An equal balance of modern hospitality and Emirati heritage at Metropolitan Hotel Dubai
Blended experiences present best of both worlds says property General Manager, Samer Homsi
As its General Manager, what is your long-term vision for the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, and how do you plan to position it within the competitive landscape of Dubai’s hospitality industry?
My vision for Metropolitan Hotel Dubai is to solidify its position as a premier destination that blends modern hospitality with Emirati heritage, offering both business and leisure travelers an exceptional experience. Dubai’s hospitality market is highly competitive, and we differentiate ourselves by delivering personalised service, continuous innovation, and an authentic sense of place.
Our focus is on enhancing guest experiences, refining service excellence, and investing in digital transformation to stay ahead of industry trends. By evolving with guest expectations and maintaining a strong reputation, we ensure Metropolitan Hotel Dubai remains a preferred choice for visitors.
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality sector, how do you approach leadership and team development to ensure both employee satisfaction and exceptional guest experiences?
With over two decades in hospitality, I believe strong leadership is about inspiring teams, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of excellence. At Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, we prioritise open communication, continuous training, and career development to ensure our employees feel valued and empowered.
Teamwork is the foundation of exceptional service. We encourage a collaborative work environment where departments work seamlessly together to enhance the guest experience. A motivated and well-coordinated team translates into exceptional guest service, ensuring that every interaction reflects our high standards.
We invest in skill-building programmes, leadership workshops, and cross-departmental training to cultivate a dynamic and unified workforce. Our goal is to nurture talent, recognise dedication, and foster a strong sense of teamwork, where employees take pride in their contributions and support one another in delivering seamless, high-quality service for our guests.
In an era where sustainability and innovation are pivotal, what initiatives has the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai implemented under your management to address these areas?
Sustainability and innovation are key pillars of our operations. At Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, we have implemented several initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint while enhancing guest convenience.
We have optimised energy consumption, introduced eco-friendly amenities, and are actively reducing plastic waste. In our food and beverage operations, we source locally to support sustainability while offering fresh, high-quality cuisine.
Our commitment to sustainability was recognised when we were awarded the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp 2023 for Best Sustainable Hotel, a testament to our dedication to responsible hospitality. This achievement motivates us to continue implementing environmentally conscious initiatives and aligning with Dubai’s sustainability goals.
The hospitality industry faces various challenges, from economic fluctuations to global events. How have you steered the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai through such challenges, and what strategies have proven most effective?
The hospitality industry constantly faces challenges, from economic fluctuations to global events. At Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, our success lies in adaptability, resilience, and proactive decision-making.
During uncertain times, such as the pandemic, we focused on guest safety, operational efficiency, and flexible offerings to maintain service excellence. We strengthened corporate partnerships, promoted staycations, and diversified our revenue streams to mitigate risks.
Looking ahead, we continue to adopt market-driven strategies, invest in digital transformation, and enhance guest experiences to remain competitive. Staying agile and forward-thinking is key to long-term success.
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