Hospitality is not just about service, it is also about giving back. Novotel Cairo Airport has partnered with the Egyptian Clothing Bank, a well-known charitable organisation that provides clothing to families in need across Egypt.

As part of this initiative, two donation boxes have been placed within the hotel premises, allowing both guests and staff to contribute clothing and directly support those who need it most. The effort offers a simple yet impactful way for the hotel community to come together and make a real difference.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Mr. Atta El Dessouky, General Manager, said, “At Novotel Cairo Airport, we believe true hospitality extends beyond our doors. Partnering with the Egyptian Clothing Bank allows us to support families in need and contribute to initiatives that have a real, positive impact on society.”

The partnership reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community care. By supporting initiatives that uplift people and strengthen society, Novotel Cairo Airport continues to extend its role beyond hospitality and into meaningful community engagement.

The hotel looks forward to participating in similar initiatives in the future and remains committed to supporting causes that create lasting, positive change.

Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary as Assistant Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership in New York. An experienced hospitality professional, Chef Keshav brings a strong mix of creativity, operational knowledge, and team management to the restaurant’s growing kitchen team.

Known for his innovative approach and hands-on leadership style, Chef Keshav has built a reputation for creating diverse menus that reflect changing guest preferences while maintaining quality and consistency. In his current role at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, he has played a key role in improving customer satisfaction through high food standards, appealing presentation, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced setting.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary said, “It is an honor to be part of Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant in New York. My focus is to combine authentic flavors with modern culinary techniques while maintaining consistency and excellence in every dish. I look forward to contributing to the restaurant’s growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

Before joining Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, Chef Keshav served as Executive Chef at Compass Group, where he was responsible for training and developing kitchen teams through structured programs, performance reviews, and leadership support. He also ensured discipline and professionalism across operations while maintaining strict compliance with health department regulations. His role included designing cost-effective menus, controlling food expenses, managing inventory, and overseeing overall kitchen and business operations.

Earlier in his career, Chef Keshav gained valuable experience with leading hospitality brands in India, including The Westin Gurgaon, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Hilton Jaipur, and Kempinski Ambience Hotel. His professional journey also includes roles at Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida, Sahara Aamby Valley City, The Dukes Retreat, and TGI Fridays Gurgaon.

With his strong background, leadership skills, and passion for excellence, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary is set to play an important role in further enhancing Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant’s presence in New York’s competitive dining landscape.

Tourism across the Middle East has taken a major hit as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel continues to escalate. Several prominent tourist destinations in the region are facing severe disruptions, with airspace closures, repeated attacks, and large numbers of stranded travellers impacting both leisure and business travel.

Key tourism hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, Manama in Bahrain, and Kuwait City in Kuwait are witnessing a sharp slowdown in tourism activity. These cities have also reported a series of missile and drone attacks, heightening safety concerns for visitors.

Thousands of tourists remain stranded in hotels following the suspension of air services across the region. Reports indicate that properties such as Fairmont The Palm and the Crowne Plaza Manama hotel complex were affected by missile and drone attacks. In another incident, Burj Al Arab sustained a minor fire on its outer facade after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck the building during retaliatory strikes on February 28, 2026.

Aviation operations across the region remain heavily restricted. Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s key transit hubs, announced on X that, "Hamad International Airport’s flight operations remain suspended and will resume once Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.

The safety and well-being of our passengers and employees remain our top priority. This is a precautionary measure based on the latest developments in the region.

Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport and to check with their respective airlines for latest flight information until further notice."

Meanwhile, Dubai Airports confirmed that a concourse at Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage in an incident that was quickly contained. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and continue to manage the situation in coordination with relevant authorities.

Airlines have also announced extended suspensions. Emirates confirmed the suspension of all Dubai flights until 3:00 PM on March 3 amid the ongoing tensions. IndiGo stated that after carefully reviewing regional developments, it is extending the temporary suspension of select international flights operating through parts of Middle Eastern airspace. The airline added that certain other international services may also be impacted as schedules are adjusted.

To assist travellers, IndiGo is offering full flexibility and travel waivers for flights to and from the Middle East, along with other affected international sectors, until March 7 for bookings made on or before February 28. Affected passengers can reschedule at no additional cost or opt for a full refund, with updates being shared directly through registered contact details.

Adding to the impact on the region, stock exchanges in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will remain shut on March 2 and 3 as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. With travel, tourism, and financial markets all under pressure, industry experts expect the regional tourism sector to face prolonged challenges until stability returns.