< Previous10 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 Careers JA Resorts & Hotels appoints Ralph Porciani as CEO IHG appoints director of design and capital planning JA Resorts & Hotels has appointed Ralph Porciani as its new chief executive officer, bringing over 40 years of high-level expertise in luxury hospitality to the UAE-based brand. Porciani’s extensive background includes significant tenures in both London and Scotland, where he established a reputation for operational excellence and leadership. His notable 20-year role at Trump Turnberry in Scotland culminated in achieving the prestigious Forbes Five-Star rating for the resort. He said: “I am delighted to join JA Resorts & Hotels, and I look forward to building upon its rich legacy, enhancing the guest experience, and fostering a culture of excellence among our team members.” As CEO, Porciani will focus on talent development, advancing digital initiatives, and championing sustainability. He aims to enhance guest engagement and reinforce the brand’s strong reputation for repeat business. Nelson Gibb, group chief executive officer of ownership company Dutco Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ralph to JA Resorts & Hotels. His leadership and passion for IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Himank Goswami as the senior director of design (premium, essentials, and suites) and capital planning for all brands across the SWA-MEA region. With over 15 years of experience in design, transformation, and capital planning within the hospitality industry, Goswami is set to lead regional design initiatives and oversee capital planning to enhance IHG’s offerings across 190-plus properties in South West Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In his new role, Goswami will drive net rooms’ growth through new builds and rebranding projects for IHG’s diverse brand portfolio, spanning premium, essentials, and suites segments. His responsibilities also include spearheading capital planning to ensure brand health and refurbishment support, enhancing the appearance and functionality of properties from essentials to luxury. “Truly grateful to our leadership for their trust and support. This role marks an incredibly rewarding chapter in a career spanning over 15 years, and I’m honoured to now lead regional design within one of the world’s largest hotel companies,” Goswami said in his LinkedIn post. hospitality make him the perfect fit to guide the brand through its next phase of growth. We look forward to seeing JA Resorts & Hotels flourish under his guidance while staying true to the values that have made it a beloved brand for so many years.”Careers / Day in the Life 12 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 Sara Alsayed A day in the life of Red Sea Global’s senior adventure operations specialist balances her role leading trail guides with her love for nature and the environmentCareers / Day in the Life DECEMBER 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 13 Sara Alsayed serves as a senior adventure operations specialist at Red Sea Global (RSG), bringing a background in business administration and a dedication to advancing the adventure and tourism sector. With four years of experience, she has expanded her expertise through practical roles, including her early work in outdoor adventure operations at a student boot camp. A solo traveller with a focus on purposeful travel, Alsayed has volunteered internationally in the hospitality sector, gaining insight into diverse cultures and practices. Dedicated to sustainable tourism and aligning with the RSG’s values, she prioritises eco-friendly initiatives that benefit local communities and preserve natural resources. Throughout her career, Alsayed aims to facilitate memorable experiences that balance the needs of both travellers and the environment. Her approach focuses on promoting sustainable practices and fostering positive interactions between guests and destinations, contributing to the responsible tourism landscape. Alsayed brings a collaborative spirit to her role, using her organisational and interpersonal skills to navigate complex operational needs, while aligning her work with her vision for responsible tourism. She shares insights from her adventure-fi lled mornings, where nature, connection and memorable experiences come to life on each trail. 4am-9am: I wake up early to the cheerful sounds of my birds, Layla and Anter, chirping away, their melodies filling my morning with joy. After getting ready, I take a quiet moment to pray, seeking blessings for a successful day ahead. Before sunrise, I drive to the resort, fi lled with excitement to create memorable experiences for our guests. Upon arrival, I warmly greet each guest, introducing myself and my team, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that sets everyone at ease for the adventure ahead. We gather for a brief overview of the day’s itinerary, where I share essential safety instructions and introduce the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. I lead the group in warm-up stretches to start our journey. As we embark, I guide them through the trail, pointing out stunning landscapes, sharing stories, facts and insights about the area. Unique landmarks come alive in the morning light as the sun rises, casting a beautiful glow across the scenery. I invite my guests to connect deeply with the experience, sharing the wonders of the unique plants and wildlife along the trail. During our session, we take moments to pause, allowing everyone to breathe in the tranquillity and embrace the natural beauty surrounding us. Throughout the journey, I facilitate conversations that help guests connect over shared experiences, ensuring that each person feels happy and deeply connected to nature. As we return to the drop-off point, I express heartfelt gratitude to each guest, bidding them farewell with a warm smile and sincere thanks for joining us on this meaningful journey. 9am-noon: After bidding farewell to the guests, I drive back to our compound and step into my cosy home, where my birds and plants bring warmth and life to the space. I take a moment to unwind before heading to the kitchen to prepare my matcha. With my favourite jazz playlist fi lling the air, the kitchen becomes a lively retreat as I make breakfast, a comforting bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh berries, nuts and chia seeds. The soothing jazz and nourishing meal are cherished parts of my routine, fuelling me for the day ahead. After enjoying breakfast, I take a refreshing nap to recharge before diving into the rest of my day. Noon-4pm: I head to the offi ce to complete the day, managing a team of three trail guides. My responsibilities include overseeing their work and tracking their progress. I dedicate time to writing content about our designed trails, collecting data and documentation for each location, and preparing reports. Additionally, I spend time in meetings with colleagues to fi nalise shared tasks. As I review the week’s responsibilities, I assign specifi c tasks to each team member, making sure they feel well-prepared and confi dent to tackle them. I can say with pride that I handle most of these tasks on a weekly basis. Later, I go for lunch with my team and greet colleagues from diff erent departments. 6pm-9pm: After wrapping up at the offi ce, I make my way home, where I now prefer to spend my free time with loved ones, especially since I’m currently living away from my hometown. I regularly connect with family and friends through video calls or fi nd comfort in cooking at home. For my ‘me time,’ I often curl up with a good book in my cosy corner or take peaceful seaside walks to watch the sunset, allowing me to unwind. My job and daily routine keep me on my feet, and though I sometimes use this as a reason to skip the gym, I still aim to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. On demanding days, before heading home, I usually stop by the dining hall for a light meal. 10pm: As sleep time approaches, I fi nd comfort in a warm cup of chamomile tea, its gentle aroma and calming warmth easing me into relaxation. Each sip brings a sense of peace, helping me drift off to sleep after a long day. “I facilitate conversations that help guests connect over shared experiences, ensuring they each feel happy”14 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 Waldorf Astoria DIFC’s Bull & Bear restaurant brings on chef Marc Hardiman to lead the culinary rebrand. The art-deco, fine-dining restaurant will pivot to focus on European cuisine with an international infl uence. Having previous prepared Christmas lunch for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal household at Buckingham Palace, Hardiman now assumes the role of chef patron at Bull & Bear. The three new curated menus refl ect Hardiman’s life: stories from his childhood, the warmth of family traditions and his culinary journey. We caught up with Hardiman to fi nd out more about his career, focus on sustainability, and future vision for the Bull & Bear restaurant. How and why did you get into the F&B industry? There are many reasons I became a chef, one of the main reasons being my grandmother was a huge inspiration for me when I was younger. I spent countless hours cooking with her in The new recruit In his new role, the chef patron has launched a new menu at Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria DIFC Careers / New Recruit b the kitchen. She had an incredible ability to turn simple ingre- dients into extraordinary dishes, and it was her passion during these innocuous sessions that sparked my own love for food. My grandfather and I used to go fi shing and she would teach me how to cook what we caught. It really was a hands-on expe- rience that made me appreciate the entire journey, from fi eld to plate. I was fortunate to grow up around food, cooking was a regular part of life — we made everything from cakes to roasts together. In my opinion, no one’s roast can ever compare to your nan’s. To this day, I aspire to make my Sunday roast as perfect as hers. Have there been any mentors in your career so far? I’ve had many mentors throughout my career which haven’t necessarily all been chefs, but rather hoteliers and restaura- teurs — Jeremy Rata and Richard Young, in particular. They taught me the true meaning of hospitality. For them, it was always about providing the best service and understanding that quality will always stand the test of time. Their philosophy of hospitality was rooted in generosity of spirit, and they inspired me to strive to be the best version of myself, both inside and outside the kitchen. What challenges are you expecting to face? Moving from London to Dubai means starting from the ground up and understanding the foundations of what your guest profi le looks like. This includess knowing the local clientele, exploring customer preferences in the Middle East, and getting familiar with the culinary landscape of the UAE. For me, this has been a continuous learning process, and I’m committed to learning more about this highly dynamic country and its gastronomic scene. A key focus is also mastering the product supply chain to ensure we meet demand effi ciently. Staying organised and planning ahead are essential to maintaining seamless operations from kitchen to table. I aim to create an open dialogue with our guests to understand what resonates with them, whilst striking the right balance between nostalgia and innovation in every dish. What is your ultimate goal in hospitality? My ultimate goal is to provide our guests with the best possi- ble dining experience, creating memorable moments that will always exceed their expectations. Just like how I was mentored, I aim to share my knowledge and experiences with the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and personal growth within them. I’m passionate about mentoring my colleagues and equipping them with the skills and confi dence to grow, even beyond me. If they surpass my achievements, it means I’ve done my job to the fullest. Marc HardimanPartner content 16 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 Located in the coastal area of Al Mairid, Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah offers the ultimate family retreat. The resort spans 1.5 km of private white-sandy beach, providing an escape from city life. The N orthern emirat e is renowned for its diverse geographical elements, from mountains and deserts to beaches and greenery and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah leverages these natural surroundings to create an environment that is ideal for family vacations as well as rejuvenating getaways. The hotel’s General Manager Sherif Kasseb brings over 29 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry. A seasoned leader in the GCC region, Kasseb is passionate about cultivating a winning culture and building successful organisations. Here, he shares insights on how, in today's hospitality industry, true inspiration centres around one key element: People. The story behind the GM Throughout his multifaceted career, Kasseb has expertly managed a portfolio of hotels in the region, demonstrating exemplary skills in overseeing key aspects of hotel management. After completing his degree in hotel management at Helwan University in Cairo, Kasseb began his hospitality journey as the director of rooms at Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in 2011. He quickly transitioned to the pre-opening team of Sheraton Grand Hotel in Dubai, where his passion for guest relations and unparalleled hospitality began to flourish. His hard work and dedication propelled him up the ranks, becoming executive assistant manager at the hotel in 2016, and later director of operations in 2020. His dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed; Kasseb received the General Manager of the Year award in 2022 at Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha and was honoured with the President’s Award. He is also a certified Operations Innovation (OI) Green Belt, having led the OI community at Sheraton Grand Dubai in 2017, achieving the highest revenue in the Middle East. Kasseb commenced his journey as GM of Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah in July 2024. In the role, he shoulders significant management responsibilities, navigating the diverse challenges of the hotel's dynamic environment. He is committed to improving profitability, guest satisfaction, and staff engagement while leading the hotel’s environmental and sustainability initiatives. Kasseb’s dedication to the hospitality industry and his comprehensive expertise position him as a key player in elevating Rixos Al Mairid to success. A people-first approach In his role as GM at Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, Kasseb is passionate about building a strong team. Aligning with the Revolutionising workplace culture in hospitality Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah’s General Manager Sherif Kasseb says the industry is all about peoplePartner content DECEMBER 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 17 brand’s ethos, he believes a thriving team is the foundation of exceptional guest experiences. “Our approach to corporate culture is designed not only to meet industry standards but to elevate the hospitality experience for our employees and guests alike. By embedding a strong culture of recognition, development, and meaningful engagement, we are reshaping what it means to work in the hospitality industry,” he explains. One of Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah’s key initiatives is the ‘Service Uplifters’ programme, aimed at fostering emotional hospitality among team members. Kasseb tells us how the programme focuses on reinforcing Rixos values through interactive and creative exercises, where team members actively engage with core values and embody the spirit of Rixos in an enjoyable and memorable way. These hands-on practices are complemented by recognition that acknowledges individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of guests and colleagues. “From flexible learning programmes that cater to different learning styles to mentorship opportunities that leverage experienced staff for guidance, we create pathways that resonate with everyone, from Gen Z newcomers to seasoned professionals,” shares Kasseb. “These strategies are vital for the future of hospitality, helping us foster an inclusive environment that harnesses the best ideas from each generation, ensuring sustained growth and innovation.” Kasseb explains how building a team that comprises multiples generations requires a range of engagement techniques to meet the diverse needs of the team, as well as make the most of each individuals unique strength and perspective. In addition to fostering a values-driven culture, Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah is dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth. The GM says the hotel offers comprehensive training on product knowledge and service standards, empowering employees to become true ambassadors of the Rixos brand. This focus on knowledge not only empowers the team but also enhances their confidence and ability to deliver unparalleled service. Furthermore, the resort places a strong emphasis on celebrating team successes. “Our ‘Day in Honour’ and ‘Success Jars’ activities create a positive environment where achievements are acknowledged regularly, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our employees,” Kasseb explains. “By implementing these initiatives, Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah is setting a new standard for workplace culture in hospitality, demonstrating that when employees feel valued and engaged, they are inspired to deliver extraordinary service.”Opinion / Mark Phoenix 18 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / DECEMBER 2024 A new era of branded residences Mark Phoenix, CEO of Sankari on how luxury hospitality brands are fl ocking to Dubai’s booming real estate market In recent years, partnerships between luxury hospitality brands and real estate developers in Dubai have revealed a significant trend: the evolution of luxury lifestyle offerings. Wealthy individuals and investors are increasingly recognising the importance of a comprehensive ecosystem where privacy, security, and service are not only maintained but enhanced through brand collaborations. As an early adopter of stand-alone, hospitality-branded and managed residences for ultra-high-net-worth residents, I’ve seen a remarkable impact of these properties on the UAE market. Their deep-rooted understanding of service, quality, and lifestyle transcends traditional luxury partnerships. A residence affiliated with a hospitality brand is not just about elegant design; it embodies a sophisticated lifestyle and a commitment to quality. These brands have built their reputations on delivering highly personalised experiences that align perfectly with the aspirations of discerning homeowners. I like to classify these properties as managed residences, which blend luxury living with the exceptional service standards characteristic of hospitality brands. The experience beyond the home In the realm of luxury living, hospitality brands possess an extraordinary ability to elevate a residence into a vibrant, dynamic experience. Managed residences offer world-class services, such as 24/7 concierge assistance, housekeeping, and exquisite dining options, all integrated into the daily lives of residents. This level of service ensures that comfort and convenience are paramount for residents. While many luxury brands enhance a property’s appeal, they often fall short of delivering the comprehensive quality of life that hospitality brands provide. Managed residences uniquely combine exceptional service with upscale living, creating an environment where privacy and luxury coexist. This synergy offers an exceptional lifestyle, making these managed residences the ultimate choice for discerning homeowners. UAE’s explosive growth in branded residences The UAE, and particularly Dubai, is evolving rapidly from a top tourist destination to a sought-after home for many high- net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Recent growth indicates that the country has become a second home or even a primary residence for many, reflecting a shifting population dynamic and increased global interest in Dubai as a place to live rather than just visit. This transformation is especially evident in the booming branded residences sector. Dubai is now home to over 72,500 millionaires, each with investable wealth exceeding US$100 million, solidifying the city’s status as a premier destination for the global elite. The growth of branded residences has surged by 160 percent in the last decade, according to Savills, and is projected to double by 2030. Dubai, alongside Miami, is leading this global trend, at tracting 83 percent of HNWIs seeking branded homes. With an astonishing 410 percent growth in branded residences between 2014 and 2024, Dubai has surpassed traditional luxury hubs like New York and London, becoming a primary choice for luxury living. This shift in Dubai’s population mix is driving broader changes in its urban landscape. These developments are reshaping not just the real estate market but the economy as a whole. Branded residences are fueling job creation, promoting long-term investment, and spurring infrastructure growth, cementing Dubai and the UAE as premier residential destinations for the world’s wealthiest. 2024’s luxury real estate surge is setting a new standard in the region As we approach the end of 2024, it’s clear that the UAE’s real estate market is experiencing unprecedented growth. In January alone, real estate transactions reached an astounding US$9.6 billion, marking a 27 percent year-on-year increase. The fourth quarter of 2024 witnessed a record-breaking property sale of AED 275 million, setting a new benchmark for luxury real estate in the UAE. This boom is being driven by a surge of wealthy individuals seeking high-return investments, particularly in the luxury property sector. These investors are acquiring real estate; but are targeting properties that offer exceptional lifestyle experiences along with long-term value. On a broader scale, this reflects an economic shift, positioning the UAE as a global destination for luxury living and high-end investment opportunities. This signals a pivotal phase for both the real estate market and the region’s economic landscape.Next >