Hotelier Awards 2017 shortlist: Unsung Hero of the Year
One of the most popular categories of the Hotelier Middle East Awards; we reveal the six shortlisted candidates in the Unsung Hero of the Year category, where everyone is a winner!
If you'd like to meet last year's winners of all categories, click here to find out more...
Click through to find out who has been shortlisted this year... and take a look at last year's event in the video below!
Adel Mahdi Abbas, driver/bellboy, Crowne Plaza Bahrain
Adel Mahdi Abbas started his tenure at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain in 1986 as a security guard when he was 31 years old. In 2005, he moved to the front office department as a driver/bellboy - a role that he has been covering until today at 62 years of age. He has been a great example to the hotel team, most especially to his fellow local Bahraini colleagues across the hotel. He tries his best to update himself and adapt to the ever changing technological improvements in the hotel industry and even brings to the attention of the management team new ideas that he has seen on his own travels and in the market.
Habib Aulad Thani, doorman, InterContinental Muscat
75-year-old Habib Aulad Thani started his career in 1981 at InterContinental Muscat, and started as a coffeeman. Over the last three decades of being a doorman, 'Uncle Habib', as many call him, wants to inspire young Omanis and open the hospitality door for them. He mentors new Omani colleagues, and is often mentioned by his guests as being a highlight of their stay.
Radie El Hek, breadmaker, JW Marriott Hotel Dubai
Radie El Hek has been the breadmaker at the JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai for the past 17 years and is now also in charge of all the cold mezzeh prepared at the hotel. She is called 'Mama' in the hotel and is a valuable mentor to young chefs. To guests, she is the famous breadmaker that comes to each table during the Iftar buffet to hand-deliver her popular freshly prepared manakeesh.
Raj Kumar, painter, Media One Hotel
Raj Kumar joined Media One hotel as a painter in January 2014. He began to help in carpentry by maintaining and polishing furniture. When the carpenter was on leave Kumar was able to assist, and due to his efficient performance, all areas are always in a good condition despite the relative age of the hotel. He is reliable and is responsible for eco-friendly creative designs across the property, and champions the cause of recycling where possible.
Rajamohan Ramachandran, senior carpenter, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Rajamohan Ramachandran, the senior carpenter at Crowne Plaza & Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island in InterContinental Hotels Group, created the “Big Pencil” that was used for the Colleague HeartBeat (Employee Engagement Survey) in April 2017. In November 2016, to boost the buzz for F1, hebuilt a Ferrari out of styrofoam. It was displayed in front of Crowne Plaza, and it became an attraction in the duration of the celebration. During Ramadan 2017, Rajamohan single-handedly built 15 tables for the hotel’s Lebanese restaurant, Barouk. This helped the restaurant drive more revenue during that period.
Rizwan Marjan, talent resourcing and HR executive, Crowne Plaza Duqm
Rizwan Marjan has come a long way from his stewarding days to his present job as talent resourcing executive with Crowne Plaza Duqm. His work managing employee leave attendance had a positive impact on payroll management, and he was also instrumental in designing a website providing information of the area for new joiners, to help them avoid culture shock.