Designing hospitality around the modern traveler’s needs is more than a tagline at Ishraq Hospitality—it’s the foundation of a strategy that combines smart growth, guest satisfaction, and regional insight. As the hospitality arm of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group, Ishraq operates internationally branded hotels across Dubai, with a strong portfolio rooted in IHG partnerships.

According to leadership, the company’s mission today is clear: deliver scalable excellence through operational efficiency, people-first management, and consistent service across markets.

Strategic Alliances, Local Wins

Partnerships play a critical role in Ishraq’s expansion. In 2024, collaborations with McGettigan Group and Samco Holding unlocked two key growth streams.

The launch of Goose & Gander, a London-style pub at Holiday Inn Express Dubai Internet City, revitalized the brand’s F&B profile. Simultaneously, Ishraq’s partnership with Samco Holding opened doors to the Egyptian market, with new properties in Cairo’s New Capital.

“These alliances allow us to diversify across both product and geography while staying true to our core values,” the team states.

Guest Experience Powered by Innovation

Rather than relying solely on branding, Ishraq enhances the guest experience through smart technology and consistent quality. Whether it’s a business traveler at Crowne Plaza or a family at Staybridge Suites, guests benefit from:

• Digital concierge services for room service and local needs
• High-quality ingredients across all F&B tiers (even at Express properties)
• Centralized procurement systems to ensure consistency and value

As a result, Ishraq hotels maintain affordability without sacrificing excellence—a balance increasingly demanded by modern travelers.

Why IHG? And What’s Next?

Ishraq’s loyalty to IHG remains central to its strategy. Programs like IHG One Rewards and IHG Business Rewards support both performance and guest retention. Still, the group remains open to new brand affiliations—especially in F&B and emerging geographies.

Looking ahead to 2025, Ishraq plans to expand into Georgia with Crowne Plaza Batumi and Batumi Hotel Apartments. Egypt will also see the opening of two new properties in the New Capital.

“We grow with purpose,” the COO emphasizes. “Every project must align with our commercial and brand values.”

Leading with Structure and Flexibility

Ishraq Hospitality’s leadership model relies on clustering teams, cross-property collaboration, and clear SOPs. However, what makes the model work is empowerment.

“Great hospitality starts with empowered people and leads to loyal guests,” the COO shares—a mantra reflected across all levels of the organization.

By blending structure with flexibility, Ishraq achieves rapid responsiveness, brand consistency, and long-term success, even in a competitive market like Dubai.

For more on this exciting topic, check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator

As tourism in the UAE becomes more competitive and year-round, hotels are rethinking how they build their teams. Seasonal staffing in UAE hospitality is no longer just a trend—it’s a structural shift that is redefining how hotels operate.

To explore this further, we spoke with Nikhil Nanda, Director at Innovations Group, who shared deep insights into today’s hiring landscape and how flexibility is reshaping the future of hospitality staffing.

A Hiring Surge Driven by Flexibility

According to Nikhil, hiring in UAE hospitality has surged, not only in terms of volume but also in how staffing is structured. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have seen a wave of new hotel openings. As a result, there’s greater demand for flexible, short-term staffing models.

For instance, during high seasons, hotels increasingly rely on part-time or seasonal workers to manage peaks in occupancy. This allows them to scale up without committing to long-term overheads, which is especially useful in today’s fluctuating market.

Back-of-House Roles Are Booming

Additionally, there’s been a dramatic rise in back-of-house hiring, particularly in areas like housekeeping, cleaning, and lifeguarding. Over the past five years, this segment has seen a 70% increase, driven by both operational needs and the UAE’s emergence as a year-round tourist destination.

While summer used to be quieter, changing travel trends mean hotels must now stay fully staffed—even in the hottest months.

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Smarter Sourcing, Global Talent

To meet this rising demand, hospitality employers are now tapping into global talent pools. Nikhil notes an uptick in sourcing from Eastern Europe, East Asia, Kazakhstan, and several African nations. These regions provide diverse, English-speaking candidates who bring both reliability and adaptability.

Furthermore, companies are getting smarter about employee retention. Initiatives such as cultural training, flexible shifts, and engagement programs are now common. These strategies are not just perks—they’re essential to keeping talent motivated and loyal.

“Today’s workforce is looking for more than pay—they’re looking for purpose, respect, and a healthy work culture,” says Nikhil.

How Innovations Group Powers High-Volume Hospitality Hiring

Through Innovations Group, Nikhil and his team offer targeted, flexible staffing solutions for hotels and resorts across the UAE.

Their services include:

• High-volume staffing for hotel openings
• Monthly, seasonal, or project-based contracts
• A ready-to-deploy talent pool with hospitality experience
• Global recruitment through trusted sourcing networks

Importantly, their speed and scalability give hotels the agility to adapt in real time—something that is crucial in today’s dynamic market.

“We’re not just filling roles—we’re helping hotels stay ahead,” Nikhil emphasizes.

For more on this, check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator

At the shimmering edge of Palm Jumeirah, one hotel continues to shape the future of hospitality in the UAE: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. At its helm is Shadi Refai, Hotel Manager with more than 25 years of experience, who blends strategy with empathy to lead one of the city’s most dynamic destinations.

A Leader Evolved: From Operations to Visionary

Throughout his career, Refai’s leadership has transformed significantly. Initially, he focused on operations, where structure and performance were paramount. However, over time, his role expanded into one that emphasizes people-first thinking, strategic agility, and cultural awareness.

“I lead with clarity of vision, but I leave room for creativity,” he says. “I see myself as both a strategist and a coach.”

Notably, his experience in opening major properties such as Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and the Palm Jumeirah taught him to unify diverse teams under one shared vision. Today, he leads as both a strategist and a coach, balancing operational excellence with emotional intelligence.

Building Morale with Humor, Fairness, and Heart

Naturally, managing a flagship property through its pre-opening phase and beyond requires more than just systems—it requires soul. According to Refai, fairness, humor, and heart aren’t soft values; they’re serious leadership tools.

“We lead by listening. We recognize, we reward, and we keep the energy human,” he explains. This human-first culture is reflected in standout moments—from launching the lively Negroni Lounge to curating brunches that balance fun with flavor.

Sustainability by Design, Not Slogan

While many brands talk about sustainability, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah has woven it into its very structure. As Refai notes, “It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about rebuilding from the ground up.”

For example, smart HVAC systems optimize energy without compromising comfort. Additionally, car park exhausts and kitchen ventilation have been re-engineered for efficiency. The property even generates solar power for its spa, leading to significant reductions in both emissions and costs.

“We’ve saved AED 285,000 per month in cooling costs alone,” Refai adds.

Moreover, digital upgrades like paperless check-ins and mobile keys cut down on waste while enhancing the guest experience.

Ten F&B Concepts, One Unified Experience

With 10 distinct F&B venues, from Barfly by Buddha Bar to the family-focused Imagination Brunch, consistency and innovation are top priorities.

Through cross-training, clear strategy, and open communication, Refai ensures each venue has space to thrive. “Innovation lives in the details,” he adds, noting how each Negroni venue found its twist—from tableside service to live jazz pairings.

Hospitality Rooted in Human Connection

Despite the scale, Refai’s mission is simple: create a space where everyone feels seen and heard.

“We’re not just running a hotel. We’re creating moments of belonging—for guests, for our team, and for the community,” he says.

He stays visible on the floor, connects with team members daily, and reinforces inclusivity as both a company value and a personal mission.

What’s Next: Trends That Matter

Looking ahead, Refai is tracking several key shifts:

• –Tech-savvy hospitality that balances digital with personal
• –Purposeful travel, where sustainability and ethics influence bookings
• –Curated culinary experiences that are local, authentic, and engaging
• –Inclusivity as a standard, not an option

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, under his guidance, is ready.

For more on this, make sure to check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator