Having served more than two decades at the company, Elite Hospitality’s newly appointed Group General Manager shares advice for his younger self, who he’d swap roles with for a day and one hobby he’d love to pursue.

Congratulations on your exciting new promotion! How does it feel to be at the helm of one of the leading names in Bahrain’s hospitality industry and what will your new role entail?
Being a leader of one of Bahrain’s top hospitality companies, under our Managing Director Shabeer Dadabhai, is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a unique opportunity to shape the industry, influence trends and contribute to the country’s reputation as a premier destination for travellers. The sense of responsibility is immense but so is the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life and making a positive impact on both the local community and the global hospitality scene. As for my new role, it will involve overseeing the strategic direction of the company, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and driving innovation in our services and facilities. It’s about maintaining high standards, fostering a positive work culture and continuously seeking ways to enhance our guests’ stays. It’s a challenging yet exciting journey and I’m eager to see where it takes us.

What’s the biggest challenge and also the most rewarding part of managing multiple properties?
The biggest challenge in managing multiple properties is ensuring consistency across all locations. Each property has its unique characteristics and staff, which means maintaining a uniform standard. It’s about finding the right balance between preserving the distinct identity of each property, while adhering to the overarching brand values. Coordination, communication and efficient management practices are key to overcoming this challenge. On the flip side, the most rewarding part is seeing the positive impact on a larger scale. Each property can contribute to the company’s success in different ways and witnessing how they all come together to create a cohesive and thriving hospitality brand is incredibly fulfilling. There’s a sense of pride in knowing that you are offering memorable experiences to guests across various locations and that each property plays a part in that.

You’ve been with Elite Group for an impressive 23 years. If you could go back to your first day, what advice would you give yourself?
After 23 years with Elite Group, I’ve gained a wealth of experience and insights. Here’s the advice I’d give myself:
Embrace Change: The hospitality industry is ever evolving. Be adaptable and open to new trends, technologies and ways of thinking. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth.
Build Strong Relationships: Invest time in building strong relationships with your team, guests and partners. A supportive network can make all the difference in your career.
Stay Passionate: The passion for hospitality is what fuels success. Stay curious, remain enthusiastic and always strive to create memorable experiences for guests.
Continuous Learning: Never stop learning. Seek opportunities for professional development, always be open to feedback.
Balance Work and Life: Make sacrifices when necessary and reward yourself when you achieve goals.

If you could swap roles with anyone in the hotel for a day, who would it be and why?
I would choose to be a concierge, who’s often the heart of the guest experience, acting as a go-to person for recommendations, solving problems and making sure guests have an unforgettable stay. They have a unique opportunity to connect with guests on a personal level and provide tailored experiences that leave lasting impressions. The concierge role would offer invaluable insights into what guests truly value and need. Plus, it would be a fantastic way to gather fresh ideas on how we can continually enhance our service and surprise our guests with delightful experiences.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time and what’s one hobby you wish you had more time for?
I enjoy exploring new cultures and cuisines, either through travel or by trying out different recipes at home. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and gain inspiration for enhancing our hospitality services. I also love spending time outdoors or simply enjoying a walk by the beach. One hobby I wish I had more time for is photography. Capturing moments, whether it’s the beauty of nature, architectural marvels or candid shots of people, is something that brings me a lot of joy. It’s a wonderful way to document memories and see the world from different perspectives. ✤