IT Manager of the Year crowned at Hotelier Awards

Hakam Al Sourani from Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi rammed his way to the title of IT Manager of the Year at the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2010. 

He was presented his award by Binu Mathew , president – International Operations & Strategic Accounts at IDS.

Ligesh Gopi, Doha Marriott Hotel, Qatar and Ahmed Abdel Raouf, Dar Al Tawhid InterContinental were highly commended but Sourani won for his role as IT and AV director at the iconic Emirates Palace.

He was described as a shining light in the IT team. His technical achievements over the past 12 months astounded the panel of judges, but what really stood out about Hakam was his focus on fostering team spirit.

Guests are treated just as personally, and the judges particularly liked the idea that guests were left with a kitkat chocolate and apology card if a complaint took a while to fix.

He told Hotelier Middle East he was delighted to receive the accolade.

“This award means everything to me. Being in IT, it’s very much a back of house job and not everyone knows about the work that goes on. To be appreciated like this means so much to me and so much for my career. This award is for the IT department at the Emirates Palace and is a really big appreciation of our efforts.”