EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Readers:

We are delighted to present to you the inaugural issue of Hospitality Tech Titans, which profiles the engineering expertise – including MEP – enriching the hospitality sector in the Middle East and Northern Africa region. The personalities that feature in this Special Supplement embody diverse experiences, leadership skills, sophisticated thinking, engineering nous and pioneering mindset, evident from their work, achievements and accolades gathered in the hospitality sector. They have earned renown for fostering teamwork and willingness to understand cutting-edge technologies. They have been instrumental in lowering the emission of greenhouse gases, managing water resources and reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) in their respective work spheres. Theirs is a commendable body of work, involving pre-openings, renovations and expansions.

We are delighted to present the champions of the hospitality engineering sector, the captains of hospitality tech leadership. Do take some time out to read about their body of work, relevant at a time when the UAE prepares to play host to COP28 and at a time when the GCC region countries are working tirelessly to achieve the objectives of their vision statements, inherent in them being economic growth coupled with lowering of emissions.

– Surendar Balakrishnan, Editor, Climate Control Middle East

 

THEME-SPIRIT

The personalities featured in this supplement are members of THEME (The Hospitality Engineers Middle East), which is the first and only dedicated networking platform for hospitality engineers in the Middle East.

MOHAMED ABDELWAHAB

Mohamed Abdelwahab is Area Director of Engineering in the Middle East for Minor Hotels, which operates a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts and serviced suites across the region under several brands, including Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas; Avani Hotels and Resorts; Tivoli Hotels & Resorts; Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites; NH Hotel Group; and The Elewana Collection.

With a proven track record of excellence in hotel engineering, Abdelwahab’s career spans more than 30 years since his graduation from Cairo University, Egypt, with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to joining Minor, he managed various large-scale projects in the Middle East and Africa whilst working for Le Meridien, Starwood, Oberoi and Millennium.

A highly skilled and experienced professional, Abdelwahab demonstrates strong leadership and management skills, leading by example in overseeing special projects, proactive maintenance and repair works for all of Minor’s properties in the Middle East.

Abdelwahab has played a key role in implementing sustainability efforts across the organisation’s multiple hotels in the Middle East, through reducing the consumption of single-use plastic and the emission of greenhouse gases, and through aiming for a net-zero goal.

Amongst the many awards and honours he has received during the course of his career, Abdelwahab is particularly proud of the Minor Hotel Group ‘Award of Excellence’, which he won in 2016 and in 2018. He is also a recipient of the Minor Hotel Group ‘Outstanding Sustainability Award’, in 2017. Additionally, he earned recognition for ‘Best Waste Reduction Initiatives’ from Dubai Municipality. And relatively recently – in 2019, to be specific – he was a key contributor in the Anantara the Palm Dubai Resort receiving the ‘Dubai Sustainable Tourism Award’ from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

He says his mantra for success in life is, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

GOUSE AM

Gouse AM is Senior Director of Engineering at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai, where he skillfully navigates the pre-opening complexities of the ultra-luxurious mixed-use development that includes a hotel, residences, a marina and quay villas, all spread over a staggering three million square feet of premium real estate.

AM has over two decades of exemplary senior management experience and leadership prowess. He has carved out an impressive niche in the realms of hospitality engineering operations and maintenance, and facility-project management. In a storied career, he has contributed to the inauguration of global five-star hotels and resorts. His professional journey has spanned the Asia Pacific and has seen him travel to India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, Macau SAR and China. He has worked with distinction at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Solaire Resort & Casino Manila, and at STDM Hotels and Investment Limited.

His tenure with STDM, in Macau SAR, saw him handle the twin roles of Regional Director of Property Management and Consultant of Technical Projects. Whilst there, he meticulously orchestrated regional property and facilities management, pre-opening, commissioning and project management, and setting up Group Hospitality Assets in the Greater Bay Area of China and Macau SAR.

At Solaire, AM held the esteemed position of Vice President – Engineering & Facilities Management. The establishment – an integrated, mixed-use development, spanning six million square feet, and a market leader in the Philippines – comprises a Forbes 5-Star Hotel, a world-class casino, Michelin-starred F&B outlets, BPO, function rooms and luxury retail stores.

AM’s expertise in managing multi-faceted establishments was further cemented during his role as Director of Engineering – Hotel & Residences at Four Seasons Hotel Macao, at the Cotai Strip®, a mixed-use integrated development, consisting of a luxury hotel, residences, luxury shopping mall, world-class casino, F&B outlets, banquet/function rooms and recreational facilities.

His earlier stints include significant roles at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and The Leela Palace Goa – India, where he began his illustrious journey.

AM  is an alumnus of Cornell University – School of Hotel Administration, in the United States, where he procured advanced certification in ‘Strategic Hospitality Management’ and certification in ‘Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management’. He also holds an MBA from the University of South Australia.

VIGNESH BALASUBRAMANIAN

Vignesh Balasubramanian is Area Director of Engineering, Marriott International, UAE. In this capacity, he oversees the engineering operations of more than 65 hotels in the UAE, creating policies and procedures in sync with market requirements and fostering collaboration for improved efficiencies.

Prior, he served as the Multi-Property Director of Engineering at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Marriott Downtown Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments, where he remarkably reduced the R&M cost and energy consumption, and played an integral role in achieving ISO 14001 certification. Whilst there, Balasubramanian also restructured human resources across three properties for maximum efficiency.

He similarly achieved significant reduction in energy and water consumption and also improvement in guest and employee satisfaction scores whilst serving earlier roles as Director of Engineering at Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai; The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Jakarta; and Renaissance Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

At the beginning of his career, he worked with the Indian Hotels Company Ltd., Mumbai, India, and exhibited exceptional capabilities in reducing energy and diesel consumption, saving significant costs and enhancing employee satisfaction.

Balasubramanian, who holds a BE (Bachelor of Engineering) in Electronics & Instrumentation from Valliammai Engineering College, in Chennai, India, is known for transforming engineering processes, creating cost-effective operations and driving sustainable engineering methodologies.

His key skills are a testament to his multifaceted capabilities. His proficiency in environmental health and safety, security planning and policy formulation has been instrumental in fostering a safe and secure environment in all his professional engagements. His knack for energy saving, cost management & budgeting, and Facility Management has ensured optimised resources utilisation and sustainable growth.

RANJEET BHARDWAJ

Ranjeet Bhardwaj is Director of Engineering at the pre-opening of One & Only One Za’abeel, Dubai. He is also the Co-Founder of THEME (The Hospitality Engineers Middle East).

In his role as Director of Engineering, he is overseeing one of the world’s most iconic vertical ultra-luxury urban resorts. This dual-tower project is connected by the world’s longest cantilever, floating 100 metres above the ground. Bhardwaj has had a prolific career, spanning more than two decades. Prior to his current role, he was associated with several prestigious hospitality brands, including SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts and the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. His engineering acumen was evident in his role as Director Operations Technical at SLS, where he was instrumental in the pre-opening phase of the luxurious lifestyle hotel at Business Bay.

An MTech in Mechanical Engineering, his impressive track record is characterised by his strategic and tactical management decisions, astute engineering strategy and exceptional people management skills. His leadership capabilities shine through in his ability to lead productive, cross-functional teams across various geographic locations, inspiring and motivating individuals to deliver outstanding results.

Bhardwaj has a commendable knack for identifying risks, deficiencies and opportunities at the forefront, and optimising engineering PMS to support cost management and drive sustainable programmes. His achievements include 20+ pre-openings with different brands, different levels of renovations, and restoration and refurbishment of high-end hotel projects.

Bhardwaj’s commitment to sustainability is noteworthy, with his efforts towards reducing energy costs and consumption year-on-year in hotels in India and the UAE. He has also played a key role in certifying hotels under Green Engage, underlining his dedication to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. In addition to his technical and management prowess, Bhardwaj has been a respected mentor and coach for his subordinates, empowering engineering divisions to streamline processes and implement various energy conservation plans.

ANDREA BUSATO

Andrea Busato is the Regional Director of Engineering at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a role in which he oversees the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, spearheading major projects and hotel revitalisations.

Busato is a consummate professional, with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Over the years, he has established himself as a formidable force in the realms of engineering, hospitality and cruise line industries. A graduate of the esteemed Technical Nautical Institute of Sebastiano Venier, Busato has earned a plethora of qualifications, including an International License of Captain of Engineering, and executive leadership programmes from Oxford and Cornell.

Embarking on his professional journey in 1989, Busato has held an array of distinguished positions, showcasing his expertise in technical, safety and operational aspects of luxury hotels, cruises and public transport systems. A multifaceted individual, his vast experience encompasses various engineering roles, including Director of Engineering for Four Seasons Florence, Hilton Molino Stucky Venezia, and Royal Caribbean International. With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for problem-solving, he has also demonstrated his prowess as a Facilities Manager and Inspector in shipyards, supervising the construction and maintenance of state-of-the-art cruise ships.

Busato is an ardent advocate of continuous learning. Donning the hat of a teacher, he gives training in leadership and in human behavioural studies. He also teaches communication and problem-solving courses. His unwavering commitment to excellence and insatiable thirst for knowledge have cemented his status as an industry stalwart.

Outside of his professional endeavours, Busato keenly participates in indoor and outdoor sports. He counts amongst his hobbies military self-defense training, fitness, reading and travelling.

RAJEEV CHOPRA

Rajeev Chopra is Area Director of Engineering at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation. In this role, he has been instrumental in steering the engineering operations, refurbishments and renovations across a portfolio of over 70 hotels. His responsibilities extend to coordinating with consultants, project managers, and owners; opening new hotels in all regions; and ensuring their respective engineering systems are in top shape.

A mechanical engineer, with special emphasis on air conditioning and refrigeration, Chopra, to date, has successfully spearheaded the launch and renovation of more than 25 hotels. He began his career as a Project Engineer at Utility Engineers, followed by a stint at Voltas Limited. What followed after that defined his career. Fresh out of Voltas, he joined as E&M Manager at ITDC – launching a three-decade-long career in the hospitality sector. He would go on to work at a myriad of luxury hotel brands, including Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Park Hotels, Sky Chef Flight Kitchen, Starwood Hotels and Hilton Hotels Worldwide, before joining the Rotana Group.

Chopra played a significant role in the opening of the flagship property of the Rotana hotel chain, in Abu Dhabi, which included managing a team of 70 engineers. Since then, his work ethic and leadership have defined the engineering excellence on display at all Rotana properties. His meticulous attention to detail in conducting technical audits and his kind counsel as a mentor of more than 20 engineers are standout features of his career. His excellence has been recognised on numerous occasions, with awards such as the Hotelier Middle East Engineers Award in 2004 and 2013, and the Hozpitality Engineers Award in 2015. In addition, Chopra has been conferred upon with certifications in Energy Management and Carbon Management by the Energy Institute, in the United Kingdom, reflecting his commitment to sustainable practices.

His career trajectory has seen him work across borders, from New Delhi to Kuwait City, taking on roles from Chief Engineer to Director of Engineering. Chopra’s career is a shining example of professional evolution and a testament to his unwavering dedication to the field of engineering in the hospitality industry. His profound knowledge, invaluable experience and indefatigable spirit mark him as a true luminary in the field, carving out a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of engineers.

AHMED ELKIKI

Ahmed ElKiki is Vice President, Technical Services (MEA) of Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA.

In a career spanning over 20 years, ElKiki has worked with renowned operators, owners, developers and advisors, including IHG, Hyatt, Sun International, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Millennium, Accor and Kempinski. His expertise spans hotel operations, corporate roles, project direction and advisory services.

What truly sets him apart is his exceptional leadership skills and genuine care for his team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages growth and success. He has a unique ability to unite his team around a common goal, driving projects to completion with dedication and enthusiasm.

ElKiki has successfully managed nine pre-openings, one rebranding with operators, two new-builds, 35 refurbishment projects and one rebranding with developers and advisors. He has also conducted design reviews to achieve operational and sustainable efficiency. His outstanding financial knowledge and extensive expertise in design and construction contracting, particularly with FIDIC forms of contracts, sets him apart in the industry.

As a dedicated advocate for sustainability, ElKiki participated in the advisory board of the first RAK Energy Summit and was a member of the Sustainability Regulations Committee of Ras Al Khaimah to establish the Emirate’s sustainability regulations (Barjeel).

ElKiki’s experience expands beyond hotels to adventure tourism, a field in which he oversaw the construction of the Jais Sledder and Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. His diverse skill set makes him a valuable resource for any organisation in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

JAMEY FORD

Jamey Ford is Global Director of Engineering and Asset Management at Kerzner International, the owner and operator of four distinctive brands – the iconic Atlantis Resorts and Residences, the ultra-luxury One & Only Resorts, Rare Finds Hotels & Resorts and the forthcoming SIRO Hotels.

Ford leads Asset and Facilities Management and Engineering portfolios for the organisation across its existing collection of award-winning, globally renowned resorts. He spearheads the development and implementation of MEP works, with the scope of responsibility including standards, design and construction, new property openings and operations, ensuring the highest level of performance.

He drives continuous innovation to fulfil the organisation’s core vision of creating Amazing Experiences and Everlasting Memories for each and every guest.

An engineering expert with over 30 years of international experience, Ford has worked for various global hotel operators, including Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza.

In his time at Kerzner International, Ford has been the champion of the organisation’s Global Sustainability Programme, implementing the EarthCheck programme at every resort within the portfolio, whilst driving performance and raising awareness. The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations programme is a global, third-party initiative that assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable development.

Ford employs and grows all the brand engineers across the globe and ensures transparent collaboration and an honest platform to thrive. In his view, it’s all about the relationships.

Ford has a passion for fitness and sports, as travelling is certainly a major part of the role and being able to train in some of the most iconic global destinations is always a bonus.

SAMER IBDAH

Samer Ibdah is Director of Engineering at InterContinental Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Ibdah, a seasoned hospitality expert with over two decades of experience, has a strong background in operations, development and engineering management, coupled with exceptional leadership skills and an eye for detail. He is a dedicated hotelier with expertise in Budgeting and Operations Management, Facility Management, Building Services Design, MEP, Fire Life Safety, Project Management, Energy Management, Negotiation, Food & Beverage, and Kitchen and Laundry.

Ibdah, who has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Jordan University of Science & Technology, has worked in several hotels across six different cities. He played a pivotal role in opening five IHG hotels and successfully managed significant renovation projects, including complete hotel and guest room renovations, the construction of a new meeting centre and public restrooms, and the alteration and conversion of hotel chillers and chilled water systems.

Ibdah is passionate about achieving eco-friendly and sustainable hotel operations. He has effectively fostered collaboration to support this objective and remained steadfast in his pursuit of one of hospitality’s most critical goals – sustainability. Additionally, he was appointed to lead the sustainability work stream for all IHG hotels in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. IHG’s performance target was to keep its 2022 carbon footprint below 2019 levels, and Ibdah worked with Hotel Operations and Engineering teams to help hotels resume their utility and sustainability plans. His efforts resulted in a 21% reduction, year on year, making the Saudi Arabia region a leader amongst other IHG regions.

Ibdah has created and participated in numerous technical and networking hospitality events in the Middle East and Europe. He is a member of several technical groups and actively engages with more than 30,000 followers on LinkedIn, where he shares and exchanges his knowledge.

Ibdah is a highly decorated professional who has received several prestigious awards, such as the IMEA Hotelier Award (‘Hotel Engineer of the Year’ category) in 2021 and the IHG Impact Award (‘IMEA Hotel Engineer of the Year’ category) in 2021 for his remarkable support to Saudi Arabia hotels.

VIJI KUNJACHAN

Viji Kunjachan is Area Director of Engineering & Projects Manager, InterContinental Muscat, in the Sultanate of Oman.

A seasoned professional with 32 years of experience in the hospitality sector, he started his career in 1991 with the Ambassador Hotel, India. He subsequently worked with the Military Engineering Service in the Indian Navy. In 1994, he joined the Ministry of Defense & Aviation in Saudi Arabia.

In 1998, he joined the InterContinental Hotel Riyadh (IHG Group), thus firmly embarking on a career in the hospitality sector. He started out as a Junior Engineer and performed in 11 job positions before rising to the level of Director, in his current assignment.

As Area Director of Engineering, Kunjachan is tasked with looking after nine properties, consisting of five IHG brands, in Oman. As part of his remit, in 2021, he initiated and installed a drinking water plant unit in Crowne Plaza OCEC & InterContinental Muscat to eliminate plastic bottles, as part of a plastic elimination drive. As a result of his exertions, the IHG Group has been able to eliminate 770,000 plastic bottles per year in Oman. His achievement attracted attention – today, many different hotel groups in Oman are seeking his advice and expertise.

Kunjachan has taken many initiatives to eliminate single-use plastic. He has also taken an initiative to install EV units (Electrical Vehicle charging centres) at seven IHG hotels in Oman, as part of a green commitment to reduce the carbon footprint and lower global warming.

Over the years, Kunjachan has received various awards and recognitions, including a special appreciation from the White House and the United States Secret Service for his outstanding involvement in the US President’s visits to Saudi Arabia, during which he stayed at IHG hotels. He has also won the IHG Regional Award, called ‘IMEA Risk Management in Safety Excellence’. He was shortlisted in the ‘Engineer of the Year’ category in the Hotelier Middle East Awards in the years 2014, 2016 and 2017. He was also shortlisted in the ‘Engineering’ category in the Hozpitality Excellence Award in the years 2017 and 2020. He eventually won the ‘Engineer of the Year’ award in the 2022 edition of the Hotelier Middle East Awards.

Kunjachan received various appreciation certificates from ‘Dubai Green Tourism’ for green activities and the waste management programme at IHG Hotels in Dubai.

Since 1998, Kunjachan has enjoyed a strong growth path with IHG. He has worked in five countries and 12 properties. With the passing of the years, his expertise and commitment to his field has simply become stronger – he has achieved the highest certification level for 12 properties in four countries in Green Engage, IHG’s sustainability and environmental programme.

Kunjachan recently received CHFE® (Certified Hospitality Facilities Executive) from AHLA (American Hotel and Lodging Association), thus proving that it is possible to learn and develop despite a strenuous work schedule.

ASHISH LAL

Ashish Lal is a seasoned professional with over 23 years of experience in hospitality pre-opening, project management, engineering operations and facilities management. He is the mastermind behind the pre-opening and engineering operation of the world-renowned Dubai Future Foundation’s Museum of the Future.

With his out-of-the-box thinking, Lal brings new technologies and innovative ways, moving away from conventional managerial techniques whilst keeping basics and simplicity intact.

During his previous assignments – as Cluster Director of Engineering with Emaar Hospitality Group and with Hilton Worldwide – Lal opened five high-rise hotels and three hotel resorts, supported nine hotel openings and one museum, making for a total of 18 property openings. He has also worked closely with corporate technical services for the opening of luxury hotels in Turkey, Bahrain and Egypt. His work is focused on achieving sustainability and energy management, in line with corporate goals.

Lal is known for restructuring the human resources of eight hotels within Dubai, saving in excess of AED 6 million per year in costs. He has also implemented a recycling water scheme for irrigation, saving AED 546,000 annually, and resolved the Low Delta T Syndrome for chilled water systems, saving AED 800,000 annually.

He has also worked closely with consultants to ensure that Fire, Life and Safety standards are 100% functional and as per Civil Defence standards. Lal has conducted energy audits and implemented new systems, such as a grey-water treatment plant, heat recovery from boiler flue gas, VFDs for air conditioning units and LED lights, saving AED 500,000 annually in energy bills.

As part of THEME Masterminds and founder of AWESOME India, Lal is dedicated to paving the way for the succession of people and resources within the group. His expertise in MEP design for various projects, including retail shops, banquet kitchens and restaurants, is commendable.

GAETAN LAVOIE

Gaetan Lavoie is Vice President of Technical Services (GCC and MENA) at the TIME Hotel group. He oversees all operations, renovations, new properties, new-built property and development reviews, full concept design, MEP, landscaping and recreation features. In his leadership role, he also oversees the organisation’s ongoing expansion effort of the brand.

Lavoie began his career in 1991 in the hotel industry in Canada. His first assignment was with the Novotel in Montreal, with the work encompassing the first stage to completion and operation. Over the next nine years, he oversaw the opening and renovation of properties across North America.

In 2000, he joined the Crowne Plaza Toronto as Director of Maintenance and Recreation. During his time there, he most notably contributed to the movie, The Tuxedo with his skill and experience. Starring the legendary Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewitt, the movie was partly shot in the Crowne Plaza Toronto.

In 2002, he joined the Renaissance Hotel, in Montreal, where his remit was to oversee the property. It was eventually sold to McGill University in 2003. His contribution as engineer with the responsibility of carrying out due diligence of the property, received acknowledgement from both the parties. He stayed on to work at the property in a university environment.

In 2007, he joined SNC Lavalin O&M, where he served as Operations Director, overseeing 275 buildings (BMO) in the Quebec and Atlantic provinces, in all comprising 139,000 square metres of space. For his work, he received recognition in the form of the ‘Top Energy Saver Award’ for BMO 2009-2010.

Lavoie is a strong believer of ‘leadership and development’, as opposed to ‘leader and development’.

‘Leader and development’ can be defined as developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, confidence and the behavioural aspects of an individual leader towards making that person more effective. The focus is often on developing the individual; it lacks a comprehensive and systemic perspective. ‘Leadership and development’, on the other hand, can be defined as building an environment where people in the organisation develop leadership skills, abilities, behaviours and attitudes. It is about building a network of relationships amongst individuals, where they support one another and work towards the greater good. It is about building a leadership culture.

Leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Leadership involves people, and hence it is a social and interpersonal process.

AMANDEEP PANESAR

Amandeep Panesar is Consulting Vice President for Energy Efficiency and Facilities Management at a mega-project in Saudi Arabia.

Panesar is a highly accomplished and seasoned professional with over two and a half decades of experience in various sectors of the construction industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Architectural Design from UCE in the United Kingdom, which has equipped him with the necessary skills to effectively manage multifaceted and multinational development and investment teams.

With an extensive and diverse skill-set in areas such as Transition Management, Facilities Management, construction, MEP and renewable energy technologies, Panesar is a visionary leader and proficient senior executive, capable of fostering successful collaborations amongst contractors, clients and managers. He has a wealth of exposure to corporate settings and is renowned for his adeptness in establishing alliances and consortiums to participate in mega projects and in recruiting experts to deliver on such endeavours.

As part of his remit at the mega project in Saudi Arabia, Panesar oversees the development and support of energy-efficient strategies and programmes for the project. He manages critical initiatives, including stakeholder management, tenders management, and contracts review/clarification/justification for hybrid renewable energy systems featuring solar, battery energy storage, EV chargers, PV-SWRO and distribution systems.

Panesar is highly proficient in developing and managing Transition and Facilities Management strategies, policies and operational practices. He collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders and is adept at establishing long-term objectives aligned with business goals. He develops and executes strategic FM operation strategies for large and complex projects, and integrates activities with the main design teams and consultants to achieve the required design for site operations.

Having managed projects and developed businesses in various geographical locations, including the Middle East, United Kingdom and Africa, Panesar is highly skilled in the latest construction technologies, with a particular focus on renewable energy, power transmission and affordable housing.

Panesar is a highly decorated professional. His portfolio of achievements include contributing to the successful delivery and completion of EXPO 2020 Dubai; contributing to the handover, delivery and completion of Qasr Al Sarab; and winning the ‘Young Architect of the Year’ award for his work on the Sir Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in London, in the United Kingdom.

RAMISH RAJOO

Ramish Rajoo is Director of Engineering, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, in Dubai.

In an illustrious 20-year career in the hospitality industry, Rajoo has held pivotal roles with prestigious hotel chains, including Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Dubai, Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, Shangri-La Doha, Sunway Group Hotels and Resorts, The Saujana Hotels & Resorts, The Hyatt Regency Saujana and Metroplex Properties Holdings. His expertise includes pre-opening engineering activities, project management, employee development and budgeting.

Boasting a strong educational background in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Rajoo is well-versed in MEP systems, preventive maintenance and project management. A member of The Institution of Engineering & Technology (UK), Rajoo has demonstrably excelled in overseeing building structures and HVAC systems and in implementing effective preventive maintenance programmes and energy-conservation practices. His dedication to fostering a sustainable, secure and appealing environment for associates, guests and visitors is a standout feature of his career.

Rajoo’s numerous accolades include achieving exceptional Fire Life Safety and Health scores, contributing to Forbes Five Star awards, and completing enhancement projects that have resulted in increased revenues. In a clear demonstration of his leadership skills, he has cultivated robust relationships with holding company project teams and has consistently showcased an ability to build strong engineering teams.

DR GURDIISH SINGH SABHARWAL

Dr Gurdiish Singh Sabharwal is Regional Director Engineering & Technical Services at The Oberoi Group. He is also the Co-Founder of THEME (The Hospitality Engineers Middle East).

In the realm of hotel engineering and project management, few individuals possess the distinctive expertise, exceptional accomplishments and pioneering vision of Dr Sabharwal. In a career spanning over two decades, he has helmed groundbreaking projects and has had a transformative impact on the future of hotel engineering and project management.

A BTech in Mechanical Engineering, he holds a Doctorate of Professional Studies in Engineering Management, and a Chartered Engineer Certification from The Institution of Engineers (India). In addition, he holds a host of diplomas and certifications in industrial safety, environmental management and energy efficiency. He is also a Certified Energy Manager from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, India.

Dr Sabharwal’s multifaceted expertise in hotel engineering operations and facility management has been honed through his diverse experience, gained whilst working with reputed star hotels such as The Oberoi, Trident and ITC Sonar Bangla Sheraton. His proficiency in handling pre-opening, MEP, HVAC, maintenance, plant operations, HT & LT electrical and EHS tasks has earned him the moniker of “maestro” in the field. His unwavering dedication to his craft drew acknowledgement in the form of ‘The Most Commendable Engineer for the year 2014’ award from Hotelier Middle East magazine.

Dr Sabharwal’s standout quality is his exceptional ability to conceptualise and execute projects that amalgamate cutting-edge technology, sustainability and operational efficiency. Some of his most noteworthy projects include the pre-opening experiences at The Oberoi Marrakech, The Oberoi Beach Resort in Alzorah, The Oberoi Dubai, Trident Bandra Kurla and ITC Sonar Bangla, as well as various renovation projects. He is currently working on new greenfield hotel projects in Ajman, Doha and Riyadh, showcasing his unwavering commitment to shaping the future of hospitality.

Dr Sabharwal’s groundbreaking work extends beyond the confines of individual projects. A visionary, he has revolutionised processes, systems and procedures that have led to enhanced operational efficiency and improved team dynamics. His strong advocacy for sustainability and energy conservation has yielded tangible results, as evidenced by the reduction of utility consumption costs and the introduction of preventive maintenance schedules, energy audits and fire drills.

A strenuous work schedule notwithstanding, Dr Sabharwal undertook advanced training programmes on green building rating systems at CII, Hyderabad. He is pursuing an IGBC Lead AP certification, underlining his enthusiasm for, and commitment to, learning.