Exclusive Q&A with Thomas Schmelter, Area GM, IHG Hotels, Dubai Festival City
Luxury hospitality is evolving — shifting from traditional opulence to meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences. At InterContinental Dubai Festival City, we proudly embrace this transformation, inspired by the InterContinental brand’s global evolution to Inspire Incredible.
Today’s guests seek authenticity, personalisation, and a sense of connection — whether through bespoke wellness, immersive dining, or thoughtfully designed spaces. We curate experiences that reflect local culture, celebrate individuality, and create lasting memories.
Technology, including AI, plays a key role in enhancing these moments — quietly supporting seamless, intuitive service that feels both effortless and personal. From tailored recommendations to digital enhancements, innovation empowers our team to deliver beyond expectations.
As the luxury landscape continues to evolve across the UAE and globally, we believe the future belongs to brands that blend emotional intelligence with innovation. At InterContinental Dubai Festival City, we’re proud to lead with purpose, passion, and a promise to inspire the incredible in every guest journey.
At IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, staying ahead of industry shifts means continuously evolving to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travelers — whether they’re here for business, leisure, or both. We do this by embracing innovation, investing in our spaces, and most importantly, delivering personalised, memorable experiences that reflect the character of our destination.
A key part of this strategy is our newly enhanced Event Centre. Events by InterContinental Dubai Festival City offers an impressive total of 15,000 square metres of event space. This includes a 7,200 square metre pillarless facility at Festival Arena, an ideal venue for conventions, exhibitions, and concerts for up to 9,000 people.
The 5,000 square metre Event Centre features a waterfront location, with ballrooms, meeting rooms, and a promenade that offers stunning views of historic Dubai Creek in the foreground, with the renowned city skyline rising beyond. Additionally, the 1,150 square metre event venue at Holiday Inn & Suites ensures options for various budget requirements. Together, these spaces create a comprehensive solution for all types of events.
Combined with our diverse dining concepts, waterfront setting, and tailored guest experiences, this holistic approach ensures that every stay — and every event — is truly one-of-a-kind.
At IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, sustainability is deeply ingrained in our operations, and we are committed to continuously evolving to meet the needs of our guests while protecting the environment. In addition to the Nordaq glass bottling plant, which has helped eliminate single-use plastics, we have replaced plastic key cards with eco-friendly bamboo cards, saving an estimated 120,000 plastic cards annually.
Our efforts to reduce single-use items extend to eliminating bathroom miniatures, replacing them with larger-size amenities — cutting down the use of 620,000 miniatures every year. These initiatives, among others, reflect our dedication to reducing environmental impact and fostering positive change in luxury hospitality, in alignment with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ 10-year responsible business plan, Journey to Tomorrow.
Throughout my career, one of the most valuable insights has been that hospitality is fundamentally a people’s business. Whether interacting with colleagues or guests, building genuine connections is key. Working across diverse regions has shown me the importance of understanding cultural nuances to deliver exceptional service while fostering trust and respect.
A crucial lesson is the importance of creating opportunities — not just for guests, but for colleagues as well. Investing in talent development and encouraging collaboration helps build a motivated, passionate team that delivers excellence. It’s about empowering people and fostering an environment where they feel valued and inspired to grow.
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