MOVEMENTS

Tourism Malaysia, Dubai

Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin has been appointed as the new Director of the Tourism Malaysia Dubai office. A visionary leader in tourism, Hatmin brings 22 years of experience across various divisions within Tourism Malaysia, including Tourism Malaysia in Milan, Italy. Now, in Dubai, Hatmin aims to elevate Malaysia’s tourism footprint in the Middle East, emphasising on sustainable practices and collaboration. His vision promises an exciting chapter for Malaysia’s tourism industry. Taking over the reins in the Middle East, Hatmin is tasked with overlooking not just the United Arab Emirates but also Pakistan. Currently, he will be focusing on the winter season working with airlines and travel agents so that they could have a joint promotion.

Tourism Malaysia, Dubai

Azhar Musyabri Abdul Mutallib has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Dubai. Having worked for 17 years with Tourism Malaysia office across various divisions, he will apply his skills and experience outside of Malaysia. At a time when Malaysia is growing its tourism products to entice more visitors from across the globe with a special focus on the Middle East and Dubai in particular, Azhar will be sharing his expertise with the UAE market. Azhar is currently in Dubai gaining valuable experience working outside Malaysia, which presents a great opportunity to expand his knowledge and focus on marketing efforts to promote Malaysia.

 

The Travel Portfolio, Abu Dhabi

Namratha Rose has been appointed as the Business Development Manager at The Travel Portfolio. Her wealth of expertise and experience over the years in travel and tourism sectors makes her an invaluable asset to the new venture. She was regarded as the game changer for the Spain Tourism Board in GCC serving as Manager – Marketing and Trade Relations where she successfully completed her tenure. This role marks an exciting new chapter in her career, as she collaborates with the expanding team to drive the Middle East expansion of Heavens Portfolio, known for representing the world’s most luxurious travel brands and experiences. It offers a curated collection of unique, exclusive, and truly unforgettable travel providers, including luxury hotels, wellness resorts, boutique retreats, DMCs, and tourism boards.

 

Sun Siyam Resorts, Maldives

Sun Siyam Resorts promotes Sara Siyam from the position of Creative Director to Director of Marketing. With an impressive tenure at Sun Siyam Resorts since 2017, Sara Siyam has demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity, driving brand development and innovative creative strategies. In her new role, she will lead the marketing department in refining the creative vision of Sun Siyam Resorts. She will be responsible for elevating brand awareness through integrated brand and marketing campaigns, as well as unique experiential events across all properties to ultimately drive growth and revenue for the company. Her focus will further enhance Sun Siyam Resorts’ global brand presence.

 

HSMAI ME, Dubai

Judith Cartwright has been appointed Chair of HSMAI Middle East’s Revenue Optimisation Advisory Board. Judith has more than 20-year experience in the hospitality industry, achieving unprecedented results by taking an innovative and disruptive approach to traditional revenue management. She is also a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), a leading source for global hospitality expertise. She is also Founder and Managing Director of UAE-based Black Coral Consulting, a leading revenue optimisation consultancy for the hospitality sector. The firm has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner for luxury hotels and hospitality businesses, servicing clients across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean.

 

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi appoints Evelyn Nguyen  Van  Schwarcz as its new Director of Groups & Events. With 11-year experience in hotel and events operations, Schwarcz has consistently demonstrated her expertise in business development, corporate engagement, and event management. Prior to this, she was Head of Event Sales & Marketing at Pixoul Gaming & Adrenark Adventure. In previous roles, Schwarcz was instrumental in both the active and passive acquisition of new clients. She expertly managed all event communications from site visits, to set up and execution, and maintained long-term relationships with clients and third parties. Her notable achievements include closing corporate event deals with prestigious clients.

 

Gewan Hotels & Resorts, Abu Dhabi

Gewan Hotels & Resorts has appointed Khaled Al Kurdi as the new Director of Operations for HE Hotel Apartments by Gewan in Dubai. With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Al Kurdi brings extensive knowledge and a commitment to excellence that will enhance the guest experience at Gewan’s latest luxury property. Khaled began his career with Wyndham Hospitality in Jordan and has held significant roles in luxury hotels in Jordan and Bulgaria. Known for his ability to build strong relationships with his team and foster a positive work environment, Al Kurdi has implemented comprehensive training programmes. In his new role, Al Kurdi will oversee the daily operations of HE Hotel Apartments by Gewan, ensuring the highest standards of service.

 

United Hospitality Management, Dubai

United Hospitality Management (UHM) has appointed Anthony E Wright as the new Vice President of Operations. Wright joins UHM with an extensive background in the hospitality industry, bringing over 20 years of experience in hotel management and operations. In his new role, Wright will lead the UHM Middle East team reporting to CEO Greg O’Stean, focusing on the seamless transition of new acquisitions and ensuring the profitable operations of all UHM hotels and holiday homes in the Middle East. Wright’s impressive career includes leadership roles with prestigious hospitality brands, such as Intercontinental Hotel Group, Hilton, Millennium Hotels and Centara Hotels. His track record of opening and managing successful hotels, coupled with his strategic vision and people management skills, positions him as a key asset to UHM.

 

Taj, Dubai 

Navrose Arora has been promoted as the Hotel Manager at Taj Dubai. With more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Arora brings a profound understanding of guest service and operational excellence to this role. He began his journey with the Taj group in 2020, where he honed his skills in various capacities across multiple properties. His journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and a deep-seated passion for hospitality. Over the years, he has successfully managed diverse teams, and spearheaded numerous initiatives. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring seamless coordination between departments.

Taj, Dubai 

Gagan Singh has been promoted as the Food & Beverage Director at Taj Dubai, where he oversees the culinary and beverage operations of the luxurious five-star property. With a career spanning nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence to his role. At Taj Dubai, Gagan is responsible for curating exceptional dining experiences across the hotel’s multiple restaurants and bars. His leadership ensures that each venue offers a unique culinary journey, blending traditional flavours with modern techniques. Under his guidance, the F&B team at Taj Dubai has continued to set new standards in luxury dining, earning rave reviews from guests and critics alike. His commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is also noteworthy.

 

Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills, Dubai

Mohamed Farwath has been appointed as IT Manager at Radisson DAMAC Hills. Farwath’s journey in the hospitality industry spans over eight years, marked by his unwavering dedication and progressive career in IT. With a robust academic foundation in Computer System Design, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess in technology and its application within the hospitality sector. His career began with a focus on IT infrastructure, where he honed his skills and steadily advanced through various roles, ultimately leading him to his current position as the IT Manager. Having worked in renowned hospitality companies, such as Hilton and Hyatt, Farwath brings a wealth of expertise to the Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills team. His deep understanding of technology.

 

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert welcomes Aidan Dempsey as the new General Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including notable roles at prestigious properties across Europe, the US, and the Middle East, Dempsey brings a wealth of expertise in luxury and boutique hotel brands to this new role. In his previous role as General Manager at Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Warsaw, Poland, Dempsey demonstrated exceptional leadership by implementing successful strategies centred on quality assurance, guest satisfaction, and innovative upsell programmes. His career is marked by his adept management across various operational departments.