Interview with Mr. Bassam Zakaria, Area General Manager Dusit International

Would you please give us a summary about your career in the hospitality industry?

As someone passionate about service and people, my journey as a hotelier has been an ongoing process of mastering both the commercial and operational facets of the industry. I began humbly in the Front Office, gaining valuable knowledge about hotel operations. My career progressed as I moved into Sales and Marketing as a sales executive, eventually advancing to several managerial roles. This path has provided me with a promising and fulfilling career in the hospitality industry. I’ve held positions as Director of Sales and Marketing, Director of Rooms, and ultimately General Manager. Navigating the expansive landscape of the hospitality industry is challenging, but my commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences has always been my guiding principle. Today, I proudly serve as the Area General Manager of both three hotels – dusitD2 kenz Hotel and Dusit Princess Residences, both are in Dubai. Al Manzel Hotel Apartments is in a business and commercial hub in Abu Dhabi.

Would you please describe the hotels under your management?

Think of dusitD2 Kenz Hotel as your stylish oasis in the heart of Dubai. Located right on Sheikh Zayed Road, this place blends sleek, modern design with a nod of the traditional Arab dhow. With 237 cool rooms and suites, you’ve got plenty of space to kick back. The rooftop pool is perfect for chilling after a day out, and the spa is a must for some pampering. Guests can grab a bite at Ostro Cafe for Mediterranean flavors or dive into an authentic Thai street food at Wise Kwai. Whether you’re here for work or play, this hotel’s got you covered.

If you’re craving a homey vibe with a dash of luxury, Dusit Princess Residences in Dubai Marina is your spot. Picture yourself in a spacious 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartment with stunning views of the Marina and the Arabian Gulf. It’s super convenient too, just a short stroll from The Walk at JBR and Metro Station. Enjoy the outdoor pool, hit the gym, and take advantage of all-inclusive rates that cover everything from utilities to high-speed internet and housekeeping. It’s like having your own stylish pad right in one of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world.

If you’re in Abu Dhabi, Al Manzel Hotel Apartments is where you want to be. Right in the mix of the city’s business and cultural hubs, it’s all about blending traditional Arabian hospitality with modern comfort. Our place has a cozy, luxurious vibe that makes you feel at home, whether you’re here for work or just to unwind. It’s the perfect spot where classic charm meets today’s amenities, giving you a stay that’s both comfy and memorable.

Would you please give us an idea about your guests, I mean nationalities, which are the top nationalities visiting your hotels? And what about the Saudi visitors?

Our guests come from a mix of local corporate, GCC, and international markets. We’ve noticed a significant rise in “bleisure” (business and leisure) travelers—people extending their business trips to enjoy some leisure time. There’s also been a surge in mobile and automated bookings, which aligns with the growing trend of digital convenience in travel.

When it comes to the Saudi market, we see substantial opportunities and potential. Saudi visitors are increasingly frequenting our properties, driven by their growing interest in both business and leisure travel. The robust economic growth and expanding travel habits in Saudi Arabia present exciting prospects for us. We’re actively exploring ways to cater to this market by enhancing our offerings and services to meet their preferences and needs.

What are your plans to get the loyalty form your visitors?

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving tourism scene in the UAE, staying ahead of trends is crucial. We’ve noticed that today’s travelers have unique needs and expectations, especially when it comes to sustainability. Many of our guests are eco-conscious, preferring to avoid single-use plastics and emphasizing the importance of preserving natural heritage. To meet these demands, we’ve ramped up our sustainability efforts and integrated advanced technology into our operations.

In today’s tech-driven world, especially post-pandemic, leveraging technology is key. We’re continuously updating our tech to enhance guest comfort and convenience, with a strong focus on AI solutions. These tools help us forecast better, streamline operations, and offer a more personalized experience. They also support our sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption and lowering operational costs. By combining eco-friendly practices with cutting-edge technology, we aim to provide a memorable and tailored experience that keeps our guests coming back.

What is your outlook for 2025? What is your outlook for Dubai hospitality scene, especially with the competition from other GCC markets?

We’re very optimistic about 2025 for our three properties—dusitD2 Kenz Hotel, Dusit Princess Residences in Dubai Marina, and Al Manzel Hotel Apartments. The UAE’s well-planned calendar of events, combined with a steady increase in tourism and business activities, is setting us up a sharp rise throughout 2025.

Across the GCC, we’re also witnessing promising trends. The region’s growing economic diversification and increased focus on tourism are driving more visitors and business travelers to our hotels. With new developments and infrastructural advancements in the GCC, including major events and initiatives, we’re well-positioned to attract a diverse range of guests. Our team’s dedication to delivering top-notch guest experiences has been recognized with numerous accolades from our esteemed partners, further boosting our confidence.

Overall, we’re excited about 2025. We believe our solid performance this year, combined with the thriving GCC market, will make it a standout year for all our properties.

Incase you have an idea, when Dusit brand will land in Saudi market?

Dusit is gearing up to make its Saudi debut with the opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah in Q4 2024. This will be the first internationally branded hotel in Al Majma’ah, making it a big deal for Riyadh’s hospitality scene. Saudi Arabia is a rapidly growing market for hospitality, driven by the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 , which is boosting tourism and business travel. With its strategic location and increased focus on infrastructure, Saudi Arabia presents exciting opportunities for hotels looking to tap into this thriving market.

This property will be located next to Majmaah University and just a short drive from Sudair Industrial and Business City, and it’s only about an hour and 40 minutes from King Khalid International Airport.

Guests can look forward to stylish rooms and suites, flexible meeting spaces for up to 200 people, and a range of dining options with two on-site eateries. Plus, there’s a gym and a swimming pool to enjoy. It’s all set to be a fantastic spot for business travelers and anyone looking for top-notch amenities in a great location.

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