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The Muse and Views and Beyond: Inside Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah with Shadi Refai

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Imagination Brunch image dancing singing entertainment

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

Hospitality

20 YEARS OF MEMORIES, DUBAI. AND WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED. MAJESTIC HOTELS OFFERS EXCLUSIVE 20% ANNIVERSARY PROMO

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Twenty years. Four hotels. Countless stories. And a journey that continues to be shaped by the people who walk through our doors.

In a city that never stands still, Majestic Hotels is celebrating a milestone that means far more than the passing of time. This October marks 20 years of welcoming travellers to Dubai, bringing people together, celebrating special occasions and turning ordinary stays into memories worth returning to.

To mark the occasion, Majestic Hotels is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate with 20% off staycation bookings and an additional 20% discount at its in-house restaurants and dining outlets. Guests can enjoy this special anniversary offer by booking directly through the official website, www.majestichotels.com, using the promo code MAJESTIC20.

The offer is available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, with stays valid until 28 December 2026. Whether it is a well-deserved break, a family getaway or simply a reason to spend time together, there has never been a better time to make a new memory with Majestic Hotels.

Because anniversaries are not just about looking back. They are about remembering how far you have come, appreciating the people who made the journey worthwhile, and looking forward to everything still to come.

Over the past two decades, Dubai has grown, transformed and welcomed the world in ways few cities can match. Majestic Hotels has grown alongside it, from its beginnings to a collection of four properties, each with its own character, guests and stories to tell. Through changing seasons, new beginnings, family holidays, business trips and spontaneous getaways, one thing has remained at the heart of the journey: the people who make every stay matter.

Some guests come for a night and return year after year. Others discover Majestic Hotels for the very first time. There are celebrations remembered long after checkout, familiar faces welcomed back like old friends, and small moments of hospitality that leave a lasting impression. These are the moments that give 20 years their meaning.

Speaking on the occasion, Eti Bhasin, Executive Director, Majestic Hotels, UAE, said:

“When you look back on 20 years, it is not just the number of years or the hotels you remember. It is the people, the conversations, the familiar faces who return, and the many memories created along the way.

Dubai has been part of our story from the very beginning, and it has been incredible to grow alongside this city. We have welcomed guests from all over the world, celebrated milestones with them and, in many ways, become part of their own stories. That is something we are truly proud of.

This anniversary is as much about our guests and our team as it is about Majestic Hotels. We wanted to celebrate in a way that everyone could be part of, so we are bringing the occasion to life with special offers on stays and dining. Twenty years is a milestone worth celebrating, but we believe our best memories are still ahead of us.”

With four properties across Dubai, Majestic Hotels welcomes a diverse mix of leisure and business travelers, offering comfortable stays, convenient locations and dining experiences suited to different occasions. While each property brings its own personality, they share a common purpose: to make guests feel welcome and give them a reason to return.

As the celebrations continue throughout October, guests are invited to make their own memories with Majestic Hotels, whether through a much-needed staycation, a family escape, a catch-up over a good meal or simply a chance to experience Dubai from a different perspective.

Twenty years behind us. A thousand stories worth remembering. And many more memories waiting to be made.

The 20th anniversary offer is available until 31 October 2026 across all four participating Majestic Hotels properties in Dubai.

Participating properties:

  • Majestic City Retreat Hotel
  • Majestic Central Hotel
  • Majestic Premier Hotel
  • Majestic Cove Hotel
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Hospitality

Al Jaddaf Rotana Appoints Hekmat Amer as Complex Director of Sales & Marketing

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Al Jaddaf Rotana has announced the appointment of Hekmat Amer as Complex Director of Sales & Marketing, further strengthening its leadership team as it continues to drive commercial growth and enhance its presence in Dubai’s competitive hospitality landscape.

Bringing more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hekmat has built an extensive career in sales, marketing, and commercial strategy, having held key leadership positions with renowned hospitality brands, including Jumeirah Group and Marriott International.

Prior to joining Al Jaddaf Rotana, Hekmat served as Director of Sales & Marketing at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, where he was responsible for driving the property’s commercial strategy, developing new business opportunities, and strengthening its positioning across key markets. His professional journey also includes senior sales and marketing roles with Marriott International,  where he gained valuable experience in multi-property operations, pre-opening strategies, and business development.

In his new role, Hekmat will oversee the commercial direction of the Al Jaddaf Rotana complex, comprising Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel, Arabian Park Dubai by Edge Rotana, and Park Apartments Dubai by Edge Rotana. His responsibilities will include developing integrated sales and marketing strategies, strengthening relationships with key business partners, identifying new market opportunities, and driving revenue performance across the three properties.

Commenting on the appointment, Stefan Schmid, Complex General Manager, Al Jaddaf Rotana Complex, said, “We are delighted to welcome Hekmat to the Al Jaddaf Rotana family. His diverse experience across leading hospitality brands, combined with his understanding of Dubai’s evolving market, makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We believe in empowering our people to bring fresh ideas and perspectives, and we look forward to the contribution Hekmat will make as we continue to strengthen our teams and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.”

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Hekmat Amer, Complex Director of Sales & Marketing, said, “Joining Al Jaddaf Rotana is an exciting new chapter in my career. What particularly appeals to me is the opportunity to work across three distinct properties, each catering to different guest segments and offering its own unique experiences. My focus will be on understanding the strengths of each property, exploring new market opportunities, and working closely with the team to develop strategies that connect our offerings with the right audiences. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the complex.”

With his experience in commercial leadership and multi-property hospitality operations, Hekmat’s appointment reflects Al Jaddaf Rotana’s continued commitment to developing its leadership capabilities and strengthening its position within Dubai’s hospitality sector.

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Hospitality

GHA DISCOVERY launches global giveaway with D$50,000 in prizes and Lifetime Titanium Memberships

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STORY Hospitality is proudly offering members of its loyalty programme a new GHA DISCOVERY promotion giving travellers the opportunity to win D$50,000 in DISCOVERY Dollars and Lifetime Titanium Memberships, while earning additional entries through stays across participating hotels.

The promotion – a Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) campaign featuring 60 brands – follows STORY Hospitality’s recent integration with GHA and its GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, connecting guests of STORY Hotels & Resorts with an international network of hotels, rewards and experiences.

Guests can enter the draw simply by joining the global GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, and then registering for the promotion, with no hotel stay required. Ten 5,000 DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) prizes are available, alongside the opportunity to win Lifetime Titanium Memberships.

Members can then increase their chances of winning in several ways. Every eligible stay completed during the promotional period earns five additional entries, while guests can receive an extra entry each time they find and scan a GHA DISCOVERY ‘Scavenger Hunt’ QR code at a participating hotel, limited to one additional entry per brand.

Members who complete a two-night stay with a GHA DISCOVERY brand they have not previously stayed with during 2026 will also receive a bonus D$50.

Victor Abou Ghanem, CEO of STORY Hospitality, said: “STORY DISCOVERY was created to give our guests greater recognition and value wherever their travels take them, and this promotion brings that idea to life in a very accessible way.”

“Guests can take part whether they are planning a hotel stay or simply joining STORY DISCOVERY for the first time, while those travelling with us have more opportunities to participate as they explore different hotels and destinations.”

“Through our partnership with Global Hotel Alliance, we are able to connect the individual character of STORY Hotels & Resorts with a much wider world of benefits and experiences.”

STORY Hotels & Resorts joined GHA DISCOVERY earlier this year, enabling guests to earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) across participating hotels and brands.

D$ can be used towards hotel stays, dining, spa experiences and other eligible services, while members can also access tier-based benefits including room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out.

The programme also gives members access to local offers and experiences, including dining, wellness and cultural activities, with some benefits available without an overnight stay. The GHA DISCOVERY Scavenger Hunt giveaway runs until 31 October 2026.

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