Jumeirah Creekside HR director lauded for her work

The director of human resources at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Dubai Mona Abdulla AlHebsi, won the HR & Training Person of the Year Award at the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2015.

AlHebsi began her career as a fresher in the hospitality industry back in 2003, steadily working her way up the ranks until 2008; where she swapped hospitality for education. After spending four years in Zayed University AlHebsi returned to the industry, eventually reuniting with her former bosses – Jumeirah in 2014.

At her role she has gained plenty of accolades for the various training and development methods and tools she has implemented.

AlHebsi has been responsible for organising various activities for all departments on a regular basis to ensure they are engaged and having fun while going about routine tasks.

Some of these activities include: team building activities, constant recognition of employee efforts and launching the employee initiative, monthly audio books and learning discussion sessions, exposure to senior management in the the hotel, team meals and get-togethers, talks from external speakers on a monthly basis on various topics and providing support to balance the integration of work and personal life.

“In 2005, when I started out in Jumeirah, I was part of the first batch of Emirati ladies to work in hospitality, having studied over here. Ever since the interest of UAE locals in the field ahs grown tremendously. I feel proud to walk into hotels and see so many cultures and nationalities working together,” said AlHebsi on the night, after the award was presented.

AlHebsi is highly educated and is holder of two separate MBA degrees, she also completed several courses in human resources management, training, learning and development.

In addition she has also received several certifications from DTCM and local educational institutions for her contributions to Emiratisation in the hospitality sector and coaching young UAE nationals.

The award was presented by sponsor Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management's director of industry liaison Marianne Saulwick, at the James-Bond themed event which took place at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

The shortlisted nominees for this category included InterContinental Jeddah's Anjum Rahim Khan, InterContinental Regency Hotel Bahrain's Maria Corazon Beleno Aguillon, InterContinental Muscat's Salim Al Khatri, Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb's Samiya Al Balushi, Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel Jeddah's Seymor Ridon.