Ehab Barghouth, General Manager of Pullman Doha West Bay, on career experiences that have shaped his management style, leading by example and great things to do in Qatar.

In a career spanning almost three decades, you have worked across the Middle East and also in North America. What are the major differences and similarities you’ve noted between the two regions?
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered significant differences and similarities between the Middle East and North America. In terms of differences, Middle Eastern business practices emphasise personal relationships and trust, influencing decision-making and negotiations, whereas North American hospitality tends to operate more transactionally, adhering closely to established policies and contracts. Customer expectations also differ: in the Middle East, guests often seek personalised service and hospitality rooted in local traditions of warmth and generosity, whereas in North America, efficiency, convenience and tailored experiences are paramount. Despite these contrasts, both regions share a commitment to high standards of service and guest satisfaction. Professionals in hospitality across both regions benefit from robust career opportunities, professional development initiatives and a shared dedication to excellence in guest service and operational management. Navigating these variations and leveraging commonalities has enriched my career, enabling me to adapt strategies, appreciate cultural nuances and consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences across diverse markets in the Middle East and North America.

Your management style has been described as hands-on and transformative. How is this illustrated at Pullman Doha West Bay?
Through several key initiatives and practices, I have made significant strides at Pullman Doha West Bay. A main leadership practice which is dear to my heart, is leading by example and being with the team on the floor. I am dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices, enhancing digital guest experiences and supporting local community initiatives in alignment with Pullman’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, I prioritise and facilitate team collaboration and communication, fostering an environment where open dialogue and teamwork thrive. By promoting cross-departmental collaboration and transparency, we ensure a unified approach to achieving our objectives and consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences.

What are your plans for the future of the hotel – any new facilities, offers or menu options you can share with us?
At Pullman Doha West Bay we always have something new coming up. We have plans for creating an outdoor outlet on our third-floor terrace providing our guests with a new experience, apart from attracting several regional and international entertainers to perform in our huge Al-Thuraya Ballroom.
In terms of menus and food and beverage offerings, we make changes and upgrades to our menus to meet our guests’ tastes, as well as presenting new concepts of theme nights and Friday brunch.

In such a long career, you must have had some memorable moments, what would you say is the most unique thing you have experienced?
Throughout my career I have passed several major crises, either worldwide or in countries I was working in. From September 11 to the Iraq war, world economic crises followed by the Arab Spring and revolution while working in Egypt, the embargo on Qatar followed by Covid-19, through those difficult times, I had a lot of experiences and lessons were learned which helped me develop strengths and knowledge on how to succeed during and after the difficulties.
These events gave me a different perspective on managing the business and action planning for success. I can say that in each of those events, for the teams I worked with, we came out stronger and navigated out of the difficulties with success stories, where we have not made losses and, in some cases, we achieved good profits, which may be a shocking fact under such conditions.

What three things would you recommend every visitor to Qatar to see or do?
Visit Souq Waqif, which offers a glimpse into Qatari culture with its bustling atmosphere, authentic shops and numerous cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine. Explore the Museum of Islamic Art, where you’ll find a stunning collection of Islamic art spanning 1,400 years. The museum building itself, designed by architect I.M. Pei, is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. And, take a desert safari to experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding and sandboarding and enjoying a traditional Arabian dinner under the stars at a desert camp.
These activities offer a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration and adventurous experiences that showcase the diversity and beauty of Qatar. ✤