To what you attribute your success?
First and foremost, for any hotelier to be truly successful, they have to have an absolute passion for the industry – and the fast-paced, dynamic hospitality industry still excites, inspires and challenges me on a daily basis. It is also about surrounding yourself with the very best talent and developing teams with complementary skillsets and personalities that come together to really embody brand values and service hallmarks. I strongly believe that a good – and successful – leader is also someone who remains open-minded, receptive to ideas, aware of global trends and who takes the time to listen to colleagues, team members and guests.
What differentiates Armani Hotel Dubai from others in the emirate?
Obviously, our location at the heart of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, sets us apart in an architectural sense, yet inside the hotel, across our guest rooms and suites, and throughout our award-winning restaurants and spa, it is the Armani philosophy that gives us our signature mark. The hotel was the first property built and personally designed by Giorgio Armani himself, and his philosophy was that guests would be welcomed to a home away from home. This is imbued across every element of Armani Hotel Dubai, from our facilities to our people, and this is what makes us stand out in a heavily saturated and highly competitive hospitality landscape.
You had been nominated as Judge’s Choice Most Inspiring General Manager of the Year by Hozpitality Middle East, among several other nominations. What makes your leadership inspirational?
You should really ask my team that question! If I were to describe my leadership style, I would say it is anchored in personal passion and driven by collaboration. An open-door policy is absolutely critical in my opinion, as this fosters a culture that is centered on employee empowerment coupled with a workplace environment where ideas are welcomed, innovation is celebrated and we all have each other’s backs. My success is very much dependent on that of my team, and the team at Armani Hotel Dubai is truly exceptional.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
