George Fares, director of engineering at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray was given the award of Hotel Engineer of the Year, sponsored by Du, on October 31 at Ritz-Carlton DIFC.
At the roaring twenties-themed Hotelier Middle East Awards 2012 presented by Du, Fares was presented the award by the company's VP enterprise marketing John Lincoln due to his work at improving efficiencies at the property – which includes fitting 2540 LED lights and designing a new water treatment concept.
Fares is also in the process of implementing geothermal heat pumps to maintain the temperature of the swimming pool – which will make the hotel the first in the region to do so.
The engineer said: "It's a good thing when your boss trusts you and leaves you to do whatever you feel like doing – you don’t feel your hands being tied. He says ‘go ahead and do whatever you want, and I am here supporting you’. This gave me the chance, rather than working for a general manager who doesn’t allow me to work and manage in my own way – Jumeirah is such a good company, and they give the chances to their team to prove themselves."
Rajeev Chopra, director of engineering Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi was highly commended, but was pipped at the post for the title.
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