The General Manager of JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha on the future of the hospitality industry, plans for the hotel and a surprising hobby.

You began your hospitality journey on the food and beverage side of the industry. Is this something you miss since moving into general management roles?

Absolutely! My career began in food and beverage (F&B), and that part of the business still holds a special place in my heart. There’s something uniquely dynamic about the F&B environment; it’s where I learned the importance of timing, attention to detail and anticipating guest needs before they’re even expressed. Those early experiences shaped my management style today.

While I’ve moved into broader operational responsibilities, I still find myself regularly connecting with the culinary and service teams, reviewing menus or jumping into tastings. It’s part of who I am, and I believe that passion still resonates throughout the guest experience.

What is your view of the future of the hospitality industry across the region and, more specifically, in Qatar?

The region is evolving rapidly, and Qatar is at the forefront of this transformation. The country’s investment in infrastructure, culture and world-class events is helping redefine what luxury hospitality looks like in the Middle East.

We’re seeing a growing demand for personalised, experience-driven travel. Guests are no longer just looking for a place to stay, they want to immerse themselves in the destination. Qatar is perfectly positioned to deliver on that, with its blend of heritage, innovation and world-class hospitality offerings.

I believe we’ll continue to see growth in niche segments like wellness travel, sustainable tourism and cultural tourism.

How is the country’s tourism industry developing following the World Cup and the downswing after the massive boost in tourism from that major international event?

The World Cup was a pivotal moment for Qatar; it introduced the country to millions of first-time visitors and put us firmly on the global tourism map. Naturally, there was a post-event dip, but what’s impressive is how the momentum has been maintained through strategic campaigns and new attractions.

The government and private sector have both been proactive in positioning Qatar as a year-round destination, not just one tied to major events. We’re now seeing more regional travel, extended stopovers and return visitors who were impressed the first time. It’s a clear sign that the foundations laid during the World Cup are continuing to deliver results.

What are your plans for the hotel in the second half of the year and going forward?

Our focus for the rest of the year is twofold: enhancing the guest experience and deepening our connection with the local community. We are introducing curated experiences that go beyond the traditional hotel stay; from immersive cultural packages to elevated dining experiences.

Internally, we’re investing in team development, because I firmly believe a motivated and empowered team creates the strongest guest impact. Looking ahead, we also continue exploring sustainable initiatives to align with Qatar’s national vision and position our hotel as a leader in responsible luxury.

On a personal note, do you have a secret talent or bucket list item that you can share with our readers?

I have a deep love for music and musical instruments. During my school days I took music lessons which allowed me to read music and play both the drums and the Oriental tabla, which has given me a strong appreciation for rhythm and percussion.

More recently, and in particular during Covid-19 lockdown, I’ve taught myself how to DJ. It’s still more of a hobby than a profession, but it’s something I truly enjoy and find creatively fulfilling.

Travel is another big passion of mine, especially to warm, sunny countries. There’s something incredibly energising about exploring new cultures under the sun, with good music always in the background – it’s the perfect mix of my favourite things. ✤