Raffles, a luxury hospitality brand, is expanding its presence in the modern Middle East with the appointment of Ayman Gharib as the new Vice President of Operations for the region. Known for its palatial properties and traditional approach to luxury, Raffles has established a strong foothold in the Middle East with hotels in Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Makkah, and Bahrain. Gharib, who previously served as the managing director of Raffles’ flagship hotel in Dubai, will now oversee the brand’s operations in the region, including the upcoming opening of a super-modern Raffles in the Neom giga-project in Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East is home to several Raffles properties, including Raffles The Palm Dubai, Raffles Doha in Qatar, and the upcoming Raffles in the Neom giga-project in Saudi Arabia. The Raffles Doha hotel gained prominence when it hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, becoming a new landmark in the country. In addition to these properties, there is already a Raffles hotel in Makkah and another in Bahrain, bringing the brand’s total number of hotels in the region to five. This expansion highlights Raffles’ commitment to providing luxury experiences to travelers in the Middle East.
Aaron Kaupp has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Raffles Dubai The Palm, taking on the role previously held by Ayman Gharib. Kaupp brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as the Regional Vice President for Jumeirah Group in the UK and as the manager of its London Carlton Tower hotel. With his background in luxury hospitality, Kaupp is poised to continue the success of Raffles in Dubai and uphold the brand’s reputation for excellence in service and accommodations.
Raffles CEO Omer Acar has emphasized the brand’s focus on providing exceptional experiences to guests, likening their approach to hospitality to that of high-end retail. Acar mentioned that luxury retailers are increasingly prioritizing experiences for their customers, and Raffles aims to deliver the same level of service and attention to detail in the hotel industry. Drawing from his experience at Harrods, Acar emphasized the importance of selling and delivering the dream to guests, ensuring that each stay at a Raffles property is memorable and exceeds expectations. This customer-centric approach sets Raffles apart in the competitive luxury hospitality market.
As Raffles continues to expand its presence in the Middle East and around the world, the brand remains committed to providing guests with unparalleled luxury experiences. With the appointment of Ayman Gharib as Vice President of Operations for the Middle East and the opening of new properties in key destinations, Raffles is poised for further growth and success in the region. By focusing on delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable moments for guests, Raffles continues to be a leading player in the luxury hospitality sector, setting the standard for excellence in accommodations and experiences.
