Emaar brings in new F&B management at Dubai hotels

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of global developer Emaar, has appointed Riad Haidar as director of food and beverage and Spencer Lee Black as executive chef for Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels.

“Riad and Spencer will be quite the powerful duo on our F&B team. These two high-level appointments are set to further solidify our strong and unique restaurant offering within the bustling Downtown Dubai area,” said Stefan Viard, general manager, Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels.

Haidar joins Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels from the position of director of food and beverage at The Address Dubai Mall, where he ran 10  outlets including meeting facilities and managed 156 staff.

He brings more than a decade of experience in the hospitality business, much of which has been spent in the UAE within Emaar Hospitality Group and other leading hospitality companies.

In his new role, Haidar will be responsible for the F&B operation, administration and profitability of eight culinary outlets within the two Downtown Dubai hotels.

Executive chef Spencer Lee Black joins Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels from his position as executive chef Al Murooj Rotana Hotel where he oversaw the hotel’s five restaurants, pool bar, room service, executive club and banquet operations.

Spencer brings more than two decades of experience to the role, with half of his professional career spent in Dubai at properties such as Movenpick Jumeirah Beach, Grosvenor House, West Marina Beach and Le Royal Beach Resort and Spa. He also experience at properties in the US, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.