With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Slim Zaiane’s professional journey has traversed from Geneva to London and finally to Dubai, where he has held senior management positions with several luxury hotel brands.
Slim’s expertise spans international operations and business development. He holds a BA Honours degree in Hotel Management from Glion Hotel School and a master’s degree from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. As a qualified leader, he is dedicated to ensuring excellence in guest and employee satisfaction. With his extensive tenure as a hotelier, Slim excels in problem-solving and possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills. He is fluent in English, French, and Arabic and brings a multicultural perspective to his role.
Fascinated by Dubai’s transformation into a global holiday and tourist destination, Slim joined Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates in 2014 as Hotel Manager. His primary task was overseeing the complete renovation of the $100 million hotel. In 2017, he was promoted to General Manager, where his analytical prowess, managerial acumen, and financial expertise contributed to repositioning the hotel as a luxury five-star family and leisure destination. Under his leadership, Kempinski has consistently delivered exceptional hospitality experiences, establishing itself as a landmark in Dubai.
Over the past year, Slim’s role as GM has been marked by sustainability, mentorship, and charity achievements. His adept leadership during Expo led to the hotel’s highest financial performance since its opening, earning accolades regionally and internationally.
Recognising its environmental responsibility, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, under Slim’s direction, has integrated ecological practices into its operations—the hotel’s commitment to sustainability earned it prestigious certifications such as the Green Globe and LEED Platinum.
The hotel’s strategic location within the Mall of the Emirates enhances its appeal, offering guests access to many lifestyle activities and luxury shopping options.
A key challenge that Slim tackles is fostering creativity and innovation to deliver extraordinary experiences for travellers in the UAE. He attributes the hotel’s success to its dedicated team’s passion for creating unforgettable memories and providing warm, welcoming service—an ethos deeply ingrained in the Kempinski legacy.
Zaiane’s leadership style is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. He describes it as a blend of fostering strong interpersonal connections, effective communication, and a relentless pursuit of solutions. Under his guidance, the hotel thrives on empowering its team, nurturing talents, adapting to industry trends, crafting unforgettable experiences for guests.
Situated in the Mall of the Emirates, guests enjoy access to both sun and snow, with Ski Dubai offering a winter wonderland experience. The hotel’s culinary offerings, including recent additions like Eugenè Eugenè and XU, redefine gastronomic excellence, while sustainability initiatives like the NESPRESSO recycling program highlight its environmental commitment.
At Kempinski MOE, personalised service is paramount. All guest’s preferences are meticulously catered to, facilitated by innovative technologies like in-room touch service and environmentally conscious practices. The hotel’s dedication to understanding and meeting diverse guest needs sets it apart in the industry.
Staying ahead of industry trends is essential for Zaiane and his team, and sustainability remains a focus, which is evident through certifications and initiatives like AI systems for food waste reduction. Zaiane sees the integration of digitisation, AI, and contactless services as exciting industry trends. “The increasing role of digitisation and AI in the industry is a trend we find particularly exciting. At Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, we’ve responded by incorporating technology into our guest experiences, offering a seamless and tech-savvy stay. This aligns with the evolving preferences of modern travellers and positions us as a hotel that stays ahead of industry trends. Another trend set for 2024, that we have already fully embraced is the need for personalisation, we have incorporated clever technologies to learn more about our guests to better serve their needs and demands. Finally, a big trend that we are seeing the increasing importance and demand of, is contactless. Taking contactless services to the next level and offering guests contactless check-in and check-out – means guests receive a streamlined experience. This service is particularly popular with our high-profile and VIP guests where discretion is of the utmost importance.”
Zaiane’s vision for the future revolves around maintaining excellence, sustainability, and culinary innovation. With upcoming renovations and expansions, including enhancements to wellness facilities and new F&B concepts, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates aims to solidify its position as a premier destination in Dubai. “Looking ahead, my vision revolves around maintaining a strong organisational structure and staying attuned to evolving guest expectations and industry trends. Sustainability will remain a priority, with ongoing efforts to reduce our ecological footprint and enhance our green initiatives. Additionally, we aim to further elevate the culinary excellence of the hotel as we introduce new dining concepts, ensuring Kempinski MOE continues to be a preferred choice for travellers seeking a blend of luxury, sustainability, and extraordinary experiences in Dubai.”
“Finally, 2024 is set to be a big year for the property as we plan for a full renovation which will also include improvements to our wellness facilities, gym and pool, ensuring Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates remains one of the most visited and re-visited hotels in the city.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, Slim Zaiane’s leadership continues to set a standard of excellence at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. With a keen eye on innovation, sustainability, and personalised service, the hotel remains a beacon of luxury and sophistication in Dubai’s vibrant hospitality scene.
