Diana Rysbaeva on SHI Hospitality Group: Where Food, Energy and Art Come Together

In a city where culinary innovation meets architectural grandeur, SHI Hospitality Group has carved a distinctive niche, where dining transcends the plate and becomes an immersive experience. Founded by Diana Rysbaeva, the group has quickly become synonymous with refined East Asian-inspired gastronomy and design-led concepts that blend tradition, emotion, and storytelling.

From SHI’s cinematic ambience on Bluewaters Island to the intimate sophistication of Moli by SHI at Dubai Hills and MEI at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, each venue captures a different rhythm of the same heartbeat, a philosophy of hospitality that is as spiritual as it is sensory. Under Rysbaeva’s leadership, SHI Hospitality Group continues to expand its global presence while staying true to its essence: authenticity, craftsmanship, and emotional connection.

We sat down with Diana Rysbaeva, Founder and CEO of SHI Hospitality Group, to discuss her journey, leadership philosophy, and the inspiration behind her East Asian–infused vision.

SHI Hospitality Group has become synonymous with high-end, East Asian dining in Dubai. What inspired you to focus on this culinary direction, and why did you choose Dubai as the destination to bring your vision to life?

I’ve always been fascinated by East Asian culture: the precision, the balance of flavors, the philosophy behind hospitality. For me, food is not only about taste, but about energy and storytelling. The East has an incredible ability to connect those worlds – refinement, spirituality, and emotion – all in one plate.

Dubai felt like the perfect place to bring this vision to life. It’s a city that celebrates ambition and diversity, where people are open to new experiences and global perspectives. SHI Hospitality Group was born from that spirit aiming to create restaurants that feel cinematic, emotional, and deeply memorable, yet rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship.

You oversee multiple venues, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. How do you balance maintaining consistent quality across all locations while allowing each concept to develop its own distinct voice?

Consistency is built on culture, not control. We bring to every project our values, the attention to detail, the storytelling. But then we let each concept breathe and express itself. At SHI, Moli by SHI, and MEI, you’ll feel the same heartbeat but each has its own rhythm. My team knows that quality is non-negotiable, yet creativity must flow freely. I believe that’s how brands stay alive by evolving without losing their essence.

As a woman leading a luxury hospitality group in the Middle East, what does that mean personally to you?

It means responsibility to prove that vision and strength have no gender, and that success can be built with both intuition and discipline. It wasn’t easy. When I started, there were many doors I had to open by myself. But every challenge became a lesson in resilience. Today, I’m proud that SHI Hospitality Group stands for excellence, but also for empowerment. We’ve built an ecosystem where women and men work side by side with mutual respect and shared ambition. The milestones from our first opening to international recognition – all remind me that persistence and faith in your dream eventually pay off.

Do you have any daily rituals whether spiritual or practical that help you stay focused and grounded as a leader?

Yes, I do. My mornings start early before sunrise; I train or cycle. That discipline clears my mind and gives me strength for the day. I also take a few quiet minutes to visualize my goals, not only numbers or openings, but the feeling I want to create through my work. Leadership requires presence, so I try to protect that moment of silence before the world starts calling. It reminds me why I started and helps me lead with intention, not reaction.

Looking ahead, are there new markets, concepts, or verticals you’re planning to explore as part of SHI Hospitality Group’s