In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of hospitality, Front Office Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping guest experiences and driving operational excellence. Operating at the frontline, these leaders serve as the welcoming face of the hotel, orchestrating seamless guest interactions and setting the tone for a memorable stay. Their multifaceted responsibilities, challenges, and commitment make them indispensable assets to the hospitality industry.
Front Office Leaders are the backbone of the hotel's operations, overseeing the reception, concierge, and reservation departments. Their duties encompass guest check-in and check-out processes, managing room allocations, managing guest queries and complaints, and coordinating with various departments to ensure a smooth guest journey. They must ensure that each guest receives personalized attention and experiences the highest levels of hospitality, embodying the hotel's values and brand essence.
Front Office Leaders meet a myriad of challenges in their day-to-day responsibilities. Managing guest expectations, especially in an increasingly diverse international clientele, requires exceptional communication skills and cultural sensitivity. They must remain composed under pressure, swiftly addressing unexpected issues and resolving conflicts to keep the hotel's reputation. Managing a high volume of guests during peak seasons necessitates strong organizational abilities and the capacity to think on their feet.
Hozpitality Group is delighted to announce the outstanding achievers in the hospitality industry as part of the "Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East." These exceptional individuals have left an unforgettable mark in their field, showing unparalleled leadership and dedication to their roles.
Through this recognition, we aim to inspire and motivate others by sharing the inspiring stories of these remarkable Front Office leaders. Their passion for hospitality and commitment to excellence has not only earned them recognition but has also made a significant impact on their colleagues, teams, suppliers, partners, and friends.
As with our earlier "Hozpitality's Best 30" lists, the nominees for this prestigious recognition are selected based on nominations from major hospitality establishments. The final ranking is determined through online voting, reflecting the widespread appreciation and support these leaders enjoy from their peers and the industry.
After an intensive 30-day voting period, the top 30 Front Office leaders are revealed, and we take immense pride in highlighting their accomplishments in this article. Each of these leaders has displayed exemplary skills in managing front desk operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences, and keeping a positive work culture.
With their keen acumen, they perfectly balance driving increased revenue and profitability while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Their exceptional efficiency, strong leadership, and top-notch management skills have earned them the well-deserved reputation of being the captains of their respective hotels.
In a dynamic and ever-evolving industry like hospitality, these leaders are the driving force behind smooth front desk operations and seamless guest experiences. Their dedication to excellence and ability to lead and inspire their teams set them apart as industry stalwarts.
We congratulate all the Front Office leaders who have made it to this prestigious list and express our gratitude to the hospitality community for taking part in the voting process. By sharing their journeys and achievements, we can foster an environment of continuous improvement and excellence within the industry.
Join us in celebrating the "Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East" and the 5 commendable individuals as we honor their invaluable contributions to the hospitality industry. Their stories of success, resilience, and passion are sure to inspire and motivate others in the pursuit of excellence in the world of hospitality.
Here is the list of 30 Best Most Popular Front Office Winners (in alphabetical order):
- Abdulkarim Wheib
- Ahmed Abdelaziz
- Ahmed Eldriny
- Ahmed Nabil
- Ahmed Sanad
- Ajinkya Modi
- Akram Lateef
- Alaaeldin Elbehiry
- Ali AlZoubi
- Anita Lotter
- Basma Ben Rabeh
- Bhavesh Tanwani
- Indraneel Tripathi
- Kazem Farid
- Khaled Murad Al Kurdi
- Mary Killiny
- Mohamed Abdelsalam
- Mounia Idhemmou
- Nabil Helmy
- Nalin Srilath
- Pooja Mallya
- Raja Mansoor Ahmed
- Reena Khot
- Saad Salman
- Sabry Afify
- Sai Rasam
- Saif Alsadeq
- Samira Yatimi
- Vikas Kumar
- Yuliy Slavov
Hozpitality's Commended Leaders: -
- Calvin D'Cunha
- Harish Kumar
- Mohamed Badawy
- Mohamed Hassan
- Wael Shawkat
Here are the inspiring stories of the 30 Best Most Popular Front Office Winners (in alphabetical order):
Abdulkarim Wheib, Assistant Front Office Manager
Copthorne Hotel Sharjah
Abdulkarim's journey in the hospitality industry began around ten years ago, and ever since, he has been making remarkable strides. With a comprehensive understanding of front office operations, including check-in/check-out procedures, reservation management, concierge services, guest relations, and commercials, Abdulkarim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his Assistant Front Office Manager role.
Ahmed Abdelaziz, Front Office Manager
TIME Oak Hotels & Suites
Ahmed Abdelaziz, the Front Office Manager at TIME Oak Hotels & Suites, has been recognized as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East for 2023. With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ahmed has showcased his exceptional leadership abilities and dedication to delivering outstanding customer service.
Ahmed Eldriny, Director of Front Office
Conrad Dubai
Ahmed Eldriny, the Director of Front Office at Conrad Dubai, stands as an accomplished and seasoned professional with extensive expertise in Front Office Operations, boasting a wealth of experience since 2013. Throughout his illustrious career, he has held various pivotal roles with renowned international hotel chains such as Accor, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott, significantly contributing to his exceptional industry knowledge and diverse skill set.
Ahmed Nabil, Front Office Manager
Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection
Ahmed’s journey began with a remarkable distinction, graduating with an Honor's degree in Hotel Management from the esteemed Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Helwan University. Since then, Ahmed has continuously elevated his expertise, making significant strides in various reputable hotel brands such as Hilton, Intercontinental, Marriott, and Moevenpick. Currently, he serves at the prestigious Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, a Marriott Luxury Lifestyle brand, where he leads with exceptional leadership acumen.
Ahmed Sanad, Front Office Manager
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
Ahmed embarked on his journey at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah in September 2009, starting as an F&B Steward before gradually advancing through various roles, including Bell Desk, Receptionist & Night In-charge, Front Office Supervisor, and Duty Manager.
Ajinkya Modi, Front Office Manager
Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah
With relentless commitment to exceptional guest experiences and a track record of success in renowned hotels and resorts in India & U.A.E, Ajinkya has established himself as a highly skilled and accomplished hospitality professional.
Akram Lateef, Front Office Manager
TIME Hotels, Egypt
With a remarkable 17-year journey in the hospitality field, Akram has showcased exemplary expertise and dedication in Egypt and the Gulf, with a particular focus on the UAE.
Alaaeldin Elbehiry, Front Office Manager
Wyndham Residences The Palm
As the Pre-opening Front Office Manager at Wyndham Residences The Palm, Alaaeldin has exhibited relentless commitment and exceptional leadership. His dedication to representing the hotel in sales and marketing efforts, including participation in the successful Aramco Travel show in Saudi Arabia, has significantly contributed to the hotel's visibility and success.
Ali AlZoubi, Front Office Manager
Hilton Dubai The Walk
Ali's leadership style is characterized by leading from the front and building high-performing teams. His ability to inspire and foster a culture of learning and development within his team is evident in the impressive 98% leadership ranking he received in the last GTMS survey.
Anita Lotter, Rooms Division Manager
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
Anita's reputation as a leader is one that many admire, follow, respect, and learn from. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in diverse and challenging environments. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anita is also deeply passionate about quality and green initiatives. Her commitment to sustainability drives her to enhance existing procedures and contribute to a more eco-focused future, benefitting current and future generations.
Basma Ben Rabeh, Front Office Manager
The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel
Basma Ben Rabeh, a passionate professional in the hospitality sector, started her journey at R Hotels as a Guest Relations associate and has since been promoted to the position of Front Office Manager. She thrives in this industry due to the constant challenges it presents, the ever-evolving atmosphere, and the excitement it brings to her work every day. With each new situation, Basma stays engaged and motivated, striving to provide exceptional service.
Bhavesh Tanwani, Director of Front Office
Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences
With over 8 years of experience in front office operations, Bhavesh has developed a deep understanding of the industry and its dynamics. He has had the opportunity to work with different brands, gaining valuable insights into various approaches to guest services and hotel management.
Indraneel Tripathi, Cluster Front Office Manager
Dusit Doha Hotel and Dusit Hotel & Suites Doha
With a remarkable journey spanning over 13 years in the art of pursuing hospitality excellence, Indraneel is a highly industrious, determined, and optimistic individual with a relentless passion for elevating customer experiences. As a leader, he firmly believes in guiding and inspiring his team, considering them to be his most valuable resource.
Kazem Farid, Front Office Manager
Fairmont Dubai
With a progressive career spanning over 14 years in the industry, Kazem's journey began in Egypt before relocating to the UAE in 2010 to join the preopening team at Wyndham Hospitality. Since then, he has been a valued member of the Accor family, holding various positions within the front office department before assuming his current role as the Front Office Manager at Fairmont Dubai in 2022.
Khaled Murad Al Kurdi, Front Office Manager
Fairmont Ajman
Boasting over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Khaled's journey began with Wyndham Hospitality in Jordan. He then embarked on a journey with several luxury hotels in Jordan and Bulgaria before finding his way to Ajman in 2017 with Kempinski Hotels. In 2021, he joined the ACCOR and Fairmont family as the Assistant Front Office Manager.
Mary Killiny, Cluster Front Office Manager
Wyndham Dubai Deira
Having amassed an impressive 18 years of experience across the Middle East and GCC region, Mary's journey in the hospitality industry is filled with notable achievements. Her career took her to renowned hotels such as Sheraton Grand, St. Regis Hotel, and Fairmont Towers Heliopolis.
Mohamed Abdelsalam, Front Office Manager
Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort
With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mohamed's impressive career spans various luxury hotels, including Hilton Hotels and Taj Hotels, where he honed his expertise in providing guest satisfaction, maintaining quality standards, and driving revenue generation. His journey began in Egypt, and he later brought his skills to Dubai in 2021 before joining the ACCOR and Fairmont family in 2022 as the Front Office Manager at Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort.
Mounia Idhemmou, Front Office Manager
The Chedi Al Bait
In the bustling world of hospitality, exceptional individuals leave an indelible mark on colleagues and guests alike. Mounia Idhemmou, the Front Office Manager at The Chedi Al Bait, undoubtedly belongs to this esteemed cadre of professionals. With great enthusiasm, she has been nominated for the prestigious award of the most popular front office leader of the year, and it is evident why she is a deserving candidate for this honour.
Nabil Helmy, Duty Manager
The Tower Plaza Hotel
Nabil Helmy's journey in the hospitality industry began as a telephone operator in Cairo, where he quickly displayed his talent for providing exceptional customer service. Over the years, he has continuously excelled in the front office field, leaving a remarkable impression on guests and colleagues.
Nalin Srilath, Cluster Front Office Manager
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli, Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli, Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks
Nalin Srilath's journey in the hospitality industry began as a room attendant, but his drive for professional growth and excellence propelled him to excel in Front Office management roles. Currently serving as the Cluster Front Office Manager for three prestigious properties, his 21 years of experience across renowned brands and diverse countries have made him an industry expert.
Pooja Mallya, Front Office Manager
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
Pooja Mallya is an exceptional Front Office Manager at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, known for her empathetic and genuine approach that has significantly improved guest experiences and the resort's online reputation. With a focus on collaboration and teamwork, she has successfully aligned her multicultural team with departmental goals, creating a supportive and cohesive work environment.
Raja Mansoor Ahmed, Front Office Manager
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman
Meet Raja Mansoor, an experienced and dedicated front office manager in the hospitality industry, boasting an impressive 35-year track record of expertise in overseeing front desk operations at upscale hotels.
Reena Khot, Front Office Manager
Mercure Gold Hotel
Reena Khot has been recognized as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East for 2023. With 17 years of active hospitality experience working with renowned Worldwide Hospitality Groups such as TAJ and ACCOR, Reena brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Front Office Manager at Mercure Gold Hotel.
Saad Salman, Rooms Manager
voco Dubai The Palm
With a comprehensive understanding of various departments, including front desk operations, reservations, and housekeeping, Saad has acquired valuable insights into the key attributes required for success in the hospitality sector. This diverse experience has equipped him with the skills needed to excel in his current role as the Rooms Manager at voco Dubai The Palm.
Sabry Afify, Front Office Manager
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
Sabry Afify has been honored as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East for 2023. His exceptional leadership qualities, dedication to guest satisfaction, and strategic initiatives have elevated his status and significantly contributed to the success of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort.
Sai Rasam, Rooms Division Manager
Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Sai Rasam's recognition as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East for 2023 proofs his exceptional dedication and expertise within the hospitality industry. As the Rooms Division Manager at Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Sai has consistently demonstrated his commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovative approaches to hotel management.
Saif Alsadeq, Front Office Manager
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Saif Alsadeq's recognition as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East for 2023 speaks volumes about his passion, expertise, and leadership within the hospitality industry. With over 15 years of experience, including pre-opening roles at major hospitality firms, Saif has proven invaluable in leading diverse front-office teams.
Samira Yatimi, Rooms Operation Manager
Royal Rose Hotel Abudhabi
Samira has held various roles in distinguished hotels and resorts, steadily advancing in her positions. Her track record showcases extensive experience in room operations management, with adeptness in building connections with key clients to foster rapport and enhance retention.
Vikas Kumar, Front Office Manager
voco Bonnington Dubai
Vikas Kumar, currently serving as the Front Office Manager at voco Bonnington Dubai, stands as an accomplished hotel leader with a remarkable track record of achievements throughout his career. However, it is his exceptional leadership skills that have truly left an impact on the management teams of the hotels he's been associated with.
Yuliy Slavov, Front Office Manager
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Yuliy Slavov is the highly experienced and accomplished Front Office Manager at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. With a remarkable thirteen-year background in hospitality and client management positions, Yuliy has consistently excelled in driving business performance while delivering exceptional value to guests, clients, and partners.
Hozpitality's Commended Leaders
Calvin D'Cunha, Front Office Leader
Hilton Garden Inn Al Muraqabat
With over 12 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Harish has established himself as a seasoned professional in Asia and the Middle East. Throughout his career, He has worked with renowned brands such as The Ritz-Carlton LLC, Marriott International, Minor Hotels, and the Taj group of hotels & resorts.
Harish Kumar, Front Office Manager
Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai
With over 12 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Harish has established himself as a seasoned professional in Asia and the Middle East. Throughout his career, He has worked with renowned brands such as The Ritz-Carlton LLC, Marriott International, Minor Hotels, and the Taj group of hotels & resorts.
Mohamed Badawy, Director of Rooms
Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina
With an extensive tenure of over 15 years in the hospitality industry, Mohamed Badawy has emerged as a seasoned luminary in both the Middle East and Egypt.
Mohamed Hassan, Front Office Manager
Grand Millennium Business Bay
Among the distinguished cohort of Hozpitality's Best 30 Front Office Leaders in the Middle East for 2023, Mohamed Hassan stands out as a remarkable young luminary, showcasing a clear vision and expertise across crucial domains.
Wael Shawkat, Director of Rooms
Millennium Place Barsha Heights
Wael Shawkat emerges as a cornerstone of the Millennium Group, fostering a notable legacy over nine years across three distinct hotels. Throughout this journey, his exceptional leadership acumen and profound comprehension of the hospitality sector have shone brilliantly.
