Joining from Al Wadi MGallery Doha, within the Accor portfolio, Arel will lead the strategic direction and operations of the Swissôtel Al Ghurair complex. An experienced hotelier, he has a proven track record of leading international luxury hotels in the GCC, Europe and the Americas. Arel started his career with Accor in 1996 where he worked in the front office operation and revenue department at Novotel Montréal. He played an instrumental role as director of revenue management in the successful opening of Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile in 2002, the first Sofitel to open in Canada. He was then promoted to director of operations in a span of four years followed by a promotion to hotel manager.

In 2011, he moved to Dubai as hotel manager for Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach for two years before relocating to Portugal in 2013, where he served as GM at Sofitel Lisbon for 3 years. He then returned to the Middle East to successfully open the first MGallery in Doha and has since held a GM position ever since.

“Having held a number of leadership positions within Accor worldwide, I’m delighted to be joining Swissôtel Al Ghurair at such an exciting time. The property is a unique travel and leisure destination where guests get to experience Swiss hospitality in the heart of Dubai. I look forward to welcoming guests from across the globe to this very unique destination,” Arel concluded.

Swissôtel Al Ghurair and Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair opened its doors in February 2018 to become the first-ever Swissôtel in UAE. It features 620 luxurious rooms, suites and apartments, three food and beverage outlets and a spa.

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