Latest news with #Room
Eater
2 days ago
- Business
- Eater
Thank AI and Billionaire Dollars: Private Dining Rooms Are Going Gangbusters in San Francisco
There's a buzzy, classy vibe coursing through Wayfare Tavern for a Wednesday at 3 p.m., mid-century American jazz breezing along the spread wings of a taxidermied Canada goose. Fat racks of lamb, hints of lemon rising above the tomato and chickpea, and other dishes fly out of the kitchen, just like its previous location on Sacramento Street. There's one key difference: This new Wayfare Tavern is sectioned into bookable fourths, composed of multi-use rooms and bars. Florence and many more chefs are booking out private dining rooms (PDRs) throughout the city. It's because San Francisco's energy is better than it has been in years. Downtown is busier than in recent years, with Moscone Center events in the first quarter up 12.2 percent compared to the same period last year, per the city's statistics. That's a 52.5 percent increase in attendees from the previous year and an estimated $174 million brought into the city. A big wave of artificial intelligence money is painting the city green, too: The San Francisco Chronicle reported that home-grown OpenAI is taking on Apple designer Jony Ive's startup Io to the tune of $6.5 billion. These triumphant vibes — and dollars — are changing the way San Francisco eats. Numerous chefs say PDRs are increasingly the biggest deal for the bottom lines of San Francisco's fanciest restaurants, like nets stuck out a ship's window catching all the fish flopping around. Acquerello co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini appreciates the boom. He runs the two-Michelin-star-holding Italian restaurant known for luxurious hospitality. Chef Suzette Gresham and wine director Gianpaolo Paterlini's work has long spoken for itself, the restaurant debuting in 1989. But these days it's the restaurant's Gold Room, which seats 20, and the more intimate Wine Room for four to eight that pay the bills. The restaurant also offers a full buyout to accommodate 50 guests. The idea that the Gold Room costs an additional $150 is such a non-issue it'd make Paterlini laugh. He says in 2025 tech executives regularly walk in on a Thursday and offer to pay whatever price to make sure they have the place to themselves the following Thursday. Regularly, these groups spend $7,000 to $8,000 more than an average night. The 40-seat restaurant, in other words, is giddy to receive all this business. Pharmaceutical companies were the first companies to really use these two rooms, presenting their newest medicines and offerings to representatives for medical institutions over rabbit mortadella-filled cappellacci. COVID, with its need for isolation-friendly dining spaces, was the first time those businesses began to take hold in the space. AI companies caught that ball and ran. They rent the rooms, or the whole restaurant, and whip out the whiteboard for multi-hour brainstorming sessions with the early 20-somethings, usually one or two older execs running the meetings. 'The first four months of the year are all private events,' Paterlini says. 'The percentage of revenue for the restaurant is notable.' Wayfare Tavern's meticulously laid-out space is a pretty picture of this new approach. On the first floor, there's technically just one PDR. That's the Cellar, a space ruled by glass cases of wine bottles. It seats 10 to 30 people, and goes for $500 an hour in the evenings with a four-hour maximum; when there's a conference in town or a holiday, the prices go up. During the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in 2026, for instance, it's $9,375 for the full day's food and beverage minimums versus $7,500 on other days. That doesn't account for the 22 percent admin fee, the six percent SF Mandate fee, and the 8.725 percent sales tax applied to the final bill. Upstairs there are three PDRs: the Juniper Room, the Sequoia Bar, and the Barbary Room. A few of them can be combined or modified for different package deals. Florence says the Juniper Room is already booked out through Christmas, despite their recent reopening in April on Pine Street. All this dynamic action is changing the way chef-owners are getting restaurants set up in the first place. Sure, Wayfare's sequel falls into that category. But super successful pop-up-turning-restaurant Happy Crane is a first timer. Designing the upcoming Hayes Valley space, chef-owner James Parry felt the PDR was non-negotiable. Architects working on the space argued it was precious square footage not worth wasting. Parry stood firm. The compromise at Happy Crane is an intimate, small, multi-use part of the restaurant that fits into the regular dining space as easily as it can close off for private bookings. Buy-outs of the restaurant make that moot, of course, and Parry says there have been lots of inquiries for the yet-unopened business. Beyond the money the private bookings bring in on their own, it's easy to budget and account for costing out goods with these events' set menus. In short, a longstanding part of restaurants is more important than ever as the city continues its rebound. 'Increasingly, it feels the city's coming back,' Parry says. 'We want to be ready for the events and private parties.' That's the vein Florence is tapping with his palatial new Wayfare Tavern. Mind you, it's still a restaurant, not a co-working space. The front space diners enter is called the Red Room, a gold-walled dining room where that Canada goose holds court next to a front bar. Behind that, though, is what Florence calls the galley. There's an intimate bar, plush seating, and the little corner acts as one more hushed area, calling to mind North Beach Restaurant's underground deal-making prosciutto room. In total, a full 10,000 square feet of reservable dining space. 'Everyone got the signal,' Florence says. 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Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
10 of the most promising theatre productions this summer outside of Toronto, Stratford and Shaw
The Toronto theatre season might be winding down, but that doesn't mean there's nothing happening on stages this spring and summer. And I'm not talking about the Stratford and Shaw festivals, which should obviously already be on your to-do list. Just a couple of hours from the GTA you'll find plenty of entertaining plays and musicals, including a few world premieres. Here's a roundup of some buzzy shows in Ontario that, combined with a picnic lunch or B&B stay, would make a perfect day trip or weekend escape. Who: Emma Donoghue Where: Blyth Festival in Blyth The Dublin-born and now London, Ont.-based Emma Donoghue is best known as the author of the bestselling novel 'Room,' which was made into an Oscar-winning film and adapted for the stage several years ago. Now she's debuting a folk musical about Henry and Jane Johnson, a real-life couple who left the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s to settle in Southwestern Ontario. Landon Doak ('Peter Pan,' 'Alice in Wonderland') and Shelayna Christante (Bad Hats Theatre's 'Narnia') star as the couple, and both will sing traditional songs and Irish ballads in this poignant work, directed by Blyth's artistic director, Gil Garratt. From June 26 to Aug. 12. Visit for details. Who: Cale Crowe and Genevieve Adam Where: Capitol Theatre in Port Hope Toronto theatregoers will recognize writer/actor Genevieve Adam from her historical dramas 'Dark Heart,' 'Heartless' and 'Deceitful Above all Things.' Now she's teamed up with Anishnaabe singer/songwriter Cale Crowe for 'Rez Gas,' a musical about a man (John Wamsley from '1939' ) who leaves his reservation to pursue a music career, only to return home. Young People's Theatre's Herbie Barnes directs a cast that includes Cheri Maracle, Jonathan Fisher and Dillan Chiblow. From Aug. 22 to Sep. 7. Visit for details. Who: Rebecca Northan Where: Here for Now Theatre in Stratford Is there anything Rebecca Northan can't do? The Dora Award-winning creator of international hit 'Blind Date,' alum of both Stratford and Shaw festivals, and one-third of the recent Toronto Theatre Critics' Award-winning ensemble for 'Goblin:Macbeth' now presents a new comedy. 'Stick Around' is about a woman in her mid-40s who seeks life advice from her mother, who's been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Directed by Kevin Kruchkywich, the play is loosely inspired by Northan's own personal experience during the last eight weeks with her mother. So expect a mix of laughter and tears when the play helps inaugurate the company's brand new venue. From May 28 to June 8. Visit for details. Who: Norm Foster Where: Orillia Opera House in Orillia Back in the early aughts, Norm Foster — considered Canada's most prolific and most produced playwright — wrote 'The Love List,' about two middle-aged men who were searching for the ideal woman. Now Foster is creating gender parity in 'A Woman's Love List,' a new comedy about two women who write down all the qualities they want in a man … and he suddenly appears. From July 3 to 18. Visit for details. Who: Megan Murphy Where: 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook Audiences at the outdoor 4th Line Theatre know to expect works that draw on the history and heritage of the rural region just southwest of Peterborough. Megan Murphy's 'Wild Irish Geese' tells the story of Irish people who left poverty in the old country (see also 'The Wind Coming Over the Sea,' above) to settle in Scott's Plains, later renamed Peterborough. The company's managing artistic director, Kim Blackwell, directs this premiere production. From July 29 to Aug. 30. Visit for details. Who: Robert Harling Where: Capitol Theatre The film adaptation is a beloved classic, so why doesn't Robert Harling's comedy drama — about a group of women in the American South — get more professional revivals? Well, never you mind. Just take the 401 to Port Hope to see Courtney Ch'ng Lancaster's production, featuring Raquel Duffy, Belinda Corpuz, Carolyn Fe, Brenda Robins and — as the play's mother/daughter combo — Deborah Drakeford and Charlotte Dennis, who are mother and daughter in real life. Remember to bring tissues. From July 18 to Aug. 3. Visit for details. Who: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice Where: Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend and Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Even if you caught the recent 50th-anniversary revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's groundbreaking musical, you might want to check it out again in this Drayton Theatre production. Especially with stars like Stratford leading man Robert Markus as Jesus, Shaw Fest vet Emily Lukasik as Mary Magdalene and original 'Come From Away' Broadway cast member Lee MacDougall as Pontius Pilate. They're joined by Christopher Ning (a standout in the recent off-Mirvish production of 'Titanique' ) and Jade McLeod ('Jagged Little Pill' North American tour). From June 11 to 28 and July 3 to 27. Visit for details. Who: Mark Crawford Where: Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque Like Foster, prolific actor/writer Mark Crawford's comedies are hugely popular yet rarely get produced in Toronto. (The only professional production we've seen is 'Bed & Breakfast' at Soulpepper .) So it might be worth the trek east to the gorgeous Thousand Islands area to see this side-splitting comedy about the lead-up to a wedding, with a cast that includes Shaw regular Emily Lukasik, Amelia Sargisson ('Red Velvet') and 'Come From Away' actor Kyle Brown, all directed by the Dora-winning Cherissa Richards. From Aug. 22 to Sept. 14. Visit for details. Who: Annabel Fitzsimmons, Alison Lawrence and Mary Francis Moore Where: County Stage Company in Prince Edward County I was a huge fan of Annabel Fitzsimmons, Alison Lawrence and Mary Francis Moore 's play 'Bittergirl' when it premiered way back in 1999. The show, about finding the humour in getting dumped, was turned into a book several years later and then, eventually, a musical featuring songs from the 1960s and '70s. Even the Mirvishes helped develop it. The show has been produced across the country, but never in Toronto. Prince Edward County isn't too far from the GTA. So grab your besties, order tickets and hope you don't run into your exes during intermission or at the neighbouring wineries. From July 18 to Aug. 13. Visit for details. Who: Anne Chislett Where: Blyth Festival Anne Chislett's moving drama set in a small Amish community on the eve of the Second World War premiered at the Blyth Festival in 1981 and won the Governor General's Award two years later. Productions of this Canadian classic are rare, so don't miss this opportunity to see it performed at the festival's atmospheric outdoor Harvest Stage, directed by Severn Thompson and with a cast headed by two of stalwarts of the theatre scene, Randy Hughson and Michelle Fisk. From July 3 to Aug. 23. Visit for details.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Laid-off miners will receive year of unemployment under legislative deal — and other labor news
The Hull Rust Mine View in Hibbing that overlooks Hibbing Taconite. Photo by Jerry Burnes/Iron Range Today. Take a seat in the Break Room, our weekly round-up of labor news in Minnesota and beyond. This week: laid off miners likely to receive a year of unemployment; lawmakers still deadlocked over noncompete agreements; nurses union accuses health systems of skimping on charity care; and Colorado governor blocks repeal of right-to-work-style law. Some 630 idled workers at two northern Minnesota mines will be eligible for a full year of unemployment benefits under a bipartisan agreement between the House and Senate announced on Thursday. Workers are typically only eligible for 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, which cover about half their earnings while they look for new jobs. But six-figure mining jobs won't be easy to find in the area until Cleveland Cliffs restarts operations at Minorca Mine in Virginia and Hibbing Taconite, raising the prospect that workers would have to move out-of-state. 'We have to make sure that the steelworkers that are laid off at our mines stay in our communities on the Iron Range … for when our mines are ready to get back up and operational,' bill author Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, said on the Senate floor last month. Doubling unemployment benefits for miners was never in doubt even as Republicans looked to repeal all unemployment benefits for bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other hourly school workers. Republicans championed their own bill extending benefits to laid off miners, and the Democratic version passed off the House floor on Monday 132-0. That underscores the importance of miners as much to the local Iron Range economy as the state's identity as the country's largest producer of iron ore and taconite. It also reflects the rightward shift of the Iron Range, which now sends mostly Republicans to St. Paul to represent its interests. The number of mining jobs have been steadily eroded by automation, but those that remain are some of the highest paid in the region and support numerous adjacent industries. Mining giant Cleveland Cliffs announced in March that it would temporarily layoff about 630 workers, who are unionized with the United Steelworkers, as demand for steel in the auto industry cratered under worsening consumer sentiment, high interest rates and tariffs from the Trump administration. Trump's trade war has not seemed to dent enthusiasm for tariffs among the laid off steelworkers or Cleveland Cliffs CEO Lourenco Gonclaves. The Department of Employment and Economic Development estimates the additional benefits will cost the state about $15 million, assuming 630 workers receive $914 a week on average. Unemployment benefits for hourly school workers cost around $57 million in 2024, helping workers who earn around $17 an hour on average make ends meet through the summer. The state Legislature passed a bill this year that would give school districts an additional $100 million to pay for the benefits, while a Republican effort to repeal the benefits in 2029 failed. Democrats also hope to extend unemployment benefits to federal employees who are laid off as part of the Trump administration's assault on the federal workforce. There were only about 200 federal jobs lost in Minnesota last month — many of Trump's layoffs have been reversed or paused — but state officials said they expect to see a large drop at some point. Lawmakers deadlocked, again, on Thursday over a Republican push to roll back the state's 2023 ban on noncompete agreements. Repealing the ban for white collar workers is a top priority for the Minnesota Business Partnership, which includes more than 100 executives of the state's largest companies. They argue the ban undermines companies' right to protect valuable trade secrets, even though proprietary information is already protected under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. The ban's author Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Minneapolis, said large companies are pushing to restore noncompetes to stifle competition and push down wages. 'It gives them power to restrict their employees from leaving, from going to a competitor, from starting a small business … Trade secrets are actually very well protected,' Greenman said during a meeting between House and Senate members of the jobs 'working group' on Thursday. About one in five American workers — in jobs ranging from medicine to child care — are bound by a noncompete agreement, which costs workers more than $250 billion per year by decreasing competition, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC proposed a national ban on noncompetes under the Biden administration. Workers in California have famously been able to hop from employer to employer because the state doesn't enforce noncompete agreements, which Berkeley political scientist AnnaLee Saxenian and other experts have cited as a key factor that fueled the immense, wealth-creating innovation of Silicon Valley. Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, proposed the working group adopt a proposal in their larger jobs bill that would allow companies to enforce noncompete agreements for employees making more than $120,000 and whose primary duties include 'research and development or the creation, analysis, or modification of confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information.' Greenman said the proposal's vague language was 'trojan horse' that would effectively allow companies to require any worker earning more than $120,000 a year to sign a non-compete agreement. She asked Baker if he could define 'confidential' and 'proprietary.' Baker said it was 'extremely technical,' and then called for a recess, during which he conferred with a lobbyist from the Minnesota Business Partnership in the hallway. The proposal failed to get enough support to be adopted, as did a Democratic proposal that would have raised the income threshold and required companies to pay the full salary of employees during the enforcement period of the noncompete. Without a deal, the issue will likely be sent to legislative leaders and the governor to find a compromise; lawmakers are already working past Monday's adjournment to pass a two-year budget. Without a budget by July 1, swathes of the government shutter. The largest hospital systems in the Twin Cities and Duluth areas receive tens of millions more in tax exemptions than they give back through charity care, according to a report released this week by the Minnesota Nurses Association. The union estimates seven hospital systems — Allina, Children's, Essentia, Fairview, HealthPartners, North Memorial and St. Luke's — received $3.9 billion in federal, state and local tax exemptions between 2018 and 2022 but only spent $607 million in free or reduced cost care for poor patients. The union also estimates hospitals' spending on charity care relative to their overall budgets has fallen by nearly half on average over the past decade, from .78% in 2013 to .41% in 2022. 'The nation's earliest hospitals were founded principally by religious and charitable organizations to tend to the sick and poor. Today's not-for-profit hospitals and systems, often monumentally wealthy and glittering institutions, are their distant cousins,' the report says. The union is currently negotiating new labor contracts on behalf of some 15,000 nurses with the seven large hospital systems scrutinized in the report. The nurses are seeking higher pay and staffing levels ,and the report serves as a response to health leader's assertions that their demands are unaffordable. As during the last round of negotiations, the union also takes aim at sky-high hospital executive compensation. Hospitals will point out that charity care represents just a small fraction of the community benefits they provide, including research, education, contributions to community groups, and losing money on Medicaid patients. Earlier this year, the state Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report finding that Minnesota's 104 nonprofit general hospitals appear to give back more to their communities than they receive in tax breaks, although it depends on what is counted as a community benefit, and with the caveat that tax benefits are difficult to estimate. The OLA report looked at individual hospitals' finances, whereas MNA analyzed health systems as a whole, which include many hospitals in addition to clinics, pharmacies, assisted living facilities and more. Unlike the MNA report, the OLA report does not account for indirect benefits of hospitals' tax exempt statuses like being able to issue bonds and receive charitable gifts. The health care reform think tank Lown Institute used a more limited definition of community benefit when it estimated that 90% of Minnesota's hospitals receive more in tax breaks than they give back to the community, adding up to a $1.1 billion loss for the state. Nonprofit hospitals are exempt from taxes on income, property and sales with the expectation that they reinvest those savings back into the community. Minnesota and the federal government require hospitals to report this spending, at least in vague terms, but don't require a minimum amount of spending in exchange for their tax-exempt status. The nurses union has sought legislation requiring greater disclosure and more restrictions on community benefits from hospitals. Colorado's Democratic Gov. Jared Polis vetoed a bill this month that would have repealed the state's unique anti-union law that effectively makes it a right-to-work state. Under Colorado's 80-year-old Labor Peace Act, unions must win a second election with 75% support in order to collect dues from all represented workers. The law was passed before the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, which enabled states to pass right-to-work laws banning unions from collecting mandatory dues from all workers represented by their collective bargaining agreements. Repealing the requirement was a key priority for unions in Colorado, and it passed with wide margins along party lines in the state Legislature. Polis said he wanted unions and businesses to find common ground, and that there should be a 'high threshold of worker participation' for mandatory dues. The left-leaning Economic Policy Institute noted that Colorado's union density of 7.7% is closer to the 6.2% average for right-to-work states than the 15.8% in non-right-to-work states. In Minnesota, which does not have a right-to-work law, 14.2% of workers are union members. Minnesota state lawmakers have made it easier in recent years for public sector workers to join a union. Under a 2023 law, a public union may be certified once a majority of workers sign cards in support of unionizing without the need for an election as required in the private sector. Resident physicians at Hennepin Healthcare and the University of Minnesota were able to quickly unionize using this 'card check' process. Those workers may not be required to pay union dues, however, because of a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that bars public-sector unions from collecting mandatory fees from workers they represent.
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
e& UAE and Kleindienst Group partner to power tech-driven luxury at 'The Heart of Europe' - Middle East Business News and Information
e& UAE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kleindienst Group, the developer behind the iconic The Heart of Europe project located on six islands in 'The World', an artificial archipelago off the coast of Dubai, to pioneer a new era of digitally powered luxury hospitality in the UAE. The MoU underscores both organisations' commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability in the region's hospitality sector. The collaboration supports the UAE leadership's vision of integrating smart infrastructure and sustainable practices in world-class developments, setting new standards of luxury living and high-end tourism in the country. Esam Mahmoud, Sr. Vice President, SMB Sales & Marketing, e& UAE, said: 'Our partnership with Kleindienst Group marks a significant milestone in our efforts to redefine smart hospitality. By integrating our advanced digital infrastructure with one of the UAE's most ambitious hospitality developments, we are setting new standards for luxury, connectivity, and sustainability in the tourism sector. We are proud to support visionary projects like The Heart of Europe , where European heritage meets UAE innovation. Through this partnership, we are embedding future-ready technologies that will elevate every aspect of the guest journey, from arrival to check-out, bringing the project's bold vision to life.' Josef Kleindienst, Founder & Chairman of Kleindienst Group, said: 'Innovation is at the core of everything we do at Kleindienst Group. It is not just a principle; it is how we build. Our collaboration with e& UAE is an exciting step forward in our mission to position The Heart of Europe as the global benchmark for tech-driven, sustainable luxury. We are creating more than a destination. We are building an experience that is immersive, intelligent, and environmentally conscious at every level. This partnership strengthens our goal to redefine how people connect, relax, and enjoy life, right here in Dubai.' Through this strategic partnership, e& UAE will deliver a suite of cutting-edge digital solutions to enrich the guest experience, including high-speed internet, IPTV, Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS), connected guest experiences, and sustainability-focused technologies across The Heart of Europe properties located on the World Islands. These solutions will dramatically enhance guest experiences and operational agility across the development. The collaboration will see the deployment of innovations such as a Command Control Centre for streamlined property operations, Drone-as-a-Service for enhanced guest services, and Vessels Internet Connectivity to ensure seamless maritime coverage. Sustainability initiatives under 'Sustainability as a Service' will also be introduced to reduce environmental impact and support eco-conscious tourism. Other key features of the partnership include connected worker solutions for enhanced staff productivity and safety, as well as smart marketing synergies that will allow both brands to co-promote their offerings to a broader global audience. The partnership will deliver a range of transformative capabilities across The Heart of Europe , beginning with advanced connectivity through the deployment of robust wireless networks across the island. Sustainability remains a core focus, with eco-friendly infrastructure designed to minimise environmental impact. Guests will benefit from a significantly enhanced experience, with smart room controls, AI-driven services, and immersive virtual reality features tailored for modern luxury travel. Behind the scenes, operational excellence will be achieved through centralised control systems, dynamic digital signage, and AI-powered automation that streamlines property management. Additionally, e& UAE will provide its CarePlus service as a dedicated, streamlined support system tailored to the needs of The Heart of Europe . This initiative ensures that guest and operational issues are resolved swiftly and seamlessly, guaranteeing that Kleindienst Group maintains the highest standards of reliability and responsiveness. This strategic agreement strengthens e& UAE's position as a partner of choice for digitally transforming large-scale developments, while empowering The Heart of Europe to become one of the most technologically advanced and sustainable hospitality destinations in the region. About The Heart of Europe: The Heart of Europe is a luxury island destination and a flagship project being developed by Kleindienst Group on the World Islands Dubai, just six kilometres off the shores of Dubai. Comprising six unique islands, each designed with a theme inspired by a European country, The Heart of Europe will offer more than 4,000 keys, 20 hotels and resorts, including beachfront villas and palaces, deluxe hotels and an underwater living experience. It offers world-class amenities, such as a climate-controlled raining street and the region's first Coral institute dedicated to protecting and restoring the marine ecosystem and seeks to promote sustainable living using renewable energy sources and innovative technologies. Committed to breaking barriers, the Heart of Europe opened its French Riviera-inspired first adults-only five-star party hotel on an island in Dubai – voco™ Monaco Dubai. With 198 keys, including eight suites, five party suites and four suites with private pools, the hotel pledges an unrivalled night-time atmosphere.
Arabian Business
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai World Islands: e& to power high-speed internet, drone services and AI to Heart of Europe hotels
Hotels in the Dubai World Islands project will have high-speed internet, AI-powered luxury and drone services, following a landmark deal between developer and e&. e& UAE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kleindienst Group, the developer behind the iconic The Heart of Europe project located on six islands in 'The World', an artificial archipelago off the coast of Dubai, to pioneer a new era of digitally powered luxury hospitality in the UAE. The MoU underscores both organisations' commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability in the region's hospitality sector. Digital luxury on Dubai World Islands The collaboration supports the UAE leadership's vision of integrating smart infrastructure and sustainable practices in world-class developments, setting new standards of luxury living and high-end tourism in the country. Esam Mahmoud, Sr. Vice President, SMB Sales & Marketing, e& UAE, said: 'Our partnership with Kleindienst Group marks a significant milestone in our efforts to redefine smart hospitality. By integrating our advanced digital infrastructure with one of the UAE's most ambitious hospitality developments, we are setting new standards for luxury, connectivity, and sustainability in the tourism sector. 'We are proud to support visionary projects like The Heart of Europe, where European heritage meets UAE innovation. Through this partnership, we are embedding future-ready technologies that will elevate every aspect of the guest journey, from arrival to check-out, bringing the project's bold vision to life.' Josef Kleindienst, Founder and Chairman of Kleindienst Group, said: 'Innovation is at the core of everything we do at Kleindienst Group. It is not just a principle; it is how we build. Our collaboration with e& UAE is an exciting step forward in our mission to position The Heart of Europe as the global benchmark for tech-driven, sustainable luxury. 'We are creating more than a destination. We are building an experience that is immersive, intelligent, and environmentally conscious at every level. This partnership strengthens our goal to redefine how people connect, relax, and enjoy life, right here in Dubai.' Through this strategic partnership, e& UAE will deliver a suite of cutting-edge digital solutions to enrich the guest experience, including: High-speed internet IPTV Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS) Connected guest experiences Sustainability-focused technologies These solutions will dramatically enhance guest experiences and operational agility across the development. The collaboration will see the deployment of innovations such as a Command Control Centre for streamlined property operations, Drone-as-a-Service for enhanced guest services, and Vessels Internet Connectivity to ensure seamless maritime coverage. Sustainability initiatives under 'Sustainability as a Service' will also be introduced to reduce environmental impact and support eco-conscious tourism. Other key features of the partnership include connected worker solutions for enhanced staff productivity and safety, as well as smart marketing synergies that will allow both brands to co-promote their offerings to a broader global audience. The partnership will deliver a range of transformative capabilities across The Heart of Europe, beginning with advanced connectivity through the deployment of robust wireless networks across the island. Sustainability remains a core focus, with eco-friendly infrastructure designed to minimise environmental impact. Guests will benefit from a significantly enhanced experience, with smart room controls, AI-driven services, and immersive virtual reality features tailored for modern luxury travel. Behind the scenes, operational excellence will be achieved through centralised control systems, dynamic digital signage, and AI-powered automation that streamlines property management. Additionally, e& UAE will provide its CarePlus service as a dedicated, streamlined support system tailored to the needs of The Heart of Europe. This initiative ensures that guest and operational issues are resolved swiftly and seamlessly, guaranteeing that Kleindienst Group maintains the highest standards of reliability and responsiveness. This strategic agreement strengthens e& UAE's position as a partner of choice for digitally transforming large-scale developments, while empowering The Heart of Europe to become one of the most technologically advanced and sustainable hospitality destinations in the region.
