Mastercard has announced the appointment of Saud Swar as country manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant. The appointment strengthens Mastercard’s leadership team in the West Arabia division, underlining the company’s commitment to serving as the region’s technology partner of choice.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Swar will lead and manage Mastercard’s operations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Palestine, deepening local market knowledge and engagement, and advancing efforts to connect and power an inclusive digital economy.

“We are very pleased to see Saud Swar take another important step forward on his professional journey with this exciting appointment,” said Adam Jones, executive vice president, division president of West Arabia, Mastercard. “Saud will no doubt play a pivotal role in advancing our work to empower the people and communities we serve across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Palestine with even greater access to a more accessible, secure and transformative digital economy. We look forward to him stewarding us to more success in the region.”

Swar said: “I am excited to begin this new chapter with Mastercard, making the most of my experience to complement and build on of the team’s achievements ... I am looking forward to working closely with our partners to unlock new opportunities, drive growth and create impact across the division and wider region.”

Swar has more than 17 years of experience working in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Mastercard, Swar spent all his professional career at American Express, initially joining the company as a new product development specialist in 2008, gradually rising the ranks to serve as the chief business officer — MENA for American Express Middle East. 

He holds a bachelor of science in computer engineering from the University of Bahrain and completed an executive MBA at London Business School.

Sofitel has unveiled a limited-edition collection of its signature elevated croissants, available in seven properties worldwide.

The exclusive collection, La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms, features seven indulgent floral-flavored croissants which pay homage to the tradition and art of elaborate French floral arrangements in hospitality. The buttery delights give guests and locals the opportunity to discover native flavors; from Mexican dahlia to Beninese hibiscus and Korean cherry blossom, to be enjoyed exclusively in seven Sofitel locations globally, for four months. 

Inspired by the excellence and beauty of haute couture, La Haute Croissanterie concept was launched to elevate the art of croissant-making. Rooted in a perfected traditional French recipe and using precise proportions of pure butter and high-quality flour, croissants are enhanced with exclusive local ingredients of the highest quality — from Middle Eastern za’atar to Piemontese hazelnut praline and Korean Gochujang. 

Drawing inspiration from the timeless floral artistry of French luxury hospitality, La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms marks the brand’s very first limited-release collection, turning croissants into a gastronomic adventure where guests can experience local cultures like never before, designed by Sofitel’s pastry chefs from across the world and crafted using local flowers woven into the buttery layers.

• The Floral Saffron 

Saffron and its violet-hued flower is considered one of the most valuable spices in the Middle East. This two-toned croissant features a round crust that’s filled with a pistachio sponge cake and saffron creme brulée — a creation synonymous with velvety luxury.

Available in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk from 32 dirhams ($8.7).

“Creating La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms allowed us to elevate everyday experiences for guests by infusing creativity and flair into our pastries, using unconventional tastes to bring flavors from native flowers from around the world. The tradition of gifting flowers to celebrate special occasions is enjoyed across the world, so La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms felt like the perfect opportunity to treat those who mean most to us with a creative and delicious twist on the floral bouquet,” said Anne-Cécile Degenne, corporate executive chef, Sofitel.

La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms will be available for four months in seven Sofitel properties globally, starting from May. It marks the beginning of a series of limited-edition La Haute Croissanterie collections, with each to capture a unique and different theme, whilst honoring the elegance and excellence of traditional croissant making.