiest day of the period is forecast for Saturday, 5 April, when 309,000 guests are expected. 
 
Daily total traffic is set to average 276,000 guests, with the sharpest rise projected in the first week of April. Departures during the Eid week are anticipated to surge by 19% compared to average weekly volumes over the past month, reflecting a significant seasonal uplift.
 
With schools breaking for spring, demand remains strong for key VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, alongside a notable rise in leisure travel, including an increase in traffic to Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy.
 
To support smooth journeys during this peak period, Dubai Airports is urging guests to use the recently introduced DXB Express Maps, a smart wayfinding tool that provides real-time navigation across all terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can locate their gate, browse the full array of dining and retail options, or find nearby facilities with ease.
 
Dubai Airports is also ready with enhanced services for People of Determination (PoD) through clearly marked accessibility routes, discreet support for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyard from trained staff wearing Sunflower pins, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
 
In collaboration with airline, service and commercial partners, and government authorities, Dubai Airports is working to ensure seamless guest flows across all touchpoints throughout the holiday period. -TradeArabia News Service