Insider Stories

ME by Meliá Dubai, the iconic hotel designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, proudly announces the appointment of Gyunay Alieva as the new director of sales and marketing. With an impressive background in luxury hospitality and a proven track record of driving significant growth, Alieva brings with her over 15 years of experience and is poised to further drive the hotel's position in the competitive market with her fresh perspective and strategic vision. As the new director of sales and marketing at ME by Meliá Dubai, Alieva is focused on driving the hotel's strategic vision, enhancing its market positioning, and elevating its reputation as a premier luxury and lifestyle destination. Her responsibilities encompass leading a dynamic team in developing and executing innovative sales and marketing strategies, fostering key partnerships and collaborations, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. With a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Public Relations, Alieva's journey began in 2009 as a sales executive at Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort & Spa, followed by her role as senior sales manager at Meydan Hotel & Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Alieva has excelled in diverse roles, including business development manager at The First Group, and she was part of the preopening executive for Meraas, where she served as Sales Manager, consistently delivering exceptional results within her position. Prior to her role at ME by Meliá Dubai, Alieva held the position of global director of sales at Rixos Hotels, Accor ALL Inclusive Brand. In this role, she oversaw multiple properties and played a pivotal role in the successful preopening and launch of new projects across the UAE, Türkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Vietnam. Here, she demonstrated remarkable expertise in launching new projects, managing financial structures, and building vital partnerships to ensure each venture's operational success and financial viability. Her tenure at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island & Club Prive and Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites as director of sales saw operation growth with Alieva's proven track record in revenue generation and team leadership, highlighted by achieving record-breaking revenues and exceeding annual budgets. Her creative approach has positioned the properties at the forefront of competitive markets, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai's tourism boards and government organisations. Alieva aims to build on ME by Meliá Dubai's renowned symbol of style and sophistication, leveraging its architectural excellence and cultural distinction to attract discerning travellers across the globe. Her goal is to deliver sustainable growth through tailored initiatives that highlight the hotel's unique brand positioning while nurturing a collaborative and results-driven team culture.

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Stuart Birkwood as the cluster GM for Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City and Park Inn by Radisson, Dubai Motor City.

Renaissance Business Bay Hotel has appointed Chef Oscar Cimmino as its new Chef de Cuisine. Originally from Italy, Cimmino brings over a decade of expertise in Italian and international cuisines. Having previously served as chef de cuisine at Sheraton Dubai Creek & Towers, he is known for his inventive menu creations and commitment to sustainable practices, including reducing food waste and promoting local ingredients. His culinary philosophy will undoubtedly enhance the hotel's dining experiences, ensuring that each meal resonates with quality and innovation. Cimmino's leadership will be pivotal in curating a diverse and vibrant food offering that reflects both global trends and local influences.

Anantara World Islands Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonia Sammut as its new Resort Manager, effective 1 November 2024. Sonia joins the resort after a successful tenure as Operations Manager at Anantara The Palm Dubai Residences, where she has overseen the property since November 2021 and successfully launched the new Facilities Management department. Originally from Malta, Sonia has a Diploma in Advanced Tourism and completed an Advanced Leadership Programme with IHG in 2012. She began her career in 2006 as a Guest Relations & Club Lounge Manager in her home country, before moving to United Arab Emirates in 2012 to join Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai. Fluent in three languages including English and Italian, Sonia brings a rich international background and extensive expertise from her leadership roles across Dubai and Europe. With nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, she is lauded for her guest service excellence, operational rigor, and her proactive approach to team development, particularly in front office, housekeeping, engineering, and F&B. Sonia's operational expertise, people-focused leadership, and results-driven mindset are sure to be valuable assets as she leads the team at this unique island resort, bringing new ideas and commitment to luxury service.

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort announces the return of Mohamed El Aghoury as the multi-property general manager. With over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, El Aghoury has built his career across the Middle East and internationally, holding leadership positions at prestigious hotels in Dubai, Egypt and the Maldives. His expertise spans hospitality management, F&B operations, and property rebranding. His leadership was instrumental at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, where he drove strategic initiatives that significantly increased occupancy and revenue. He is a highly awarded leader, recognised for his excellence in hospitality management and dedication to guest satisfaction.

Having only opened earlier this year, Serenity Spa, Fairmont The Palm, brings on Nadia Bartolomeo as spa director. With a diverse career spreading across many globally recognised wellness destinations and award-winning spas, she takes on the new role with the aim of supporting the spa become a well-recognised name in the UAE. Bartolomeo began her wellness journey in London, leading operations at St. Pancras Spa and refining her craft as a senior therapist at The Lanesborough Hotel. Bartolomeo joined Serenity Spa from Uptown Spa by S/O Hotel Dubai, where she led the pre-opening of the five-star spa. Prior to that role, Bartolomeo was director of spa and recreation at Ciel Spa, SLS Dubai Hotels and Residences where she received multiple awards including, the Fact Spa and Wellness Best Newcomer in 2021, and the World Luxury Spa Awards Luxury Couple Spa - UAE 2022. Her leadership and ability to nurture high-performing teams made Ciel Spa a standout in Dubai's wellness scene. A notable role in Bartolomeo's career is her tenure as director of spa at The Spa Palazzo, Versace, Dubai, one of the top luxury spas in the region. During her time there, the spa gained international recognition with Travel & Leisure Best Destination Spa International and Leaders in Hospitality Luxury Spa. Throughout her career Bartolomeo has managed pre-openings, and day-to-day operations at prestigious establishments including Ayana Spa at Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi and The Spa at The Address Downtown Dubai. With Bartolomeo's new appointment, Serenity Spa, plan to redefine their position as a leader in luxury wellness.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha has appointed Edgar Hurtado as culinary director. He had been working at the hotel as executive chef of its Latin restaurant, Curiosa by Jean-Georges. In the role, he will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's 11 distinct dining venues, including Nobu, Curiosa by Jean-Georges, Elements Restaurant, Makani, Seasons Tea Lounge and Le Deli Robuchon. With over 20 years of international culinary experience, Hurtado's career began in Lima, Peru, where he graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Institute at just 18. He honed his skills at the Grand Hotel in the USA under the mentorship of chef Hanz Burtscher, before taking on roles at notable establishments such as Ocean Reef Resorts in Florida, Grand Hotel in Michigan, and Pearl Harbor Luxor Hotels. In 2013, he moved to Dubai, where he led the culinary team at The Act. During this time, he collaborated with the Trade Office of Peru, promoting Peruvian cuisine through high-profile culinary events in the UAE. During his tenure at JW Marriott Marquis he established Latin restaurant Garden. Hurtado's culinary journey also took him to Germany, where he showcased Peruvian flavours at the Sheraton Hotel in Frankfurt. In 2019, he relocated to Qatar to serve as executive chef at Toro Toro, collaborating closely with chef Richard Sandoval, moving to Four Seasons in 2022.

Kerzner International is delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Peruzzo as Cluster General Manager for One&Only One Za’abeel and SIRO One Za’abeel. A seasoned leader with over two decades of luxury hospitality experience, Thomas will oversee the strategic development and daily operations of both properties, ensuring they continue to deliver transformative guest experiences that define their status as standout destinations in Dubai. Thomas brings an impressive breadth of international expertise, having held senior positions at prestigious properties across Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as Area General Manager for Armani Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Milan, where he played an instrumental role in steering Armani Hotel Dubai to new heights of operational excellence, while also supporting the development of the upcoming Armani Hotel Diriyah Gate in Saudi Arabia. Thomas’s visionary leadership has been pivotal in shaping world-class properties and ensuring their sustained success in highly competitive markets. His appointment underscores Kerzner International’s dedication to fostering exceptional guest journeys and upholding the highest standards of luxury. Under Thomas’s leadership, both One&Only One Za’abeel and SIRO One Za’abeel will continue to push boundaries in luxury hospitality, creating distinctive, tailored experiences that resonate with discerning travelers. A passionate leader, Thomas is known for his ability to inspire teams and drive operational innovation. “Luxury extends beyond beautiful settings,” Thomas shares. “It’s about crafting immersive, meaningful moments that leave a lasting impression. When a team works with passion and purpose, it translates into every guest interaction, creating an extraordinary environment.” In his role as Cluster General Manager, Thomas will guide both One&Only One Za’abeel and SIRO One Za’abeel to ensure the dual-tower development remains a symbol of luxury and forward-thinking innovation in Dubai. With stunning 360-degree views, world-class dining, wellness programs, and private residences, these properties set a new standard for urban luxury. Under Thomas’s leadership, they will continue to redefine the guest experience, cementing their standing as iconic landmarks in the city.

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, appoints Tim Stanhope as the new general manager. Stanhope has over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, beginning in F&B with leading brands like Emaar, IHG and Shangri-La, before moving into general management. His international experience has taken him to Asia, Oceania and Europe, as well as the Middle East, where he worked as GM at The Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills, Dubai in 2017. Most recently, Tim was working as the GM of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, New South Wales, Australia. Under his leadership, the hotel won several renowned awards, including TAA & HM Best Luxury Resort NSW 2022, Silver in NSW Sustainability Advantage Program, Virtuoso Best of the Best, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2019, and Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2019. Stanhope now brings his expertise in luxury hotel management, crisis resolution and strategic operational leadership to the centre of Dubai's heritage and conservation efforts, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. Nestled in an oasis in the middle of Arabia's dune and desert landscapes, the resort is just 45 minutes away from Dubai.

Jumeirah announced on Monday the appointment of Julien Soyez as vice president of communications. In this role, Soyez will help advance Jumeirah’s communication strategy and build the brand in new markets as part of its global expansion plans. Most notably, he will oversee all areas of Jumeirah’s communications and social media. Soyez will be based in Dubai and will report to chief brand officer Michael Grieve. “Julien will play a crucial role in steering our communication strategies in line with the evolution of the Jumeirah brand,” Grieve said.  “His deep understanding of luxury narratives, along with his extensive network, will be instrumental as we look to enhance our visibility with a blend of culture, conversation and connection that builds our reputation as a brand of influence — both in the Middle East and globally". ”With plans to expand our portfolio into new destinations across the globe, Julien’s international exposure to art, fashion and culture will help us identify and leverage the right opportunities to further enhance our brand perception in the luxury hospitality sector.” Soyez joins the luxury hotel operator from Gucci where he was worldwide press director. He has also held creative brand marketing and communications roles with brands including Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs.  Soyez added: “Joining Jumeirah at this transformative time is an incredibly exciting opportunity. The brand’s commitment to growth and innovation in the luxury hospitality sector is inspiring”.

Red Sea Global Hospitality has recently appointed Carla Puverel as the new general manager of Shebara, marking a significant step in the company's expansion in the luxury hospitality sector. With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Puverel has demonstrated her expertise in various senior management roles across some of the most prestigious resorts in the Maldives, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Her most recent role was as General Manager at Rixos Qetaifan Island North in Doha, where she served from November 2023 to March 2024. Prior to this, she was the resort manager at Anantara Phuket Layan in Thailand and Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas in Sri Lanka, contributing significantly to the operations and guest experience at these renowned properties. Additionally, her leadership as General Manager at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island highlights her capacity to manage high-end resorts.

Stephen Ansell is Hyatt‘s new Managing Director in its fast-expanding Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. In his role, Stephen will oversee the MEA regional portfolio, currently comprising 38 hotels, more than 9,000 rooms, and eight brands spanning Park Hyatt to Alila Hotels & Resorts and more. He will also pay a key role in expanding Hyatt’s presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ensuring the brands offerings continue to meet the evolving needs of guests and partners. Stephen joined Hyatt in 1996 as Director of F&B at Hyatt Regency Riyadh and has since held General Manager positions at several Hyatt hotels including Hyatt Regency Bishkek and Hyatt Regency Kyiv, where he was central to the hotels’ opening. At Park Hyatt Moscow, he spent nine successful years before being appointed as Area Vice President of Russia and Eastern Europe in 2014. He holds a degree in Hotel and Catering Management from the University of Portsmouth. With nearly three decades of experience within the hospitality industry, Stephen brings with him a wealth of expertise and an impressive track record of hotel management to the role. Most recently, he held a dual role as Area Vice President for Central Europe where he was responsible for Hyatt’s operations in the region. This is in addition to serving as the General Manager at Park Hyatt Zurich, where he oversaw the running of the luxury Swiss hotel, applying his passion and expertise of the hotel industry at the property level. Hyatt is dedicated to expanding its brand footprint in new and desired destinations. In KSA, the group is gearing up for the opening of Grand Hyatt The Red Sea and Miraval The Red Sea late 2025. Hyatt also entered into management agreements with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) earlier this year, for two new Hyatt-branded hotels, Hyatt House Madinah KEC and Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC, adding a combined 576 keys to Hyatt’s pipeline.