A One-Of-A-Kind Escape

Ammar Samad, General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, talks about the property’s unique aspects and his interest in Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine.

Throughout your career, you have worked at many prestigious hotels, but Zulal is one of a kind. How does this amazing property compare with your previous experiences?
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som stands apart from anything I’ve experienced in my career. While I’ve been fortunate to work with some remarkable properties, Zulal is unique in how it blends luxury, wellness and culture into one cohesive experience. The focus here isn’t just on delivering exceptional hospitality, but about creating meaningful, lasting change for our guests. What also makes Zulal special is its dual concept: Zulal Serenity, which is dedicated to adults, and Zulal Discovery, where families can bond through wellness. It’s rare to find a property that caters so thoughtfully to such a wide range of needs while staying rooted in its cultural heritage. Being a part of something so distinctive and impactful is incredibly fulfilling.

TAIM – Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine – is one of the major pillars of Zulal. Is this something you are personally interested in and how do this emphasis and TAIM’s teachings play into your management of the resort?
TAIM is fascinating to me on a personal level because it’s so holistic and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s about achieving balance – not just in health, but in all aspects of life. That idea of balance shapes how we approach everything at Zulal. Family wellness is a big part of this too. Helping families connect, spend quality time together and focus on their wellbeing is something I’m especially passionate about. TAIM’s emphasis on nurturing these bonds makes it so meaningful. Plus, its alignment with sustainable practices fits perfectly with what we stand for as a resort. For me, TAIM isn’t just a wellness approach – it’s a lifestyle. Seeing how much it resonates with our guests, their families and our team makes it all the more rewarding

Zulal has made a point of working with local and international artists and Qatar’s creative community to bring in exciting installations. Is there anything new planned for the coming months?
We’re always looking for new ways to enhance what we offer at Zulal. In the coming months, we will host a series of residencies featuring world-renowned visiting consultants and experts. They bring diverse specialisations that draw from ancient philosophies, modern medical and nutritional science and the latest in wellness therapies, offering guests fresh perspectives and transformative wellness experiences. On the family side, Zulal Discovery is introducing exciting new wellness retreats that perfectly blend quality time together with opportunities for individual self-care. These programmes are designed to help families relax, reconnect and recharge, with every detail tailored to their unique needs. For children aged nine to 15, we’ve created three transformative retreats: Fit 4 Life, focussing on physical activity and healthy habits; Thrive, which builds emotional intelligence and resilience; and Digital Detox, encouraging kids to unplug and develop healthier relationships with technology.

You are marking 25 years in the hospitality industry this year. Over that time, you must have had some interesting/funny experiences. Is there any one incident that stands out?
Opening four hotels across three brands in less than one year. This was an accomplishment that required incredible team collaboration, high energy and passion for results.

When you are not working, how do you like to spend your downtime in Qatar?
When I’m not working, I like to stay active with HITTS training, because it’s a great way to unwind and keep my energy levels up. I’m also a big fan of American football, so I enjoy catching games whenever I can. It’s the perfect mix of staying physically active and relaxing with something I’m passionate about. ✤