Latest news with #FundamentalHospitality
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Fundamental Hospitality benefits from Dubai's 17% surge in visitors
Fundamental Hospitality, a UAE-born lifestyle & Hospitality powerhouse behind GAIA, Sirene by GAIA, Shanghai Me, La Maison Ani and other celebrated concepts, announced that more than 1,025,000 million guests visited its venues worldwide in the first 4 months of 2025, underscoring the Group's pioneering position in elevated dining and hospitality. At the forefront of this growth is Sirene by GAIA, the world's most successful luxury beach club. Since its launch at J1 Beach, it has welcomed 210,000 customers, each spending an average of six hours on weekends. Demand remains unrivalled, with lunch waitlists topping 3,000 and consistent attendance of around 5,000 guests every Saturday and Sunday. The multi-diverse offer of lunch and dinner to beach to sunset partying takes Dubai beach hospitality to a new level. Sirene has introduced the World to a lifestyle concept that is a lifestyle in itself – a place where, as soon as you step inside, you feel like you're no longer in Dubai. Sirene has shown itself to be the world's most successful beach club, surpassing all expectations and visited by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, superstar Jennifer Lopez, and sports icons Jannick Sinner, Roger Federer and Anthony Joshua. Evgeny Kuzin, Chairman, Fundamental Hospitality, said: 'The surge in footfall and enthusiasm we've witnessed in 2025 is unlike anything I have experienced in my two decades in Dubai. Sirene by GAIA has elevated beach-club culture worldwide, while every one of our concepts—from fine dining to casual eateries—has exceeded expectations. This momentum reinforces our commitment to create dynamic, 'Made-in-Dubai' experiences that resonate globally.' Dubai's Tourism Boom fuelled demand for unique and elevated culinary experiences and in turn welcomed 5.18 million international visitors in Q1 2025, figures from Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) show, a 17 % y-o-y jump, amplifying demand for differentiated F&B experiences. Fundamental Hospitality's expansion strategy readily positions the Group to capture this growing market segment. Fundamental Hospitality's diverse range of brands captured this demand and have all outperformed expectations in the first 5 months of the year. The launch of INA represents another major milestone in what has been an exceptional start to the year for Fundamental Hospitality. Under Kuzin's leadership, the group has dedicated itself to taking experience-driven lifestyle concepts from Dubai to the World. With an ever-growing portfolio of venues and new Made-in-Dubai concepts at its core, Fundamental Hospitality is on track to solidify its position as a world leader in luxury hospitality, bringing the innovation and dynamism of Dubai to the global stage. Fundamental's Expansion plan continues throughout 2025 Shanghai Me London – Opening in July 2025 at The Hilton Park Lane Situated on the 28th floor of the iconic building, this venue will offer unrivalled views of Buckingham Palace, cementing it as London's most exclusive viewpoint restaurant. KIGO Dubai – a 'Made in Dubai' premium authentic Japanese omakase concept exploring centuries of culinary tradition, will open in Four Seasons DIFC, opening in September La Maison Ani Monaco - an elegant eatery and boulangerie that will offer a casual all-day dining experience with signature dishes highlighting both the rustic charm of the French countryside and the elegance of Parisian bistros is set to open this year. La Maison Ani Doha – The renowned Dubai brand begins it's GCC Expansion in Q4 this year Cipriani Dolci Riyadh – After the success of Cipriani Dolci Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, Riyadh will welcome Cipriani Dolci in Q3 this year GAIA Abu Dhabi - The Dubai dining institution expands its UAE presence into the countries capital
Arabian Business
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai's Fundamental Hospitality reports record AED1 million visitors as tourism surges 17%
UAE-born Fundamental Hospitality has recorded more than 1 million visitors across its global venues in the first four months of 2025, driven by Dubai's tourism boom which saw international arrivals jump 17 per cent year-on-year, the company said on Monday. The city welcomed 5.31 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025, according to official tourism figures cited by the group, fuelling demand for the company's portfolio of restaurants and entertainment venues. The hospitality company, which operates brands including GAIA, Shanghai Me and La Maison Ani, reported particularly strong performance at Sirene by GAIA, its luxury beach club at J1 Beach, which attracted 210,000 visitors since opening earlier this year – averaging 1,750 guests daily. 'The surge in footfall and enthusiasm we've witnessed in 2025 is unlike anything I have experienced in my two decades in Dubai,' said Evgeny Kuzin, Chairman of Fundamental Hospitality. Sirene by GAIA has become one of the city's most exclusive venues, with lunch waitlists reportedly exceeding 3,000 people and weekend attendance reaching around 5,000 guests, the company said. Notable visitors have included Dubai's Ruler Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid, singer Jennifer Lopez, and sports stars Jannik Sinner, Roger Federer and Anthony Joshua. The group also highlighted the successful April launch of INA, its newest 'Made in Dubai' concept, which it says has 'cemented itself as a culinary hotspot' since opening. Fundamental Hospitality announced an ambitious expansion programme for 2025, with plans to open several new venues including Shanghai Me in London, KIGO in Dubai, La Maison Ani in Monaco and Doha, Cipriani Dolci in Riyadh, and new GAIA restaurants in Miami, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
Web Release
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Fundamental Hospitality's INA Showcases Most-Loved Signature Dishes at J1 Beach Dubai
By Editor_wr On May 12, 2025 INA has officially opened its doors at J1 Beach Dubai, marking the arrival of a bold new dining destination that promises to set the city alight. Created by Fundamental Hospitality in collaboration with celebrated Chef Glen Ballis, INA brings to life a contemporary fire-cooking experience rooted in primal techniques, refined craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavours. Boasting an immersive atmosphere, a plethora of curated cocktails, and an exhilarating open-flame kitchen, INA invites guests to rediscover the pure joy of dining through connection, creativity, and community. At its core, INA is a celebration of simplicity and instinct. Featuring a 'fire never fails' ethos, the restaurant takes a back-to-basics approach, spotlighting seasonal produce, premium ingredients, and natural techniques such as grilling, smoking, roasting, and braising. The result is a menu that feels in equal parts fresh, elegant, and primal, showcasing a unique take on fire-cooked food where flavour reigns supreme and integrity is non-negotiable. INA's setting is as magnetic as its menu. Nestled along a pristine stretch of J1 Beach, the venue features a bespoke interior inspired by the raw spirit of fire, with handcrafted woodwork, earthy textures, and a palette of warm, glowing tones. Guests can soak up the coastal breeze under the stars thanks to the retractable roof during cooler months or escape the heat during the summer in the climate-controlled space. Every detail, including the custom lighting and specially curated music, contributes to an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. Designed to evolve throughout the night, INA transitions seamlessly to a lively, ambient dinner venue as the sun sets. It's a place to linger, explore, and unwind, offering a social haven where diners are encouraged to roam the space, connect over cocktails, and make memories by the flames. With its sensory design and soulful energy, INA presents mouthwatering meals in a lifestyle-led destination designed for both everyday indulgence and special occasions. INA's instinctive, produce-forward menu is an exploration of fire in its most refined form. Guests can savour standout small plates like the Westholme beef tartare with Kaviari caviar, or the tomato carpaccio featuring bold, flavourful Uzbek tomatoes. The raw section impresses with dishes like Fremantle octopus with calamansi and Japanese tuna toro with passion fruit dressing, each bite a delicate balance of technique and taste. Larger sharing dishes are designed to gather guests around the table, showcasing everything from oven-baked Kamchatka crab rice finished tableside, to the show-stopping Irish Silver Hill duck with Perigeux sauce. INA's desserts are equally irresistible, including the rich chocolate fondant with sea-salted caramel-coffee ice cream, and the salted caramel éclair with gold leaf. With something to please every palate, each dish at INA is an exciting story told through fire. Helming the kitchen is the globally acclaimed Chef Glen Ballis, whose culinary journey has taken him from Australia to Asia and across Russia. Known for his flavour-driven, emotionally resonant cooking, Glen brings authenticity, charisma, and a wealth of expertise to INA, which is his first venture in Dubai. Holding a deep respect for ingredients and a passion for storytelling through food, Glen's vision is to create honest, unforgettable dining experiences rooted in connection and craft. INA is Dubai's newest culinary destination for epicureans to discover, instantly becoming a destination where fire, flavour, and feeling collide. Prepare to discover the delights of the open-flame grill for the first time or return for your favourite seasonal dish as every visit promises a warm welcome, an instinctive menu, and an unforgettable escape from the ordinary. Step into INA and experience Dubai's boldest new culinary adventure, where flame leads the way. Follow INA on Instagram @ and subscribe at to be one of the first to feel the heat. Comments are closed.
Identity
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Adaline: Where Live Music, Elevated Dining & Luxury Karaoke Redefine Dubai's Nightlife
Dubai, UAE – Adaline, Dubai's premier supper club, seamlessly blends vibrant dining experiences with live music and timeless Italian cuisine. Created by Fundamental Hospitality, under the vision of Evgeny Kuzin, Adaline introduces a one-of-a-kind concept to the heart of DIFC, offering guests an elegant yet lively atmosphere where music, gastronomy, and celebration connect. A Celebration of Classic Italian Cuisine with a Modern Touch Under the direction of Chef Izu Ani, Adaline's menu pays homage to Italy's rich culinary traditions, offering classic Italian cuisine with a modern touch. 'At Adaline, an experience is being crafted that brings the soul of Italy to Dubai. The menu is a tribute to the timeless elegance of Italian cuisine, where every dish tells a story. Every detail is made to leave a lasting impression.' says Chef Izu Ani.
Khaleej Times
10-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Evgeny Kuzin, the man behind Sirene By Gaia at J1 Beach, says: ‘Dining is an emotion'
It's a balmy afternoon at Sirene By Gaia at J1 Beach. While some are soaking in the views and grooving to the DJ's tunes, there are those who have submitted to the food on the table. Enter Evgeny Kuzin, CEO and founder of Fundamental Hospitality and the man behind the concept that is currently the flavour of the season in the luxury dining scene in Dubai. Evgeny has been a trailblazing figure in the F&B industry in this part of the world. He has not only introduced some of the leading global concepts in luxury dining to the region but, through Gaia — and now Sirene By Gaia — has established an ethos for authentic, homegrown concepts. It's not just about good food either; Evgeny understands the business of food. That passion is rooted in his childhood, he says. Born in Novorossisk City in south of Russia, he was deeply inspired as a youngster by his father, who was a bartender. 'I thought it was a very cool job,' says Evgeny, who went on to study civil law himself. But when the Soviet Union dissolved, his father found himself a shareholder of the very bar he worked at and started a restaurant. Was Evgeny's destiny written at this point? Not quite. Like many young Russian men growing up in the 90s, he wanted to script his own story, and that led him to plunging into the real estate business — which brought him to the city of dreams. Dubai calling Evgeny was all of 21 when he came to Dubai in 2005. 'I needed a place that had social currency,' he says. The Dubai he encountered was different from the glitter and glamour we see today. 'The city was full of cranes. It was perennially under construction. Hence, I decided to be in the real estate business.' The property market of 2008, in Evgeny's own words, was 'quite intense'. 'I had to navigate a fast-moving, competitive market while learning the ins and outs of the industry. It was not easy but it gave me a deep understanding of how Dubai works as a business ecosystem,' he says. Despite the impact of recession, the market here was quick to bounce back. Evgeny, who'd invested in the construction business, took it as a sign to diversify when he found his true calling. With Dubai poised to become the luxury capital of the Middle East, luxury hospitality, Evgeny realised, would have enormous potential. 'There was a gap in true luxury hospitality experiences. I saw an opportunity to introduce something new — world-class nightlife and dining concepts that could compete on a global scale. Buddha Bar and Zuma had been major players back in the day. And a majority of restaurants were operated by hotels. There weren't many independent operators. The word spread that I was looking for a restaurant space.' That's when Evgeny discovered an opportunity to open a nightclub at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The only condition presented to him was that he had to bring in a famous brand. Never one to dream small, he travelled to London to meet prospective partners and, after nine months of to-and-fro, Movida opened in Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai. Staff was strategically brought in from different parts of the globe to ensure world-class standards were maintained. 'Because of those waiters, people would come and even stay at those properties,' he says. A similar process followed for VIP Room, a popular nightclub from Paris. 'We thought bringing these brands to Dubai was the right thing to do because at that time, the city was hungry for brands,' says Evgeny. 'At that time when you approached prime developers, they would not want you to start a homegrown brand; they wanted to bring popular lifestyle brands from around the world. I began to see myself as someone who could deliver on this.' It was the beginning of a number of global brands making their way to Dubai's palate. '2011 was a turning point. International brands like Cipriani and Scalini arrived in Dubai, and the industry began to shift. It was not just about opening venues anymore — it was about creating experiences. The challenge was how to introduce something fresh and exciting while meeting the high expectations of a market used to the best of the best,' he says. The homegrown factor Restaurants, says Evgeny, is a passionate business. What has always driven him, 'given him the highest level of dopamine', is to see a room full of people enjoying themselves. 'We are not just giving people food (you can eat at home as well); we are giving people experiences. And experiences are about emotions, and people do not forget emotions.' A part of that emotion is also about creating authentic experiences right here in the UAE that can resonate across the world. Located in DIFC, Evgeny's homegrown Greek premium dining concept Gaia has travelled all the way to London and is also present in Monaco, Doha and Marbella. And on the horizon is Gaia in Miami and Saint-Tropez. When it opened back in 2023, it created a stir in the local dining scene for its impeccable service and dining experience. 'As a 'Made in Dubai' concept, Gaia was not just another restaurant — it was a statement. I wanted to prove that Dubai could create its own world-class hospitality brands, not just import them. The inspiration came from a love of Mediterranean culture, but more importantly, from a desire to build something authentic, elegant and timeless. It wasn't easy — getting the right mix of design, service and cuisine took time. But once it came to life, it became something bigger than I could have imagined,' says Evgeny. 'For years, Dubai was all about importing luxury brands. I wanted to turn that around — I wanted to create concepts that were so strong they could compete on a global scale. The secret? It's about more than just a great restaurant — it's about storytelling, execution and consistency. If you get those right, the world takes notice.' He also believes it is important to pre-empt change rather than follow it. Sirene By Gaia, for example, responds to the needs of luxury beach clubs in the city. 'There are close to 12 beach clubs that opened last December alone. Clearly, it is the new trend. I think the pandemic changed things for nightlife here. Now, people prefer to come and dine at beach clubs because they offer such a relaxed vibe.' Evgeny adds that there are various reasons why a restaurant does or does not do well. 'The thing is I have had my share of failures as well. And while it's been painful and tough, I have realised a number of factors come together to make a dining experience successful — especially price point and location. The latter is extremely important. You can create a destination, but it is still very dangerous,' he says. 'We always have to be true to our core values — best food, best service, and best experience. It is all about putting these things together. Dubai is a very competitive market and you really need to understand the product and the demographic you are catering to. If you are investing in the right concept, you have nothing to worry about.' For someone who has set the agenda for premium dining, Evgeny is, unsurprisingly, a foodie. When not launching a new dining concept, he loves to discover new places to eat. 'Dining is an emotion, after all!' Agreed.
