About me

HELLO! I am a writer, editor, media consultant and emcee, currently based in Dubai, UAE. Until July 2018, I was the group editor of ITP Media Group’s Hospitality Group of titles and editor of Hotelier Middle East. Prior to that, I was the editor of Caterer Middle East, and have written for a number of other magazines published by ITP Media Group since April 2011, covering sectors such as interior design, architecture and facilities management.

Previously a respected food blogger in Dubai, where I have lived since 1989 (yes, I have seen a lot of changes!), I retain a significant online following and am also routinely ranked among the top 100 non-resident Indians on social media. Public speaking is one of my fortes, and hosting events and moderating panel discussions are activities I get involved in regularly.

Qualifications? I hold a BSc in Business from the London School of Economics and an MA in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield.

Read a few of my testimonials below.

While she represents the journalism side and I'm the PR for my company (Accorhotels/FRHI Hotels & Resorts), what I respect most about our relationship is that it is built on trust, transparency and a love of good storytelling. Devina has a keen sense of what is topical, newsworthy and what is on trend as it relates to the travel, hospitality and the food & beverage industry.

Few people are lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with someone that is as knowledgeable and accomplished, but I have had the pleasure of working alongside her for almost five years and I am happy to be one of those lucky people. Devina never fails to surprise me with her passion and in-depth knowledge of her chosen industry. Not only is she a talented journalist, she also lives and breathes hospitality and is a well-respected and a much-loved member of the hospitality community.

I’ve worked with Devina as the host of our TO THE TABLE MEA event seminar programme since 2014 and she is continually professional and knowledgeable in the hospitality and F&B industry. She is a great seminar host, a confident presenter and also very friendly and personable. I continue to seek her advice, industry experience and seminar hosting services.

She knows what topics are "hot" and where and when to place content to get the maximum impact. She's been patient when I was running late with submissions and could discuss things "off the record", too, if needed. Both titles (Hotelier Middle East and Caterer Middle East) went from strength to strength under her stewardship and are magazines I'm proud to be associated with and lend my words to.