Saudization has taken centre stage at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s National Day on 23^rd September, with the announcement of two new key staff member appointments at the property.

As KSA celebrates its 86^th National Day this month, Ascott has placed a key focus on training and recruitment of Saudi nationals.  Along with the required Saudization obligations in the Kingdom, Ascott is undergoing traineeships and development training for career growth tailored to the requirements of young dedicated people wanting to work in the hospitality industry.

Ibrahim Tawfig joins as executive assistant manager, overseeing guest services, security and HR as well as assisting the property’s General Manager with daily operations.  Tawfig has more than 16 years of hospitality experience, specifically within the five-star hotel market in KSA, having most recently been the Executive Assistant Manager at Le Meridien Madinah.  Prior to that, Tawfig held several hospitality-related positions, including Duty Manager, Front Office Manager, Rooms Division Manager and Guest Experience Manager.  Tawfig holds an Executive Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, and a High Diploma in Hospitality from Cornell University (USA).

Abdulrahman Al Mansour has been appointed as the property’s assistant director of sales.  Mansour has been in the hospitality industry for six years and has a sound understanding of the local market and culture.  He has extensive knowledge of branded and independent hotel operations, sales, marketing, revenue and public relations. He is currently completing his MBA via correspondence at the University of Liverpool (UK) and has, since 2011, completed several sales, PR, and marketing courses.

Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional GM for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, says: “We are proud to welcome two new team members to Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh.  They each bring valuable experience and a set of key skills to their roles, and we are confident that this growth is another step to continue providing an outstanding level of service and customer satisfaction to our guests.”

Ascott, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, is one of the world’s leading serviced residence owner-operators.  Its current KSA presence spans 12 properties and 1,624 units, of which five properties are in operation and six are in the pipeline.  This year will see Spectrums Makkah open in Q4, and Ascott Corniche Al Kohbar in early 2019, the first of two properties in the region. KSA has developed to be the largest region across the Middle East for Ascott as it continues to work towards its 2020 target of 2,500 units.