MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Inspiring others
From the start of my career, I have been fortunate to be empowered by brilliant leaders and inspirational mentors. Today, it is my responsibility to do the same for my associates: to support their growth and together make a difference in the work we do. Through my journey, I hope to instill an optimistic and people-first approach.
Work ethic
I am someone who sees the glass half full. Every situation can be viewed from different perspectives. As a diehard optimist, I believe that positivity brings out the best in every situation.
Furthermore, I view every problem as an opportunity to grow. This is one of Mr. Marriott’s rules of success and resonates with me after having experienced a number of uncertainties and using those adversities to propel me further. Growth is never linear; approaching challenges with tenacity leads to success.
Opportunities
What really excites me is the opportunity to develop the future leaders of this region’s industry. Our commitment to nurturing local talent is incomparable. One of the ways we empower youth is through our Tahseen program.
In Saudi Arabia, we launched Tahseen in 2018, and we have seen over 110 students graduate since then. To date, more than 75 percent of the graduates in Saudi Arabia remain employed at a Marriott International hotel and have progressed in their careers.
We also launched the program in Egypt in 2018 as a four-year bachelor’s degree, in partnership with Helawan University, and look forward to celebrating our first graduating class in September.
Furthermore, we expanded our Female Leadership Initiative across the region, with the program’s launch in Egypt and Turkey. The initiative is designed to provide highpotential female leaders with a personal development programme to prepare them for the next level in their career.
International experience
My hospitality career began with Oberoi hotels, where I served as a butler. I joined Marriott International as EAM of F&B in Sharm El Sheikh with The Ritz-carlton, after which I worked in different parts of the world. Following my appointment as GM of The Ritz-carlton, Moscow, I took on the role of area VP luxury brands for Western Europe before being promoted to area VP for the UAE. I have held the position of COO for the Middle East since mid-2021.
New hotel projects in MENA
2023
Nujuma, a Ritz-carlton Reserve, Red Sea (KSA)
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Red Sea (KSA) Place Vendome, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Doha (Qatar)