The Cluster General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Doha, Al Sadd and Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton, on a spark of enthusiasm that’s led to a satisfying career.

What first attracted you to the hospitality sector and has it lived up to your expectations?
My passion for hospitality began at a young age when I worked at food and beverage outlets and hotels during school breaks. I remember seeing business travellers in their elegant suits and being captivated by the grandeur of the meetings and events that took place. It was a world that fascinated me and it ignited a spark that has stayed with me. This early exposure led me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel Management, a decision that has shaped my career.
Looking back, the industry has far exceeded my expectations. I’ve had the privilege of working across various international markets and winning accolades along the way, such as the Best General Manager of the Year award from Haute Grandeur Global Awards. Every day brings new challenges and rewards, and it’s that dynamic nature that keeps me passionate about this field.

You’ve been in your current post a while now, how are you finding it and what are your future plans for the properties?
It’s been a journey of immense growth. Managing two distinct properties, each with its own identity and clientele, has provided me with the unique opportunity to refine our offerings to meet evolving market demands.
DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Al Sadd, has earned numerous awards for its outstanding hospitality services, and Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton continues to be recognised for its seamless personalised experiences. I work alongside an exceptional team, one that is motivated and led by strong leaders across departments. Together, we are focused on capturing market share and consistently exceeding the expectations of our guests. As Doha continues to grow as a global destination, we are positioning our properties to stay at the forefront. Restructuring our services to meet changing demands while maintaining market relevancy is a key focus moving forward.

How do you navigate managing two very different properties with a wide-ranging clientele?
The Qatari hospitality market is diverse and evolving, and managing two properties that cater to different audiences requires a tailored approach. Each attracts distinct clientele, from business travellers to long-stay guests, and I don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Our goal is always to create customised experiences that meet the specific needs of our guests.
Understanding the nuances of both allows us to anticipate guest needs and deliver exceptional service. It’s all about paying attention to the details and continuously adapting to the market trends.

One of the philosophies you believe in is: “Each morning presents a choice: slumber with your dreams or rise and pursue them.” How does this play out in your own life and how do you communicate it to your team?
This philosophy is something I try to live by every day. In hospitality, like in life, success comes from a combination of passion and persistence. I always tell my team that while working hard is important, working smart and being passionate about what you do is equally crucial.
Our collective success has been reflected in the numerous awards we’ve received, from guest satisfaction accolades to operational excellence awards. I also believe in the saying, “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” which essentially means that a leader is nothing without their team. My role is to inspire, guide and provide the resources needed for my team to succeed. We emphasise respect for diversity and inclusion, which fosters a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Together, we rise to pursue our collective goals and the results speak for themselves.

With a quarter of a century of experience in the hospitality field, do you have any interesting experiences you can share with our readers?
With over 25 years in hospitality, I’ve had my share of memorable experiences! One that stands out was the challenges faced with the onset of covid-19 where we had to accommodate a full-house of quarantine guests with minimal resources. It was a logistical challenge, but the team came together with incredible creativity to make it happen. ✤