“Everyone has written off Dubai at one point.” Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on how Dubai bounced back post-pandemic

Hashem and guest host Samantha Wood aka FooDiva catch up with Issam Kazim, CEO of the DTCM, which helped catapult Dubai from the early pandemic days to the other side of lockdown. They also talk about the impact of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants and The Michelin Guides on the F&B and tourism sectors.

Hashem Montasser and Samantha Wood July 15, 2022

“Everyone has written off Dubai at one point.” Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on how Dubai bounced back post-pandemic — Issam Kazim on *The Lighthouse Conversations*. Image: Farah Al-Sharief

The Lighthouse Conversations: Issam Kazim

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This week Hashem and guest host Samantha Wood aka FooDiva catch up with Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). “Not your typical government office,” as Issam puts it, DTCM catapulted the Emirate of Dubai from the early pandemic days through to the other side of lockdown with flying colors—all with stellar planning and marketing campaigns that involved the entire DTCM team.

Hashem and Samantha also ask Issam how recent accolades such as MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants and The Michelin Guides affect the F&B and tourism sectors in Dubai. Issam shares DTCM’s role in bringing this international recognition to the city, what lies ahead for homegrown concepts, how to encourage them to thrive, plus his favorite restaurants in Dubai.

“If somebody calls hummus a dip again, I'm going to scream!” Fadi Kattan on why food is so central to his celebrating his Palestinian heritage and on the magical powers of oral history.

“Everyone has written off Dubai at one point.” Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on how Dubai bounced back post-pandemic

“We’re gonna play rock and roll in the dining room,” with FZN’s Björn Frantzén & Torsten Vildgaard

“Sourdough is the blessing & base of our business,” with Eva Halasa Rihani, Lilian & Emilie Rihani

“I love to see the slight imperfections,” with food stylist Katelyn Allegra

“Not your Italian grandmother’s way of cooking,” with Chef Akmal Anuar

Our highlights from Season Two!

“If somebody calls hummus a dip again, I'm going to scream!” Fadi Kattan on why food is so central to his celebrating his Palestinian heritage and on the magical powers of oral history.