CEO interview: Nehme Imad Darwiche, Jannah Hotels

Nehme Imad Darwiche, at 31, is one of the hospitality market’s youngest CEOs.

Aimed at travellers 25 years old and under, the BedoInn properties will be located near public transport hubs (“These guys don’t take taxis, they use public transport.”) BedoInn will also focus on ethical operations to appeal to the millennial guest.

“We realise they want to spend money on food, and they want to spend money on seeing attractions. They always seek culture, and they always want to be a part of something. Part of a community that is doing something right for the world. They want to decide on the best deal, but you know how they decide? If there is a hotel that is giving away money to Greenpeace, the millennial will stay in that hotel. BedoInn will represent everything that is ethical. One of its values will be that we do what is good for the world. From amenities, to hiring, to how we engage with the world.”

Darwiche provides examples, such as organic amenities for rooms, sourced from German company Ada, which uses biodegradable packaging. Staff at BedoInn will also be required to sign up for membership to charitable groups such as Greenpeace or Red Cross on joining the hotel. “This will shape the spirit of the team members. What is important is that they join something that is non-profit. Then they are wired to serve the world. Then, every guests that checks in can choose to support one of these groups.”

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Darwiche hasn’t stopped at Jannah Hotels & Resorts or BedoInn — he also heads up Andalus Hotels & Resorts, which has one property in Abu Dhabi in the pipeline, the Andalus Al Seef Resort & Spa.

Furthermore, Darwiche Worldwide Legacy is also the parent company of Darwiche Worldwide Restaurants, which launched Moroccan restaurant Kifkif in Dubai, now at two branches.

As Darwiche ploughs on with ambitious plans ahead of 2020, the future of home-grown hoteliers looks stronger than ever.

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