The new GM of Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery Collection, talks passion projects and plans for the future.

Congratulation on your new appointment. Your most recent positions have been either regional or corporate with roles such as launching Accor’s first co-branded credit card in the Middle East and Africa. What made you decide to transition to the GM side of the hospitality business?
In my previous two roles with Accor, I oversaw commercial operations and played a key role in bringing our newly launched lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL – Accor Live Limitless, to life through strategic partnerships with our hotels and partners.
As a dedicated hotelier with 12 years of experience in a regional office role, I came to realise how much I missed the dynamic energy of hotel operations. This brought me back to the core of the hospitality industry at Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery Collection, where my primary goal is to enhance operational excellence and further establish MGallery as a leading luxury brand in the market. This hotel holds a special place in my heart, having been involved since its inception and launch. Returning now provides an ideal opportunity to fully engage with a project that aligns with both my passion and professional expertise.

How do you believe this role will differ and how have your previous positions prepared you?
My vision is to create a seamless and exceptional guest experience, ensuring that every facet of the hotel upholds the highest standards of luxury and service. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, I aim to elevate Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery Collection to new heights within Doha’s hospitality landscape.
As a hotelier at heart, I began my career in front office and food and beverage and, over the past 12 years, I transitioned to overseeing hotel performance from a strategic, high-level perspective. Returning to the hotel level allows me to engage with each department directly, ensuring that all objectives are achieved while simultaneously enhancing revenue, guest satisfaction and overall quality. Having overseen the performance of more than 90 hotels, I have gained invaluable insight into best practice, what works and what does not, allowing me to bring this wealth of experience to a single property.

What are your plans for the property – any new developments/ F&B options etc that you can share with us?
A key focus for us is revitalising the hotel’s restaurant offerings, with exciting renovation plans designed to create a more dynamic culinary experience for our guests. Currently, we have several engaging activations underway to highlight our dining options.
In addition to enhancing our food and beverage offerings, we are making substantial investments in our spa and recreational facilities to continually elevate the guest experience. A key highlight is our stunning deck on the third floor, where we are focussing on O’Glacee, hosting themed nights and special events to create a vibrant and lively atmosphere. This summer, we introduced a unique initiative where pool entrance fees are fully redeemable toward food and beverage purchases. Due to its success, we’ve decided to extend this offering and I believe we are the first in Doha to provide such exceptional value.

This is your first position in Doha, how are you finding it so far?
I have been visiting Doha since 2004 and, over the past 20 years, the city has undergone an extraordinary transformation. From the development of vibrant areas like Msheireb Downtown to the modernised infrastructure, the addition of world-class hotels and the state-of-the-art airport, undoubtedly one of the best I have experienced globally, Doha has truly evolved. These advancements have significantly contributed to the year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals. Qatar Airways, Discover Qatar and the Qatar Tourism Board have played pivotal roles in driving this growth.

What are your favourite things to do in the city that you would recommend to visitors?
At Alwadi Hotel Doha, we offer over 18 tours and activities. One of my personal favourites is the North of Qatar tour, which takes you to Al Khor, one of the oldest ports in the country, where you can witness the traditional craftsmanship of boat building. The tour also includes a visit to an ancient, deserted Qatari village, where homes were originally made from limestone and mud mortar, and concludes with an unforgettable experience at Al Thakira Nature Reserve, where you can explore the stunning mangrove forests. Another highly recommended activity is the desert safari. While most Gulf safaris are inland, Qatar’s southern safari stands out with its unique coastal route, offering an incredible experience along the seashore. ✤