The Lebanese national will be lead the growth of the 396-key property with a steady focus on corporate business and strengthening leisure partnerships, as well as a strategic approach on meeting and events.
Katia joins Fairmont Dubai from her most recent role as Director of Housekeeping at the Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi, where she has been part of the pre-opening team since April 2018. Prior to this role, Katia was chosen to assist the housekeeping department at the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore to reopen the property after a two-year renovation.
The 16th edition of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), being held from 14-16 April 2020 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, will explore how the Middle East's hospitality industry can harness the opportunities afforded by the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) in its bid to "transform tomorrow".
Hilton announced that Jochem-Jan Sleiffer has been appointed to the position of Area President, Middle East, Africa & Turkey (MEA&T) in succession to Rudi Jagersbacher, who has chosen to step down following 40 years of service with Hilton. These changes, effective 1 January 2020, will see Jagersbacher assume a two-year advisory role, based in Dubai, to assist the transition. Over the last eight years, Jagersbacher has led Hilton through sustained growth in Middle East, Africa and Turkey by more than tripling the number of hotels in the region, by launching four new brands and by entering 12 new countries and territories. Furthermore, under his leadership, Hilton was crowned the #1 Best Place to Work for in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and #3 Best Workplace in the UAE. Sleiffer takes on his new position following a three-decade career at Hilton, where he most recently acted as Senior Vice President Operations, Continental Europe, overseeing a portfolio of 57 Hilton-managed hotels across 26 countries and territories. Prior to this, he held a number of leadership roles across Europe, including Belgium, UK, France and Greece. Sleiffer will relocate to Dubai in January 2020. Originally from the Netherlands, he is married with one daughter.
Well acquainted with the Rotana brand, Sapre joined the company in 2013 as the food and beverage director of Park Rotana.
At the Retreat Palm Dubai - MGallery Hotel Collection, wellness is the core ambition of the General Manager, Samir Arora. Whether the objective is detox, fitness or mindfulness, his teams do everything possible to create memorable experiences. Exclusive decoding of this address's well-being strategy which reflects new trends and the exacting demands of its guests!
The prestigious association held its much awaited event themed as 'Be Inspired' at Rajmahal Theatre, located in Dubai Parks & Resorts. More than 350 hospitality professionals attended the Grand Educational Day filled with inspiring panel discussions by hospitality leaders sharing their insights alongside with high profile keynote speaker sessions.
Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai welcomes Anna Collier as the new General Manager, responsible for the overall hotel performance and operations. Bringing more than two decades-long of experience in the hospitality sector, Anna will continue to grow the hotel's prominent position within the local and international markets.
Kozhaya began his career in Beirut, Lebanon where he built his foundation in food and beverage operations working for luxurious brands such as Habtoor & Metropolitan by Hilton prior to relocating to the United Arab Emirates. In 2007, he joined the Armed Forces Officers and Hotels in Abu Dhabi as Banquet Manager, where he was exposed to grand events such as presidential meetings & Royal weddings.
Moving from The H Resort Seychelles to Dubai, El Mansoury will be responsible for leading the hotel's sales team and will play an integral role in the development and implementation of strategic sales plans and initiatives to maximise all revenue streams.He will also identify new business opportunities for The H Hotel Dubai and will represent the property at major events, conference and trade shows.Mansoury brings 19 years of luxury hospitality experience, having worked at international hotel chains in the GCC like Kempinski Soma Bay, The Ritz Carlton Sharm El Sheikh, Fairmont Nile City Hotel, and Mosaic Palais Aziza & Spa Hotel in Marrakesh and Rosewood Jeddah Hotel in Saudi Arabia.He was the regional director of sales & marketing at Hakkasan Group overseeing the Middle East & Asia markets before joining the H Hospitality Collection early this year.
Pommey is a seasoned chef who intends to "pioneer the term 'farm to table'" for the Middle East. He is working towards showcasing the hidden gems of the region by seeking out the best local seafood and shellfish and by partnering with local farms for organic vegetables, fruits and honey.
Swissôtel Al Ghurair has appointed Tunde Nagy as the director of sales and marketing.
Sayed Tayoun has been promoted to the position of hotel manager at Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City. Under his stewardship as the previous area director of sales and marketing, the IHG hotels at Dubai Festival City have continued to grow from strength to strength.
Anoop Dhondoo is well-versed in the dynamic world of hospitality, having honed his skills and natural flair at some of the leading hotels in various segments of the industry.
Juliana Khalife has been promoted to cluster director of sales for IHG hotels at Dubai Festival City. Khalife's journey with IHG Dubai Festival City started back in 2007, when she served as business development manager during the hotels' pre-opening phase. Through her strategic leadership, she has led the team as director of conference and events for the past five years, with a proven track record of success. She also played a pivotal role in implementing several strategies to enhance productivity and generate revenue for conference and events.
Michael Borges has been appointed as the new area director of sales and marketing for IHG hotels at Dubai Festival City. With more than 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Borges has worked in various roles across seven countries in Europe.
Continuing its expansion in Dubai, Central Hotels is gearing up to welcome guests at the C Central Resort - The Palm, its fourth luxury hotel in the emirates. Featuring 206 luxe rooms and suites, the spectacular hotel is in the final stages of finishing and is expected to open its doors within the next few weeks.
A new rooftop lounge has opened in the centre of DIFC offering a stylish nightspot for city dwellers. Located on the 18th floor of the new Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, St. Trop brings al fresco chic and a flavour of je ne sais quoi elegance to the UAE's night scene, combining a relaxed yet classy vibe with an energetic soundtrack offset by the dynamic backdrop of Dubai's ever-changing skyline.
The soon-to-open Address Fountain Views Hotel and Residences - the seventh property under Emaar Hospitality Group's award-winning Address Hotels + Resorts brand - has named Ahmed Elnawawy as its general manager. Elnawawy has spent the last year leading the hotel's development and pre-opening operations, and has been credited with upholding the Address Hotels + Resorts' world-class service and ethos. His role is critical in delivering the motto of Address Hotels + Resorts - 'Where Life Happens' - and he will drive the entire operation of the hotel, overseeing guest rooms and suites, as well as residences and diverse dining experiences. He will also be tasked with driving strategic growth and revenue for the property.
The Argentine chef holds more than 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry and prior to this appointment, was the F&B director and executive chef at the Gran Meliã Iguazu in Argentina.