Middle East Beverage Expansion: Saudi brand Kinza says it’s not trying to outmuscle big beverage giants, but to read shifting consumer tastes as it expands across Southeast Asia, already exporting to 70+ countries and seeking local investment partners for manufacturing, supply chain and distribution. Regional Trade & Food Industry: 36 Jordanian food-industry firms will join the Saudi Food Expo and Saudi Industrial Expo 2026 in Jeddah, covering sweets, chocolate, bakery, dairy, grains, nuts, soft drinks, plus ingredients, packaging and food machinery—aimed at strengthening Jordan’s key export ties with Saudi Arabia. Hospitality Standards in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is rolling out Emirati Hospitality Standards, setting expectations for how hotels deliver “authentic Emirati hospitality,” a move likely to reshape guest experience and service practices. UAE Food Sector Growth: The UAE Food Cluster convenes a Future Food Forum 2026, banking on AED 40bn sector growth and pushing collaboration across the food ecosystem. Food Innovation & Ingredients: A Turkish study reports a Mediterranean herb extract (Micromeria fruticosa) added to beef patties improved cooking yield, pointing to more natural processing aids as consumers scrutinize additives. Food Safety & Operations: A Birmingham restaurant couple was fined after council officers found widespread mouse droppings and a dead mouse, highlighting ongoing enforcement pressure on hygiene controls.