Despite these times of global austerity, welcome to a boutique hotel that has no qualms about espousing unadulterated comfort to suit Abu Dhabi’s increasingly cosmopolitan guest profile. Combining traditional with contemporary design, the varied services entice. However, at 65sqm apiece, it’s their standard rooms - the largest in the UAE – that are even more tempting; we nearly had a party… General Manager Kamel Zayati gives the low-down.
What’s so special?
“The number one guest comment we receive is about our staff friendliness. This makes me proud as I appreciate my responsibility in maximising Al Raha’s central location perfectly situated in the middle of the city action. With our property next door to Al Raha Mall, a mere 45minutes from Dubai, five minutes to the Golf Course and bordering the upcoming Saadiyat and Lulu Islands, it’s all about ultimate convenience.”
Challenges?
“Staff recruitment and retention is difficult. Abu Dhabi is evolving fast and whilst this fosters exciting market share opportunities, keeping on our toes when it comes to retaining staff, requires commitment. Even if we have to entice staff participation with ‘ice cream brain storm sessions’, striving to bridge the gap between staff, clients and management is a key element to our success.”
Take on the Future?
“The global hospitality industry is diversifying and adapting to new segments – Culture Tourism, Business Facilities, Golfing Experiences, Medical Retreats, Cultural Concepts, GCC and Government sectors. In our case, the focus is no longer on leisure travel only. Branching out is vital. With the new generation of budget hotels, concepts are being simplified, for more tailor made budgets.”
Synergies with Abu Dhabi’s Plan 2030?
“There is huge potential to maximise service on our doorstep as Abu Dhabi has spearheaded so many exciting projects and upcoming events that hoteliers need to be one step ahead. I’m thinking Formula One valet parking, Concert transport, Summer Promotions with Harley Davidson Bikes; Radio, Print, HTML campaigns and All Year Round Ramadan Tents…Our marketing team have innovative ideas. It’s all about creative revenue management.”
Catering for an estimated 120,000 new residents within the next five years, the Al Raha district is taking shape with comprehensive facilities that underscore the creation of a new community: schools, marinas, recreational facilities, offices, homes. As Abu Dhabi is still scarce on residential accommodation, the hotel’s long term staying guests add to the genuinely friendly atmosphere and relaxed environment that ensures repeat business.
Despite stratospheric mercury levels, it’s obvious why Kamel Zayati retains a healthy 65 percent summer occupancy rates, exceeding their 2008 results in all spheres. Simply put, the Al gathered under the umbrella of Danat Hotels and Resorts.
Kamel Zayati is a true hotelier professional and has been in the industry since 1972 after graduating in his home country of Tunisia. Zayati’s proffessional career started with the Novotel Group in Germany and France and continued from strength to strength taking on various managerial and operational positions in Monastair and Niger, Africa. Zayati then joined the Hyatt International Corporation; a company he would remain with for the next 20 years, starting as a Manager of the Hyatt Gizan in Saudi Arabia he successfully climbed the corporate ladder to become General Manager of Hyatt hotels in Kuwait, Dubai, Tunisia, Malaysia, Jeddah and Mekkah.
During his time Zayati was awarded “General Manager of the Year 1988” amongst other “Excellence Awards”. Kamal Zayati has since taken up the role as General Manager of the first 5-star Boutique Hotel in the UAE, the Al Raha Beach Hotel, when asked at the time of his appointment why he was accepting the position Zayati replied he was “astonished at the pace of development, and keen to help Abu Dhabi achieve recognition as a distinctive resort where Arabic style was married to sophisticated global standards”