NCT&H Strengthens Commitment to Homegrown Hospitality through Strategic Partnership with FYTE Hospitality

The relationship began with the award-winning Kokoro Handroll Bar, whose exclusive residency at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi has been extended through the summer following an exceptional response from guests. It has since expanded with the addition of Bake My Day, whose artisan bakery and specialty coffee offering has become part of the property’s everyday dining experience.

The growing relationship also reflects the wider vision of the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H), which has played a pivotal role in Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sector for nearly three decades. As one of the UAE’s longest-established hospitality companies, NCT&H continues to invest in partnerships that complement its portfolio while supporting the next generation of homegrown hospitality brands.

While NCT&H has helped shape the emirate’s hospitality industry for decades, FYTE Hospitality has emerged as one of the region’s most dynamic hospitality companies, creating chef-led concepts including Kokoro Handroll Bar, WINDOW, Bake My Day, Katei and Hikiniku To Come. Together, the two organisations demonstrate how established hospitality groups and entrepreneurial operators can work together to strengthen the city’s culinary landscape.

Commenting on the partnership, Moustafa Sakr, Vice President of Hospitality at NCT&H, said: “The strongest hospitality portfolios never stand still. They evolve with the market while remaining true to the standards that define them. At NCT&H, we believe partnerships should strengthen our portfolio while adding something distinctive to the destination. Bringing together our hospitality expertise with FYTE Hospitality’s entrepreneurial approach to concept development creates opportunities that enrich our culinary offering, support the growth of homegrown brands and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s continued evolution as a leading hospitality destination.”

Reflecting on the growing relationship, Tamer Elkhayat, CEO and Co-Founder of FYTE Hospitality, said: “We’ve always believed that sustainable growth comes from choosing the right partners. NCT&H shares our commitment to quality, consistency and building experiences with purpose, making this collaboration a natural fit. Seeing Kokoro welcomed so positively in Abu Dhabi has reinforced our confidence in the market, and we’re pleased to continue building on that momentum with Bake My Day. We look forward to building on this relationship in the years ahead.”

Faisal Yabroudi, COO and Co-Founder of FYTE Hospitality, added: “Every concept we develop is designed to complement its surroundings rather than simply occupy a space. Working alongside the NCT&H team has allowed us to deliver our concepts while staying true to the standards that define both organisations. As we continue this relationship, we see exciting opportunities to introduce more of the FYTE portfolio to Abu Dhabi.”

For InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi, the partnership forms part of a broader vision to curate a collection of exceptional dining experiences that reflect the character and ambition of the destination. By bringing together internationally recognised hospitality with celebrated homegrown culinary brands, the property continues to evolve as a place where residents and visitors can discover some of Abu Dhabi’s most distinctive dining experiences under one address.

About National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels NCT&H:

Established in 1996 and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) is one of the UAE’s leading hospitality and tourism companies. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, NCT&H has a diversified portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, restaurants, catering, transportation and hospitality services. Through strategic partnerships and long-term investments, the company continues to support the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sector.

About FYTE Hospitality:

FYTE Hospitality is a Dubai based hospitality company specializing in the creation, operation, and expansion of innovative food and beverage concepts. Founded by Tamer Elkhayat and Faisal Yabroudi, the group has become known for building category-defining hospitality brands that challenge conventional industry thinking and create loyal communities around exceptional guest experiences. Its portfolio includes Kokoro Handroll Bar, WINDOW, Bake My Day, Katei, and Hikiniku To Come across the GCC. Through a combination of operational excellence, disciplined execution, and a relentless focus on quality, FYTE Hospitality has established itself as one of the region’s most dynamic hospitality groups. With a focus on brand building, guest experience, and long term value creation, FYTE Hospitality continues to introduce innovative concepts that reshape dining experiences across the Middle East.