Ahmed combines vision, people-first leadership, & expertise to make every moment memorable
Ajman: Fairmont Ajman is proud to announce the promotion of Ahmed Gaafar to Hotel Manager, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, operational acumen, and unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional guest journeys.
With over 23 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Ahmed brings a unique combination of strategic vision, people-first leadership, and hands-on operational expertise along with an innate understanding of what it means to make each moment genuinely memorable.
Ahmed joined Fairmont Ajman in November 2021 as Director of Operations, where he spearheaded major service enhancement initiatives, introduced new guest experience standards, and led successful departmental restructures, leading to his subsequent role as Acting General Manager.
Over the past three and a half years, he has been instrumental in elevating guest satisfaction, streamlining operations, and driving strong commercial performance — all while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and engagement among colleagues. His promotion recognizes his deep understanding of the Fairmont brand values, his ability to lead through transformation, and his consistent delivery of elevated guest experiences.
“Ahmed’s ability to inspire teams, elevate guest experiences, and lead with integrity makes this promotion truly well-deserved,” said Rolf Lippuner, Vice President of Operations for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. “It also reflects our deep commitment to nurturing exceptional talent from within. This is a proud milestone for Fairmont Ajman and a testament to the strength of our brand culture across the region.”
In his new capacity, Ahmed will lead Fairmont Ajman’s operational teams in upholding the highest service standards, with a sharp focus on Accor Core Standards, guest experience innovation, and operational excellence. His commitment to heartfelt hospitality will be essential in advancing the resort’s reputation as one of the UAE’s most beloved luxury escapes.
“I am both honoured and inspired to take on this new chapter,” said Ahmed Gaafar. “At Fairmont, we do more than deliver service—we create meaningful memories. I look forward to working alongside our talented team to continue crafting exceptional stays and setting new standards for genuine, personalized hospitality.”
Before joining Fairmont, Ahmed held senior leadership roles across some of the region’s most iconic hotels. As Cluster Operations Manager at JA Resorts & Hotels, he oversaw multiple properties in Dubai. His earlier experience includes a leadership position at the ultra-luxury Armani Hotel Dubai in Burj Khalifa, where he helped drive the delivery of an award-winning lifestyle experience.
His operational journey also includes key roles with InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, and Kempinski Hotels, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both corporate structures and luxury service delivery.
A graduate of Alexandria University with a degree in Hotel Management, Ahmed is known for his approachable leadership style, inspirational mentorship, and cultural fluency in leading diverse, multicultural teams. He is passionate about cultivating environments where colleagues thrive and guests feel truly cared for.
As he steps into the role of Hotel Manager, Ahmed remains committed to leading Fairmont Ajman with vision, integrity, and passion, ensuring its continued success as one of the UAE’s most captivating beachside destinations. Ahmed embraces Fairmont’s promise of turning moments into special memories, ensuring every guest experience is marked by warmth, excellence, and a true sense of place.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox