Forbes Middle East recently unveiled its list of ’20 Leaders Behind Luxury Dining in the Middle East,’ and five talented Lebanese personalities among MENA’s top luxury dining leaders have made the cut.
Here’s a glimpse into their extraordinary journeys and contributions to the MENA region’s top luxury dining scene.
1. Rabih Fakhreddine: 7 Management
Rabih Fakhreddine isn’t just setting tables; he’s setting trends. Since founding 7 Management in 2015, he’s been the mastermind behind popular venues like Antika, Sayf, and The Theater. His magic touch extends to hotspots across Dubai, Riyadh, Beirut, Erbil, and Doha.
7 Management recently announced it will be taking popular Lebanese-owned Meat the Fish to Dubai.
With upcoming projects like Bagatelle in Athens and collaborations with culinary legend Joel Robuchon on NEOM’s Sindalah Island, Fakhreddine is a force to be reckoned with. Before dazzling the dining scene, he sharpened his business acumen at British American Tobacco.
2. Charbel Mhanna: Blackspoon Management
Charbel Mhanna took the reins at Blackspoon Management in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. His portfolio boasts a variety of brands, including Ibn AlBahr, Allo Beirut, and the MICHELIN Guide restaurant Bombay Bungalow.
Under his leadership, Blackspoon has expanded with new locations in Riyadh and Ras Al Khaimah. With a rich background as the former CEO of several hospitality groups, Mhanna is all about bringing diverse dining experiences to life.
3. Nazih Hafez and Antonio Gonzalez: Sunset Hospitality Group
While Antonio Gonzalez and Nazih Hafez might hail from different parts of the world, together they’ve built a hospitality empire. Sunset Hospitality Group, founded in 2011, now spans 17 countries with 64 venues. From the vibrant SUSHISAMBA to luxurious beach clubs, their offerings are as varied as they are fabulous.
They even launched their podcast, #SunsetTalks, this year, ensuring that their influence extends beyond the dining table. Gonzalez’s journey from media to hospitality, alongside Hafez’s strategic insights, makes them a powerhouse pair.
4. Tony Habre: Addmind
Tony Habre’s entrepreneurial journey began with a bar in Beirut in 2001. Fast forward to today, and Addmind boasts over 22 brands across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Names like Bar du Port, Babylon, and Iris are just a few gems in his crown.
In 2024, Habre’s company partnered with ADMO Lifestyle Holding to launch “Alpha-Mind,” further expanding its global footprint. Habre’s knack for creating memorable experiences keeps his patrons coming back for more.
5. Yasmina Hayek: Em Sherif
Yasmina Hayek brings a touch of elegance to every dish she creates at Em Sherif. Founded in 2011, the brand now includes Em Sherif Restaurant, Café, Sea Café, and Deli, with a presence across MENA and Europe.
This year, Hayek teamed up with Prada for a bespoke cocktail menu at the Monaco Grand Prix and opened a MICHELIN Guide restaurant in Monaco’s Hotel de Paris. Before dazzling diners at Em Sherif, she honed her skills at some of the world’s top restaurants, including Copenhagen’s three-Michelin-starred Geranium.
In addition, 7 Management took the rights to franchise and expand Em Sherif in the UAE.
Others:
- Ayman Baky (Egyptian) – Founder & CEO, Baky Hospitality Group
- Basil Al Salem (Kuwaiti) – Founder & Group CEO, Gastronomica
- Bhupender Nath (Indian) – Founder & Managing Director, Passion F&B
- Evgeny Kuzin (Russian) – Chairman, Fundamental Hospitality
- Faisal Shaker (Saudi) – Cofounder & CEO, Modern Food Company (MFC)
- Giovanni Bolandrini (Italian) – CEO & Partner, Pier88 Group
- Mohammed Jawa (Saudi) – Founder & Chairman, MJS Holding
- Natasha Sideris (South African) – Founder & CEO, Tashas Group
- Panchali Mahendra (Indian) – CEO, Atelier House Hospitality
- Akmal Anuar (Singaporean) – Founder & Chef-Proprietor, White Rice
- Ramzy Abdul-Majeed (British-Jordanian) – Founder & Chairman, Big On Hospitality
- Rizwan Kassim (French) – Founder & CEO, RIKAS Hospitality Group
- Benoit Lamonerie (French) – Founder & CEO, 111 Management
- Roaya Saleh (Bahraini) – Chef Patron & Owner, RS Management
- Varun Khemaney & Khalil Dahmash (Indian & Palestinian) – Cofounders & Managing Partners, VKD Hospitality Group
These culinary trailblazers are setting the stage for luxury dining in the MENA region, each bringing their unique flavor to the table.
