The leader, innovator and motivator behind Marriott International’s entire Middle East Luxury portfolio of hotels is thisdedicated, hard-working and committed professional who has achieved enormous success as a hospitality heavyweight and luxury specialist.
Havingan infectiously optimistic attitude, strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of luxury and the appeal it holds, he has recently been promoted to the senior and immensely important role of Area Managing Director of Luxury Operations Middle East.
Having risen from relatively humble beginnings, he now oversees all operations and profile optimisation initiatives for the group’s luxury hotels in the Middle East. This new role puts him in charge of driving the operational, guest and employee results of unique and world-renowned brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The St. Regis, The EDITION, Bulgari, Luxury Collection, Autograph, JW Marriott and W.
His high-powered position requires exceptional organisation, communication and strategic leadership skills, however Moustafa handles his multiple responsibilities with ease. Working directly under the COO, he is accountable for enhancing guest experiences, optimising results, implementing brand initiatives, distributing resources efficiently, managing relationships with owners and asset managers, sourcing new growth opportunities within the region, identifying business improvement opportunities and much more.
As the region’s top leading expert in luxury, Moustafa’s exciting and varied hospitality career spans over 20 years.
He securedhis first General Manager role before he turned 40, and prior to joining the Marriott family he held prestigious senior positions at luxury hospitality brands such as Fairmont, The Westin and Shangri-La. He lived across the world in Australia and MENA before settling in the UAE, a place he is now extremely proud to call home.
As part of the original The St. Regis Abu Dhabi opening team, he was promoted to General Manager of the iconic property in 2013, just two years after it opened its doors in 2011. In March 2022, he was promoted to lead all ten of the UAE capital’s most exclusive Marriott properties as Area General Manager, Luxury Hotels and Resorts Abu Dhabi.
Now, his hands-on approach as Area Managing Director, sets him apart from every other hospitality leader in the region. Based at the Dubai regional offices, he splits his attention between all the spectacular properties in his portfolio, and he supports the General Managers of each unit by providing clear leadership, ample resources,personalisedbranding and operational strategies.
Moustafa’s talent for hospitality is aided by his own personal appreciation for high fashion and luxury. The fact that he has his own extensive collections of watches and tailored suits helps him to appreciate and understand the allure of high-end style,class, and what he needs to do to make his guests feel special. This is proven in the fact that all his properties have long hadsome of the top guest experience ratings in the Middle East and Africa
Many might say that they are more focused on reputation rather than profits, but Moustafa genuinely means it. He knows luxury and the hospitality business inside out, and he uses his exceptional knowledge to ensure that every visitor that passes through the doors of his portfolio experiences the highest possible standards of luxury, and expectations are always exceeded.
Throughout his years at Marriott, Moustafa has enhanced each hotel’s world-renowned elegance and style by forging numerous strategic and valuable partnerships with luxury retailers and noteworthy brands. This includes collaborations with iconic and prestigious names such as Richard Mille, Cartier, Anil Arjandas Jewellery, as well as Etihad Airways and Vogue Arabia.
In his new role as Area Managing Director, he will continue to source, build and maintain close relationships with other luxury brands that complement the ethos of the Marriott Luxury portfolio.
As well as being an inspiration to those who work under him, he’s also one of the most well-known and admired figures in the Middle East’s hospitality industry. Always up to date with the latest trends, key influencers and local events, his connections extendfar and wide.
