Charbel Karam is a highly experienced and passionate hospitality professional, with a strong F&B background in top establishments across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.
Charbel joins Th8 Palm, Managed by Accor as a F&B Manager, with over 15 years of experience in the F&B industry, including roles in Dubai with Jumeirah Emirates Towers as a Restaurant Team Leader, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel as an Outlet Manager, Jumeirah Al Naseem as the General Manager of Ambar Rooftop Bar & Lounge, as well as other experiences as a General Manager and Operations Manager for F&B concepts. His most recent role as Restaurant Project Manager for Z Entertainment in Saudi Arabia saw him responsible for the development of a few exciting pop-up concepts including a fine dining restaurant and a casual dining restaurant.
His extensive experience makes him the ideal fit for Th8 Palm, Managed by Accor, which has a range of F&B concepts in the Palm Jumeirah boutique lifestyle resort. As F&B Manager across Fluid Beach Club, Envy and EllaMia, Charbel will bring a whole host of skills and accolades from his years in the industry, to create an exceptional and memorable experience for all guests.
Known for his enthusiasm, meticulous attention to detail, out-of-the-box thinking and passion for growing a strong team, he is a keen coach and mentor to his team members. With Arabic as his mother tongue, Charbel is also fluent in English, supporting his efforts to be an excellent communicator to the UAE’s diverse workforce. Th8 Palm, Managed by Accor is a unique, modern resort inspired by art and design with a Miami-inspired beach club and individual F&B concepts to suit those looking for unpretentious, effortless luxury. The hotel team welcomes Charbel to his role to support with the elevation of these venues across the UAE and the wider region.
Gaurav Gulati is the Executive Head Chef at Th8 Palm, managed by Accor, with over 20 years of experience in bustling kitchens from across the world. Born in India, Chef Gaurav’s career spans across seven countries including Qatar, the United Kingdom, Seychelles, Morocco, Montenegro, India, and the UAE.
Chef Gaurav first entered a kitchen professionally in 2002 in The Claridge’s Hotel in New Delhi and worked at restaurants across India before moving to the Middle East as a Demi Chef Partie for Qatar Airways in Doha. He then worked his way up through the ranks at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah to Head Chef at Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi in 2009.
In 2016, Gaurav was part of the pre-opening team for The H Resort in Mahe Seychelles, opening four bespoke restaurants, before adding to his craft through Executive Chef roles in Morocco, Montenegro and London, UK. Gaurav returned to Dubai to take on the role of Executive Chef in The H Hotel Dubai, followed by his role as Cluster Executive Chef for Vida Downtown and Manzil Downtown overseeing the full culinary teams at both properties.
As an enthusiastic and positive team player, Gaurav is an ambitious Chef with excellent work ethic to ensure the best experience for both guests at the hotel, and his team members alike. His vibrant personality and passion for cooking ensures a unique interaction for diners. As Executive Head Chef at Th8 Palm Gaurav will bring his experience of global cooking to create memorable F&B experiences for guests dining at the Palm Jumeirah’s chic boutique hotel.
