With two years at the helm, the General Manager of Downtown Rotana has steered his team and the property to new heights. He talks about his approach to management, the best career advice he’s received and upcoming dining promotions.

From banquet manager to general manager, you’ve had an impressive upward trajectory in your career. What do you think has been the biggest factor in your success?
I believe my success can be attributed to a combination of hard work, dedication and consistency. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to adapt and lead by not just adjusting to situations but actively shaping environments where teams can thrive. My experiences across different countries and cultures have significantly contributed to this adaptability, enabling me to approach challenges from a global perspective. Each role has brought its own set of milestones – whether it was orchestrating the largest hotel event, surpassing revenue targets, overseeing hotel openings or leading rebranding efforts. A pivotal moment for me was at Downtown Rotana, where the vision and drive I brought to the team led us to achieve our best performance ever in 2024. We reached the highest market share, record food and beverage (F&B) revenue, as well as top ratings in guest satisfaction and employee engagement. These achievements reflect not just my journey, but the collective success of the teams I’ve had the privilege of leading.

It’s been a little over two years since you took the reins of Downtown Rotana. What have been the standout moments and what’s in the pipeline for the next quarter?
Leading Downtown Rotana over the past two years has been an exciting journey marked by a series of successes. One of my first priorities was building a dynamic team – one that was not only ready to compete but also committed to delivering exceptional service. We’ve introduced a variety of exciting activations, such as the Village Brunch, Le Petit Chef in Teatro and the Downtown Culture Hub, which supports the local artist community. Additionally, we’ve launched unique events like Oktoberfest, high-profile gala dinners and even a vegan promotion.
For the upcoming quarter, we’ve recently launched our Dine for Diamond campaign in collaboration with Malabar Jewellery. This exclusive promotion offers our guests the chance to win a stunning diamond set, with the raffle draw taking place in midMay. It’s a unique opportunity for our guests to enjoy a memorable dining experience and potentially walk away with a beautiful prize.

You started your career in F&B. Do you miss those days and how has that experience shaped your leadership style?
F&B has always been a true passion of mine and I’m fortunate that Downtown Rotana has fantastic outlets that allow me to stay connected to that side of the business. What I find most fulfilling now is watching my team grow and develop through the guidance I provide.
My experience in managing large-scale F&B operations has been invaluable in shaping my leadership approach. I’ve had the opportunity to oversee teams as large as 500, three times the size of our team here at Downtown Rotana. Leading such large teams taught me that every decision I make has farreaching consequences, which instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility. It’s essential not only to make the right decisions but also to communicate them clearly and directly. Managing high-pressure situations is a daily part of F&B leadership and that experience has been incredibly beneficial in transitioning to the role of general manager. It’s taught me to remain composed under pressure, prioritise effectively and lead with confidence, all critical qualities that I continue to rely on in my current role.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received and from whom?
An invaluable lesson I’ve learnt is the importance of transparency and accountability. While I can’t point to a single leader who explicitly gave me this advice, I’ve been fortunate to witness these qualities in many of my mentors throughout my career. Their example taught me that being open, honest and taking responsibility are essential traits for anyone who aspires to be a great leader. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day and one I strive to model for my teams.
Another piece of career advice I’ve received is to be patient. I’ll admit, it’s something I often struggle to fully embrace myself, but I remind myself of it daily. Patience, especially in leadership, is key to making thoughtful decisions and allowing time for growth and results.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most people might not know?
While I pride myself on being transparent, there is one fun fact that reflects the international nature of my family. Over the years, my wife and I have lived in several different countries, each one adding to our unique story. We met in Qatar, got married in Bahrain, welcomed our daughter in Abu Dhabi, our son in Jordan, and even had our first dog in Morocco and the second in Bahrain. Let’s see who will be added to the family with our next move. ✤