In a region where scale often dominates the narrative, Amir Golbarg has proven that meaningful growth is not just about adding keys, it’s about crafting a portfolio with precision, purpose and long-term value. As the Senior Vice President for Minor Hotels in the Middle East and Africa, Amir oversees one of the group’s most exciting regional stories: a rapidly growing, strategically positioned network of properties that now spans 38 operating hotels across 10 countries, with 20 more in development.
Since assuming leadership of the region in 2019, Amir has quietly but powerfully shifted Minor Hotels’ role in the Middle East and Africa from participant to pace-setter. Under his direction, the region has seen several firsts, each carrying weight beyond headlines. He led the launch of the NH Collection brand in the Middle East with a flagship property on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, a move that brought the brand into one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world. He followed that by debuting NH Hotels in Africa with a landmark opening in Johannesburg, a city known for its dynamic business and lifestyle travel segments.
At the ultra-luxury end, Amir’s commitment to curating distinctive, experience-led properties came to life in 2024 with the opening of Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, an exclusive 22-key sanctuary inspired by the Greek isles, but tailored for the discerning traveller of the UAE. It marked Minor Hotels’ ninth Anantara in the country, a statement of both scale and staying power. The same year also saw the group’s first steps into Ras Al Khaimah with Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, further widening the brand’s national footprint.
Amir’s impact is also felt in Dubai, where the group is set to become the largest hotel operator on Palm West Beach, a highly competitive stretch of coastline home to some of the city’s most prominent lifestyle brands. The addition of Dukes The Palm Hotel underlines the group’s commitment to growing with relevance in key urban and resort locations.
Looking ahead, Amir is steering a regional development pipeline designed to strengthen Minor Hotels’ presence in emerging destinations while expanding its luxury credentials. Notable among the upcoming openings is the first-ever Anantara-branded tented safari camp in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, a new category of immersive travel for the brand and a first for the group. He’s also preparing for multiple hotel launches in Oman and Bahrain, each tailored to meet evolving regional demand while reinforcing the group’s identity as a luxury and lifestyle leader.
But Amir’s leadership extends far beyond keys and contracts. He brings with him nearly two decades of global experience, having worked in senior leadership roles across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Before joining Minor Hotels, Amir played an instrumental role in major repositioning projects, including the renovation of the iconic Raffles Singapore and the relaunch of the Ritz-Carlton Doha, projects that required deep cultural understanding, stakeholder management and visionary planning.
Amir is not only operationally sharp; he brings a rare combination of commercial acumen, asset management expertise and brand strategy. This multi-dimensional perspective has allowed him to build lasting value into every move whether expanding a brand’s footprint or identifying white space in a saturated market. His leadership style is grounded in clarity, trust and results, earning him respect not only within Minor Hotels but across the broader hospitality community in the region.
In his current role, Amir has proven adept at navigating complex markets, managing owner relationships and balancing aggressive growth with operational excellence. His understanding of regional nuances from cultural expectations to regulatory frameworks, has positioned Minor Hotels as a trusted partner for both travellers and stakeholders alike.
Amir Golbarg’s influence is not defined by volume but by vision. He is building more than a network of properties; he is shaping experiences, creating destinations and futureproofing a brand portfolio that continues to evolve with the region. Whether introducing new concepts or elevating established ones, his work is a case study in thoughtful expansion and strategic leadership.
n a region known for hospitality ambition, Amir Golbarg stands out not just for his achievements but for the consistency, integrity and intelligence with which he delivers them
