The UAE’s culinary scene has evolved into a melting pot of global flavors, yet few brands have managed to capture the soul of a culture the way Il Forno has with Italian cuisine. At a time when the region’s dining landscape was defined by novelty rather than authenticity, Il Forno emerged as a pioneer reviving the essence of true Italian artistry through its dedication to craft, consistency, and heartfelt hospitality. Its success story is not merely about serving food; it’s about preserving an experience that celebrates heritage, nurtures connection, and sets new benchmarks for quality and trust in the food and beverage sector.
At the heart of this transformation stands Hussein Samhan, CEO and Chairman of Il Forno, whose vision and leadership have turned a single dream into a thriving legacy of over 30 outlets across the UAE. Guided by values of integrity, authenticity, and innovation, Hussein has built more than a brand; he has shaped a culture. His ability to blend tradition with technology, passion with precision, and growth with responsibility has earned him industry-wide recognition, including the prestigious Global Recognition Award 2025™ and Italian Restaurant of the Year by LuxLife Magazine. For Hussein, Il Forno is not just a restaurant chain; it is a living expression of his belief that great food tells a story of culture, connection, and care.
Crafting Culinary Authenticity
Hussein Samhan’s journey toward establishing Il Forno began with a clear and heartfelt vision to introduce the UAE to the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. At a time when the market offered familiarity with Italian food but lacked genuine traditional experiences, he saw an opportunity to bring Italy’s warmth, artistry, and culinary authenticity to the region. What started as a single outlet in 2000 has evolved into a celebrated restaurant chain with over 30 branches across the UAE.
Under Hussein’s leadership, Il Forno has consistently balanced tradition with innovation, offering seasonal creations while preserving beloved classics. His strategic foresight has transformed the brand into a symbol of quality, consistency, and customer trust. Over the years, his vision has matured, expanding from simply serving Italian food to creating a holistic dining experience that reflects the soul of Italy. Each milestone, from new openings to menu innovations, reflects his enduring commitment to excellence and his belief that great food connects people through comfort, culture, and care.
Turned Obstacles into Opportunities
Throughout his journey in the UAE’s dynamic food and beverage industry, Hussein has faced challenges that shaped his leadership and highlighted his ability to turn obstacles into opportunities.
Entering a competitive market filled with thousands of restaurants, he distinguished Il Forno through authentic Italian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality, offering diners both quality and connection. Financial and operational pressures, including high real estate costs and staffing issues, were met with disciplined resource management and strategic location planning, ensuring sustainable growth.
As consumer preferences shifted toward health-conscious and digital dining, Hussein Samhan embraced innovation while preserving authenticity, integrating technology, enhancing engagement, and evolving menus. Managing consistency across 30+ locations, he fostered a culture of excellence through rigorous training and operational oversight.
Each challenge strengthened his belief in resilient leadership, balancing tradition with innovation and growth with integrity.
Authentic “True Italian Taste” and Timeless Values
Under the visionary leadership of Hussein Samhan, Il Forno has emerged as a true embodiment of authenticity and excellence in the UAE’s food and beverage sector. His belief in preserving traditional Italian artistry while embracing innovation has set the brand apart in a market defined by constant evolution.
Hussein’s deep respect for Italian heritage is reflected in every aspect of Il Forno’s operations. Ingredients are sourced from Italy, and chefs are meticulously trained in classical techniques to ensure genuine flavors and artisanal craftsmanship. Beyond the plate, his focus on creating a warm, family-oriented atmosphere captures the essence of Italian hospitality, transforming dining into a memorable experience.
His commitment to quality and innovation has earned Il Forno prestigious recognitions, including the Global Recognition Award 2025™ and the Italian Restaurant of the Year honor from LuxLife Magazine. Through his strategic vision, the brand continues to expand while maintaining the integrity and consistency that define its identity.
For Hussein, Il Forno is more than a restaurant chain; it is a reflection of his enduring pursuit of culinary authenticity and customer trust, a balance of passion, precision, and purpose that continues to shape the UAE’s dining landscape.
Honoring Culinary Excellence: Awards & Recognition
2025 Global Recognition Award™
- Honored for exceptional leadership in the food and beverage industry
- Recognized for commitment to authentic Italian cuisine
- Celebrated for strategic growth and innovation
- Commended for positive impact on the UAE community
Media Features
1. The Gulf Entrepreneur
- Feature: “The Man Behind Il Forno: Hussein Samhan’s Journey to Revolutionizing Italian Dining in the UAE”
- Focuses on Hussein’s passion for Italian cuisine
- Chronicles Il Forno’s evolution from one outlet to over 30 branches
- Highlights his leadership philosophy and commitment to quality
2. The Enterprise World
- Cover Story: “Building a Trusted Italian Dining Legacy”
- Explores Hussein’s strategic vision and Il Forno’s growth trajectory
- Highlights customer loyalty and contribution to the UAE’s dining culture
Sustainability Rooted in Integrity
Hussein Samhan’s leadership at Il Forno extends beyond culinary mastery to encompass a deep sense of social and environmental responsibility. Guided by his belief that true success lies in mindful growth, he has embedded sustainability into the brand’s philosophy, ensuring that every decision reflects respect for people, culture, and the planet.
Hussein’s approach to responsible leadership emphasizes ethical sourcing, operational transparency, and community well-being. He advocates for using fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients, balancing imports from Italy with local produce to reduce environmental impact while supporting regional suppliers. His emphasis on digital efficiency through paperless systems, smart operations, and app-based engagement demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to minimizing waste and enhancing sustainability.
Beyond business, he has fostered a culture of awareness and accountability within his teams, encouraging practices that prioritize quality, reduce excess, and respect resources. Through these values, he continues to redefine leadership in the food and beverage industry, proving that sustainability and success can thrive together under visionary guidance.
Transformation of Tradition into Tomorrow’s Vision
Hussein has consistently redefined leadership in the food and beverage sector by aligning Il Forno’s authentic Italian legacy with the rhythm of modern innovation. As the industry evolves with new technologies and shifting consumer expectations, his forward-looking approach ensures that Il Forno remains a pioneer rather than a follower.
Through his guidance, technology serves as a bridge between efficiency and experience. Il Forno’s integration of digital platforms, AI-powered guest engagement, and app-based ordering reflects Hussein’s belief that innovation must enhance, not replace, human connection. His focus on creative menu evolution, introducing globally inspired flavors and wellness-oriented dishes, further demonstrates his commitment to relevance without compromise.
By harmonizing tradition with transformation, Hussein Samhan continues to propel Il Forno toward a future where authenticity and advancement coexist seamlessly, setting new benchmarks for leadership in culinary innovation.
Growth with Strategic Synergy
Inspired by Hussein’s commitment to innovation and integrity, Il Forno continues to expand through meaningful partnerships that reinforce the brand’s authenticity and operational strength. His vision of growth extends beyond expansion; it focuses on building meaningful partnerships that strengthen the brand’s capabilities and prepare it for global scalability.
One of the most significant collaborations under Hussein’s guidance is Il Forno’s partnership with Momos, an AI-powered guest experience platform implemented across all of Il Forno’s UAE outlets. This alliance reflects his belief in leveraging technology to deepen customer relationships, streamline feedback management, and drive data-informed improvements in service delivery.
Beyond digital transformation, Hussein’s strategic foresight is evident in Il Forno’s calculated expansion across key urban centers such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Each new location embodies his philosophy of sustainable growth, prioritizing quality, consistency, and community presence over rapid expansion.
While Il Forno’s current focus remains on strengthening its regional footprint, its long-term vision positions the brand for international recognition. By aligning authentic Italian tradition with technological innovation and strategic collaboration, he continues to set a new standard for leadership in the global food and beverage industry.
Nurturing a Legacy of Culinary Excellence
At the heart of Il Forno’s enduring success lies Hussein’s ability to nurture a culture deeply rooted in excellence, authenticity, and innovation. His leadership philosophy transcends traditional management approaches, emphasizing passion, purpose, and precision in every facet of the organization.
Hussein Samhan’s journey began with an unwavering commitment to authenticity, a value he instilled across every level of the company. His leadership encourages a sense of ownership among team members, empowering them to uphold the same dedication to quality and hospitality that defines Il Forno’s identity. Through consistent mentorship, he ensures that each team member understands not only the art of Italian dining but also the emotional experience it conveys.
Innovation, under Hussein’s direction, is approached as an evolution of tradition rather than a departure from it. He has guided Il Forno to embrace creativity in its menus, operations, and technology while preserving the essence of Italian culinary artistry. This balance between heritage and progress has positioned Il Forno as a model of excellence in the UAE’s food and beverage sector.
Through his visionary leadership, Hussein Samhan has cultivated a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, accountability, and a shared pursuit of perfection, ensuring that Il Forno’s legacy continues to inspire both its people and the industry at large.
Quality and Sustaining Trust
Hussein’s leadership at Il Forno is defined by his unwavering commitment to maintaining consistency in quality and customer satisfaction across every outlet. His philosophy centers on precision, authenticity, and accountability values deeply embedded within the brand’s operational DNA.
To uphold excellence, Hussein has developed meticulous quality control systems that ensure every dish reflects the same standard of craftsmanship, regardless of location. He places equal importance on team training, fostering a culture where every chef, server, and manager embodies Il Forno’s values of care and consistency.
Customer satisfaction, under his guidance, is treated as a continuous dialogue rather than a metric. Through structured feedback systems and technology-driven insights, Hussein ensures that every guest experience contributes to the brand’s evolution. His leadership transforms consistency from a challenge into a competitive advantage, establishing Il Forno as a trusted symbol of authentic Italian excellence across the UAE.
Purpose Driven by Integrity
Hussein’s leadership style reflects a seamless blend of vision, discipline, and empathy. Guided by a belief that leadership is about service rather than authority, he places integrity and accountability at the core of every decision. His approach is rooted in strategic clarity, ensuring that each choice, from menu innovation to operational expansion, aligns with Il Forno’s foundational values of authenticity and quality.
Hussein Samhan leads with emotional intelligence, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration where every team member feels valued and motivated to excel. His decisions are driven not only by business goals but by a deep commitment to people, employees, partners, and customers alike. He emphasizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains, demonstrating foresight and patience in every initiative.
Through a balance of intuition and analysis, he cultivates an environment where creativity thrives under structured discipline. His principle-driven leadership continues to shape Il Forno into a brand defined by purpose, precision, and progress.
Tomorrow’s Legacy, Future Rooted in Authentic Vision
Hussein Samhan envisions Il Forno’s growth as a journey rooted in authenticity, innovation, and enduring values. His advice for organizational success emphasizes clarity of purpose, unwavering quality, and people-centric leadership. For him, growth must never come at the expense of integrity; rather, it should be the result of disciplined innovation and a shared commitment to excellence.
His strategic goals focus on sustainable expansion through carefully chosen partnerships, digital transformation to enhance customer engagement, and continued refinement of culinary offerings that balance heritage with modern preferences. He advocates for leadership that inspires accountability, cultivates creativity, and strengthens the bond between team and brand.
Hussein Samhan believes that the future of Il Forno lies in nurturing a legacy that transcends business metrics, one defined by cultural authenticity, community trust, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. His leadership continues to serve as a blueprint for purposeful growth, where every decision contributes to long-term value creation and global distinction.
