Beyond the Table
7 Management is a leading hospitality group based in Dubai that is renowned for creating immersive dining and nightlife experiences. Here we spend time with Karim Hamdoun, Managing Partner of the company that operates a diversified portfolio of award-winning brands from casual dining, beach bar restaurants, dinner-shows and fine dining restaurants.
With a vision to be a global leader in hospitality and to raise the level of innovation, excellence and guest experience, 7 Management aspires to create transformative concepts that seamlessly blend exceptional dining and entertainment, delivering immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact.
“Our business model is built on three core verticals that define our approach to hospitality,” highlights Karim Hamdoun, Managing Partner of 7 Management. “This structured yet dynamic framework enables us to create, expand and manage world-class concepts, thus ensuring sustained growth and continued market leadership.”
The first of these core verticals is Home-Grown Concepts, which are at the core of their identity and driven by a passion for innovation and excellence. Through the strength of their in-house expertise, they have brought to life iconic brands such as February 30, The Theater, Sayf and Lucia’s.
The second vertical is Franchises & Strategic Partnerships. Through these alliances, 7 Management brings globally renowned brands to new audiences. A standout example is Meat The Fish, a Lebanese-born concept that has now made its debut in Dubai through their partnership with NBL Group, launching at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab.
The final vertical is Third-Party Operations & Management. The company leverages its expertise to operate world-class venues in unique destinations. A prime example is their operation of seven concepts by Joël Robuchon on NEOM’s Sindalah Island in Saudi Arabia as well as being the operator of Bagatelle at the prestigious Astir Marina in Athens.
Today the company operates a total of 21 venues across Greece, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE and features a team of 1,500 members across 55 nationalities.
Discussing expansion, Hamdoun comments that at 7 Management they like to say ‘From Dubai to the World’ and that they are leveraging their strong foundation in this dynamic city as a launchpad for global growth.
“With a strategic focus on Europe, we are expanding into new markets, embracing international opportunities and diversifying our portfolio to bring our innovative concepts to a global audience.”
Dubai will remain at the forefront of their expansion plans with the opening of three concepts in 25 Jump Street as they are set to re-launch their famous Antika this month, followed by their new Japanese concept Yubi, which is set to become the first home-grown handroll bar in the UAE and a new neighbourhood bar concept in September. In addition, they will be expanding the Em Sherif brand in Dubai.
Outside of Dubai, their move into Europe marks a major milestone which began with the successful opening of Bagatelle Athens.
“Additionally, we are bringing Lucia’s to Athens, expanding our brand into Europe with a refined seaside experience. As part of this expansion, we will also serve as the exclusive F&B operator for Astir Beach. We have ambitious plans for Greece, including new partnerships with international brands, while also expanding our home-grown brands to further strengthen our presence in this promising market,” says Hamdoun.
The key drivers behind the success the company has enjoyed lie in its forward-thinking approach, commitment to creativity, diversification and innovation, as well as their ability to evolve with the ever-changing hospitality landscape. What truly sets them apart is the seamless integration of their concepts and their deep commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
As the Managing Partner looks to the future, he says that the business remains committed to the continued growth and expansion of their Dubai operations. Simultaneously, they are accelerating their expansion into Greece through strategic partnerships with renowned international brands, while also strengthening and scaling their home-grown concepts. Beyond Greece, they are actively exploring opportunities in Spain, having identified it as the next key growth market for the group.
“As for challenges that lie ahead, they are an inherent part of the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Rather than hurdles, we see these challenges as catalysts for innovation, pushing us to refine our offerings and craft exceptional experiences that captivate, inspire and keep our guests engaged,” concludes Hamdoun.
