What inspired you to join the hospitality industry?
It was literally to take care of people. Experience shows that it takes empathy and commitment and the desire to put another person’s needs before your own, whilst maintaining a smile.
What are some of your duties and responsibilities at the hotel?
Some of my duties include to administer, direct and review security operation programmes ensuring a safe and secure environment for employees and guests alike. I work on developing methods and standards to improve security policies, processes, practices and recommend changes to the senior management team. I also represent the hotel in formal meetings with external organisations on matters dealing with security and protective services.
What are some of the challenges in maintaining a smooth and safe hotel operation, versus a residential or commercial complex?
Safety and security is one of the most important aspects in order for a hotel to be successful. However, we, as security personnel, need to be as discreet as possible so as to not disturb and unnerve guests. It is, hence, key for the security team, especially within a hotel, to present security in a customer-friendly manner. Dealing with different guests and nationalities on a daily basis requires special attention and respect. We face many challenges but this makes us learn every day and helps us improve.
| Advertisement |
How do you ensure a vigilant, discreet and highly motivated team?
I think the best way to achieve a highly motivated team is to treat them with respect, provide them a pleasant place to work, offer them opportunities for self-development and set clear goals to achieve. The functioning of a good team is based on camaraderie, instilling confidence and providing the correct methods and relevant training.
With fire-related incidents in the news recently, not just in the hospitality sector but the residential sector as well, what does your property do to ensure safety?
To ensure a safe environment for guests and team members, we strictly follow our fire, life and safety protocols, we conduct regular fire drills and train our personnel to be highly qualified in different emergency scenarios. All our operations are strictly supervised by the Civil Defence.
Tell us a bit about the safety certifications a hotel needs to acquire from the authorities in order to be operational?
There are numerous certifications required for a hotel, for example, Civil Defence certification for all of our fire alarm systems and fire safety training for staff is mandatory. First aid training, food safety and handling certifications are also required for specific team members.
What are some of the key achievements of your professional career?
My greatest achievement in my professional career was the start of the journey. I joined a hotel 20 years ago as a security officer. Thereafter, hard work and dedication has led me to head one of the finest hotels in the UAE.
My best and worst:
1. Best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t make decisions when you’re angry, and don’t make promises when you are happy.
2. Worst advice received? Whatever happens, happens for a reason.
3. Best recreation activity: Car racing!
4. Best part of my hotel: Peacock Alley and the champagne gold clock.
5. Favourite hotel and destination: It has to be the new Waldorf Astoria in Amsterdam, Holland.
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
