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With the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns delivering hard blows to the hospitality and food & beverage industries across the globe, the newly-launched Hospitality tech Startup, Opaala, has innovated a smart service system that provides seamless solutions to allow hotels, restaurants, nightlife spots, and beach clubs to navigate a new era of hospitality. With Dubai hospitality venues seeing more than a 60% decline in sales due to the lockdown, Opaala has pledged free-of-charge access to their smart service platform, which can be integrated into most POS system, for venues suffering during the COVID-19 period, and will continue to support venues in need, as part of their launch campaign.

Opaala reduces the traditional ‘8-step service model’, eliminating service wait times, reducing staff costs and increasing revenue through a contactless, mobile-powered solution. With Opaala, customers are able to browse high-design, interactive menus where they can now place orders, enter dietary requirements, request for the assistance of a waiter, and call for the bill through their mobile browsers, all by scanning a simple Quick Response (QR) code available on the table. Eliminating the need to download mobile applications, the Opaala solution is a browser based and seamlessly integrated into the venue’s Point of Sale (POS) system and can be customized for branding needs.

The three-pronged system includes Opaala inVenue™ and inRoom™services are aimed at assisting the recovery of the hospitality industry and reMote™, which offers a local ordering and delivery platform, keeps businesses operational during the lockdown. These systems will enable venues to cut down on operational costs, working with a skeleton crew whilst simultaneously upholding excellent standards of service.

Further simplifying the ‘going-out’ experience, Opaala will offer automatic bill splitting, making it easier for guests and venues to clear the cheque, as customers can complete their order via safe checkout using Apple Pay and Debit and Credit Cards. Meanwhile, venues can host daily and hourly specials on their interactive menus, and schedule them for future events. These deals allow venues to organically market their offerings at the time of ordering.

How it works:

The COVID-19 Solution:

Not only does Opaala allow businesses to reduce costs and remain functional during the volatile conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the solution also enables customers to feel safe whilst enjoying meals at their favourite venues by providing a fully contactless service.

Speaking about the innovation, Opaala Co.Founder, Marwan Saab, noted that Opaala was born out of necessity. “It is easy for customers to be overlooked when venues are managing high footfall. We wish to enhance the diner’s experience whilst assisting restaurants with managing their ever-increasing costs”. He went on to add that ‘COVID-19 has been destructive for the hospitality industry. As members of this community, we feel responsible for helping the industry rebuild. We’ve pledged to support those who need it most, to help them reduce cost and increase revenue until business picks up again. We’ve already provided our platform free of charge for many who need it, and we will continue to do so until things improve.

With a mission to help hospitality venues maximise their offering and run as efficiently as possible, Opaala strives to ensure that customers make the most of their experience at each venue with full access to information including popular and special items and deals. Thereby placing customers in full control of their dining experience and eliminating the need for restaurant staff to manage communication with several tables at once.

Opaala can be used across the hospitality industry, including restaurants, cinemas, hospitals, food courts, in-room and within lounges and beach cabanas at hotels, stadiums and events arenas as well.

Opaala is currently being used by Nikki Beach Club, Riva Beach Club and Lah Lah Restaurant. More information can be accessed on the Opaala website.