Exclusive interview with Khalid Saeed, General Manager, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection

With your extensive experience in the UAE’s hospitality industry, how has your local expertise shaped your leadership approach at Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection?

Working in the UAE for more than 26 years has taught me that hospitality here is about much more than service—it’s about culture and connection. At Al Habtoor Grand Resort, we live by our concept ‘Beach Meets Culture, blending our prime location on Jumeirah Beach with authentic touches of Emirati heritage. My leadership style reflects that same balance: operational discipline, financial responsibility, and genuine warmth that makes guests feel part of something special.

Al Habtoor Grand Resort has emerged as a sought-after destination for regional travelers, especially from the GCC. What do you believe is attracting this audience to the property today?

For GCC travellers, our resort offers the perfect mix of space, privacy, and connection. Families appreciate our suites, authentic Arabic design touches from elegant mashrabiya details to a warm contemporary Arabian style along with a wide choice of dining options and of course beachfront location. Business and leisure guests value our proximity to Dubai’s key districts. What sets us apart is consistency—guests know they can return to the same warm service and thoughtful details that make the stay truly memorable.

How is the hotel integrating today’s evolving travel trends, such as wellness, workcation, and experience-driven stays, into the guest journey?

Today’s travelers are seeking balance—wellness, productivity, and inspiring experiences. We meet these needs through our spa, fitness facilities, and a variety of outdoor activities, including four outdoor tennis courts, beach volleyball, a range of watersports for Adults, Kids water slides and  splash pad for children. For workcations, we offer high-speed connectivity and dedicated one of its kind  Club Lounge in the 25^th Floor designed for both comfort and productivity.

We further enhance the guest journey with curated dining experiences and cultural activations. This is where our ‘Beach Meets Culture’ identity truly shines—offering a stay that blends Dubai’s vibrant beach lifestyle with rich heritage, delivering an experience “exactly like nothing else”.

What role does digital innovation play in your operations and guest engagement strategy?

Digital innovation is a vital part of how we enhance the guest journey. Mobile check-in, digital concierge services, and tailored communications give guests convenience and personalisation, while analytics guide us in anticipating their needs. Yet hospitality is still about people—technology helps us deliver efficiency, but the human connection is what makes the experience unforgettable.

In such a competitive hospitality landscape, what marketing or sales strategies have proven most effective for you in driving both occupancy and loyalty?

Our strategy is built on clear positioning and disciplined execution. Personalized service, a strong focus on guest satisfaction, competitive promotions, and our ability to cater to a diverse mix of source markets have been key drivers of loyalty. Marriott Bonvoy also plays an important role, connecting us to a global community of travelers who value consistency and recognition. At the same time, we place strong emphasis on regional campaigns, strategic partnerships, and tailored promotions that resonate particularly well with the GCC market. What differentiates us is our ‘Beach Meets Culture’ identity, which allows us to highlight experiences that feel “exactly like nothing else” —whether it’s family-friendly recreation, cultural activations, or diverse dining.

What does success look like for you at Al Habtoor Grand Resort over the next year?

For me, success is about balance—achieving financial goals, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and keeping our team inspired. Over the next year, I want to strengthen our position as the resort where the spirit of place shines through—offering a stay that’s truly one of a kind. When our guests leave with lasting memories, our owners see measurable results, and our associates feel proud of where they work—that’s what true success looks like. True leadership is about empowering people to deliver results together, not alone.

A Very Merry Light-Up – Tree Lighting Ceremony

Welcome the festive season with Mövenpick’s enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony, where glowing lights, carols, and joyful moments create the perfect start to December. Guests can enjoy a live choir, Santa meet & greet, kids’ giveaways, and a cheerful raffle draw, while adults savour festive canapés and beverages. With magical snow moments and charming décor, it’s an evening designed to bring families together in the spirit of the holidays.

The lobby at Mövenpick Bur Dubai is known for its welcoming warmth and elegant ambiance, making it the perfect gathering place for families to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season. Its open, bright layout brings a sense of harmony and connection to every moment.

A holiday favourite returns, Mövenpick’s Christmas Plum Cake, baked with love and steeped in tradition. Made with plump fruits, warm spices, and a rich, buttery crumb, each cake captures the essence of the season in every slice. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones, bringing it to a festive gathering, or simply enjoying it at home, it brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to any holiday table.

Families often return year after year for this much-loved treat, a symbol of togetherness, celebration, and the comforting tastes that make the season special.

Fountain Café offers a cozy, elegant setting at the heart of the hotel, making it the perfect spot for guests to gather, savour seasonal treats, and enjoy relaxed moments with family during the festive season.

Date: 1st–31st December | Venue: Fountain Café | For more information, please call +971 04 336 6000 or +971 50 210 6033

Turkey Takeaway – A Festive Feast at Home

Celebrate the holidays in the comfort of home with Mövenpick’s lovingly prepared Turkey Takeaway, a heartwarming feast designed to bring families together around the table. Each turkey is seasoned, roasted, and paired with classic trimmings, creating a centerpiece that invites storytelling, laughter, and meaningful moments shared with the people who matter most.

Perfect for intimate gatherings, extended family dinners, or festive hosting, this takeaway offering allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavours without the stress of preparation freeing you to focus on connection, togetherness, and the joy of the season.

Mövenpick Bur Dubai is celebrated for its culinary craftsmanship rooted in Swiss hospitality. Every festive dish reflects a dedication to flavour, harmony, and creating memorable family moments that bring people closer together.

Date: 24th November – 30th December | Extra: Free delivery within Oud Metha | For more information: +971 04 336 6000 | +971 50 210 6033

Art of Brunch: Holly Jolly Feast – Christmas Saturdays

Every Saturday in December, families are invited to step into a joyful world of festive magic at Mövenpick’s Holly Jolly Feast. This heartwarming brunch brings the spirit of the holiday season to life with mouth-watering roasts, colourful live stations, and decadent desserts that delight young and old alike.

Children can enjoy unforgettable moments with Santa, experience gentle snow flurries, bounce through the day on the bouncy castle, and decorate gingerbread houses while parents relax to cheerful entertainment and savour time together.
A celebration crafted for families, filled with laughter, festive flavours, and memories that will be cherished long after the decorations come down.

The Fountain Restaurant is designed with families in mind, offering generous space, warm lighting, and interactive live stations that bring a sense of excitement and connection to every meal. It’s a venue where celebrations feel personal, joyful, and truly memorable.

Dates & Time: Saturdays, 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th December | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Venue: The Fountain Restaurant | Info: +971 04 336 6000 | +971 50 210 6033

Jingle Roast Sunday at Garden Lounge

Make Sundays extra special this December with Mövenpick’s Jingle Roast Sunday, a comforting, family-friendly gathering that celebrates the joy of slowing down together. Enjoy a beautifully prepared roast with all the festive trimmings, golden potatoes, rich gravies, seasonal vegetables, and indulgent desserts, all served in a relaxed open-air setting.

Live music adds warmth to the atmosphere, while children enjoy a heartwarming Santa meet & greet and receive festive giveaways. It’s a laid-back, wholesome afternoon designed to bring families closer and create holiday memories that last a lifetime.

Garden Lounge is a beloved open-air escape where families can relax together under soft lighting and a welcoming atmosphere. Its spacious setting features a massive screen for live matches and sports, making it perfect for fans and families alike, and it also offers a full shisha menu for guests who want to unwind in comfort.

Dates & Time: Sundays, 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th December | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Venue: Garden Lounge | Info: +971 04 336 6000 | +971 50 210 6033

Winter Wonderland Christmas Eve Dinner

Gather with family and friends for a heartwarming Christmas Eve celebration at The Fountain Restaurant, transformed into a festive wonderland for the night. Enjoy a beautifully curated buffet of seasonal favourites, international dishes, and sweet holiday indulgences that bring comfort and joy to every plate.

Children will delight in a magical visit from Santa, while gentle snow moments, festive music, and warm décor set the stage for a memorable evening. It’s an invitation to pause, come together, and embrace the harmony and togetherness that define Christmas Eve.

Known for its inviting décor and harmonious ambiance, The Fountain Restaurant provides an elegant yet comfortable setting for family celebrations. It’s a place where festive traditions come alive and cherished moments are created around every table.

Date & Time: 24th December | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Venue: The Fountain Restaurant | Info: +971 04 336 6000 | +971 50 210 6033

Grand Christmas Day Brunch

Create meaningful Christmas memories with a joyful family brunch at Mövenpick, where delicious food, festive entertainment, and warm hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Enjoy a lavish buffet of roasts, global dishes, vibrant live stations, and festive desserts, all designed to bring families closer through shared flavour and celebration.

Children will enjoy Snow Time moments, Santa giveaways, face painting, a bouncy castle, and holiday activities, while parents relax to live music and the joyful spirit of Christmas. It’s everything the holiday should be, loving, lively, and unforgettable. 

With its bright festive décor and family-friendly layout, The Fountain Restaurant offers the perfect environment for joyful Christmas gatherings. Its warm atmosphere encourages connection, shared experiences, and celebratory moments that last long beyond the holiday.

Date & Time: 25th December | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Venue: The Fountain Restaurant | Info: +971 04 336 6000 | +971 50 210 6033

New Year’s Eve Glitter Gala

Welcome the new year surrounded by loved ones at Mövenpick’s dazzling New Year’s Eve Glitter Gala. Enjoy a spectacular night filled with a lavish buffet, vibrant bar offerings, and an impressive lineup of entertainment including a live DJ, band, belly dancer, and Tanoura show.

The evening is designed for families and friends to celebrate side by side, sharing laughter, music, and hopeful anticipation for the year ahead. As the countdown begins, raise a glass together and welcome 2026 with harmony, joy, and unforgettable memories.

The Fountain Restaurant’s elegant design and celebratory ambiance make it the ideal destination for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Here, families come together to enjoy exceptional dining, joyful music, and meaningful moments as they welcome a new year in harmony.

Date & Time: 31st December | 7:30 PM onwards | Venue: The Fountain Restaurant | Info: +971 04 336 6000 | +971 50 210 6033

This festive season, House of Hype, Dubai Mall’s most spectacular immersive mega-experience, turns the holidays upside down with The Winter Wonderverse, a surreal festive universe that only Dubai could dream up.

Running from December 13 – 28, 2025, The Winter Wonderverse @ House of Hype delivers a larger-than-life remix of holiday classics across the park’s 25 immersive worlds. Expect glowing snow, dancing lights, spontaneous performances, mischievous elf photobooths, chaotic parades, and snacks almost too cute to eat — all crafted to surprise, delight, and spark unforgettable shared moments.

But this isn’t nostalgia, and it’s definitely not the winter village you’ve visited five times before. This is House of Hype in Dubai! Where everything is bigger, wilder, brighter, and far more fun.

A Holiday Universe, One Wild World at a Time

From the moment you step inside, you’re not entering a venue, you’re crossing into a surreal festive season multiverse. One minute you’re inside a shimmering snow globe where neon snow falls around you, the next, you’re being pulled into an elf transformation photobooth where the “elves” are a little too enthusiastic and definitely up to mischief.

Turn a corner and suddenly a world-hopping parade bursts through the space, sweeping you into a swirl of bold characters, dancers, glitchy holiday creatures, and spontaneous performances that feel like they jumped out of a fever dream.

Blending humor, fantasy, nostalgia, and hypersaturated design, The Winter Wonderverse @ House of Hype is for people who want their holidays to feel anything but ordinary, families, friends, creators, travelers, and anyone chasing a festive escape with a twist.

Festive Highlights:

Inspired by House of Hype’s signature mega-experience DNA, here’s what guests can expect:

• Glowing Snow & Dancing Lights: A surreal holiday landscape perfect for unforgettable photo and video moments.
• Elf Transformation Photobooths: Snap, record, and instantly drop into the Winter Wonderverse storyline with playful, social-ready content.
• World-Hopping Parades & Outrageous Performances: A spontaneous cast brings the universe to life through bold interactions and unexpected spectacle.
• A Surprise Treat Awaits Anyone in Ugly Sweaters: Show up to Dubai’s most chaotic holiday showdown, loud, fun, and delightfully unhinged.
• Cute Holiday Snacks & Limited-Edition Treats: Delicious, highly Instagrammable snacks curated by Michelin-starred culinary talent.

House of Hype invites guests on a 60–90 minute adventure through Dubai Mall’s full-scale City of Dreams, a joyful mega-experience built from the brightest corners of digital pop culture. Across 25 surreal, interactive zones, visitors drift through neon Tokyo nights, K-Pop stages, shimmering Bollywood energy, robotic light shows, projection domes, hidden pathways, exclusive shopping, and limited-edition global snacks. With live performances, AI-powered photo moments, and unexpected worlds opening at every turn, every visit becomes a journey to dream big, live loud, and have fun.