Hospitality is the art of making people feel seen, valued, and at home. Few embody this more fully than Magdi Gamil, General Manager of Fairmont Nile City. With over two decades of experience, Mr. Gamil has been instrumental in shaping luxury hospitality across Egypt. Appointed General Manager of Fairmont Nile City in April 2025, Mr. Gamil has played a key role in the development and positioning of several high-profile properties, including Fairmont Heliopolis and Sheraton Heliopolis under the Starwood Hotels group.

“Over my 25-year career in hospitality, I’ve witnessed significant shifts, notably the post-COVID emphasis on enhancing guest experiences,” Mr. Gamil reflects. “At Fairmont Nile City, we’ve prioritized engaging guests’ senses and personalizing services... moving beyond mere infrastructure upgrades to focus on authenticity and individual preferences.”

A key part of this evolution is Fairmont’s “Culinary Excellence”, a new initiative that seeks to redefine luxury dining by creating a sensory-rich, emotionally resonant experience. “It’s a space where excellence goes far beyond the plate, the true elements of a remarkable experience lie in the harmony of music, service, design, and atmosphere.”

When asked about the origins of the initiative, he shared, “Fairmont’s Culinary Excellence was born from this belief: that dining can be both emotional and unforgettable.” What sets it apart is not just the food, but the intent behind it. “From the moment a guest enters, every element, ambience, service, music, design, and storytelling is crafted with intention.”

“It breaks away from the conventional by treating each dining moment as a curated journey, not just a meal,” Mr. Gamil says. “We focus on creating dynamic, emotionally engaging experiences, where storytelling, ambience, taste, and service come together seamlessly.”

Each sense is thoughtfully considered. “Visually, we focus on elegant presentation… The aroma of freshly prepared ingredients sets the tone even before the first bite... Music is carefully curated... Texture is thoughtfully layered... At its core is taste—bold, balanced, and emotionally resonant.”

Despite drawing from contemporary trends, the foundation remains timeless. Mr. Gamil explains, “We embrace the rise of experiential dining... but always approached through the lens of timeless elegance. Trends serve as inspiration, not direction.”

Signature experiences include a diverse array of global cuisines. At Saigon, signature dishes like Peking Duck and the Volcano Roll, L’Uliveto brings comforting Italian favourites, Bab El Nil captures Middle Eastern warmth, and Gingko takes guests on a Peruvian adventure. At La Mie, artisanal viennoiseries, crusty breads, and elegant patisserie define the heart of French-inspired baking.

Fairmont’s Culinary Excellence also extends beyond the hotel’s walls. Mr. Gamil notes, “We’ve taken the essence of Fairmont’s hospitality beyond the hotel walls... from private gatherings to grand celebrations, every detail is handled with the same precision, elegance, and creativity.”

One standout example? “Our exceptional partnership with the Al Mashrafia Tent, hosted at the iconic Grand Egyptian Museum, offered an extraordinary Iftar and Sohour experience. Guests indulged in a refined gastronomic journey, transforming each evening into a sophisticated, multi-sensory celebration of heritage, hospitality, and culinary excellence.”

Behind every dish is a team selected with precision. Mr. Gamil explains, “I look for chefs who combine creativity, precision, and emotional intelligence. I value values, consistency, and a deep respect for collaboration. At this level, every plate must be perfect, but more importantly, it must feel personal.”

Balancing innovation and consistency is key. “We place great value on building and nurturing a team of passionate, highly skilled professionals, always interpreted through the lens of timeless sophistication and elegance.”

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Mr. Gamil concluded, “My path has always been about challenging the status quo—transforming operations, pushing creative boundaries, and building high-performance teams. I lead with strategic vision but stay hands-on, from concept to execution.”

In Mr. Gamil’s vision, hospitality isn’t static; it’s a story that evolves with each guest, dish, and experience. Through Fairmont’s Culinary Excellence, that story is being told more vividly than ever before.

Creative Director: Nour Selim

Photography: Abdelrahman El Dash

Videographer: Fady samir

Editor: Bishoy

Retoucher: Ahmed Ibrahim