Abu Dhabi dining scene gets a fresh addition with Bake My Day and Kokoro
NCT&H and FYTE Hospitality’s collaboration brings chef-led brands closer to residents and visitors
ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi’s National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) is strengthening its strategic partnership with Dubai-based FYTE Hospitality as part of efforts to expand the culinary offering at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi.
The relationship, which began with the award-winning Kokoro Handroll Bar, has grown with the addition of artisan bakery and specialty coffee concept Bake My Day. Kokoro’s exclusive residency at the property has also been extended through the summer following a strong response from guests.
The partnership brings together one of the UAE’s longest-established hospitality companies and a growing homegrown operator behind several chef-led dining concepts. It also forms part of NCT&H’s wider approach to developing partnerships that complement its portfolio while supporting the growth of local hospitality brands.
Growing portfolio
Kokoro Handroll Bar was the first FYTE Hospitality concept to establish a presence at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi. Following its reception among guests, the exclusive residency has been extended through the summer, giving diners more time to experience the concept at the property.
The relationship has since expanded with Bake My Day, which has become part of the property’s everyday dining experience. The concept combines an artisan bakery with specialty coffee, adding a new option to the residence’s existing culinary offering.
NCT&H has played a role in Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sector for nearly three decades. The company continues to develop its portfolio through partnerships designed to complement its hospitality operations and contribute to the emirate’s evolving dining scene.
FYTE Hospitality, meanwhile, has developed a portfolio of chef-led concepts including Kokoro Handroll Bar, WINDOW, Bake My Day, Katei and Hikiniku To Come. Its growing presence in Abu Dhabi through NCT&H reflects a collaboration between an established hospitality group and an entrepreneurial operator focused on developing homegrown dining concepts.
Moustafa Sakr, Vice President of Hospitality at NCT&H, said the company views partnerships as a way to strengthen its portfolio while adding distinctive offerings to destinations. He said combining NCT&H’s hospitality expertise with FYTE Hospitality’s approach to concept development creates opportunities to enhance the culinary offering, support homegrown brands and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a hospitality destination.
Building momentum
Tamer Elkhayat, CEO and Co-Founder of FYTE Hospitality, said the company believes sustainable growth comes from selecting the right partners. He said NCT&H’s focus on quality, consistency and purposeful experiences made the collaboration a natural fit.
Elkhayat added that the positive reception for Kokoro in Abu Dhabi had reinforced the company’s confidence in the market, while the introduction of Bake My Day has allowed the partnership to build on that momentum.
Faisal Yabroudi, COO and Co-Founder of FYTE Hospitality, said the company develops concepts to complement their surroundings rather than simply occupy a space. He added that working with NCT&H had enabled FYTE to deliver its concepts while maintaining the standards shared by both organisations, with further opportunities being explored to bring more of its portfolio to Abu Dhabi.
For InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi, the partnership is part of a broader effort to curate a collection of dining experiences reflecting the character and ambitions of the destination. The property is bringing together internationally recognised hospitality and homegrown culinary brands, with further FYTE concepts potentially expanding its dining offering in Abu Dhabi.