With a distinguished career that also spans India and Dubai, Saeid Heidari, Complex General Manager, Al Habtoor City Collection, recognises the intricate and cultural dynamics of both these markets. Embodied in his leadership role is a philosophy shaped by rich experiences and a profound understanding of the hospitality industry. Through a blend of expertise and cultural awareness, Heidari is dedicated to elevating the hospitality experience at Al Habtoor City to unparalleled heights.
– Prashant Nayak
Q. Over the course of your thirty years in the hospitality industry, how has your understanding of the term ‘hospitality’ evolved?
At the onset of my career, I perceived hospitality predominantly as delivering exceptional services and luxury experiences. My focus was on mastering the operational excellence required by prestigious hotels. A progression through my career made me realise that hospitality transcends mere service provision. It is about genuinely understanding and anticipating the needs of our guests, creating an environment that is not only welcoming but also respectful and empathetic. This shift in perspective is deeply ingrained in my leadership approach, where respect, empathy, and accountability are paramount.
In my leadership roles, I see hospitality as a more holistic concept today and my belief is about generosity and empowerment, both towards our guests and our team members. It is not just about the amenities and services we offer but how we make our guests feel truly valued and cared for. My focus has expanded to empowering my team and fostering a culture where they are inspired to learn, grow, and contribute to creating memorable guest experiences.
Q. What makes Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City unique from the other luxury hotels in Dubai?
Al Habtoor City is home to three ultra-luxurious hotels, Habtoor Palace Dubai, V Hotel Dubai, and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. I can only say that the destination is a luxury haven nestled in the heart of Dubai, offering an unparalleled retreat unlike any other. Waking up to the awe-inspiring presence of the Burj Khalifa sets the tone for a day of indulgence and adventure. This exceptional destination seamlessly combines family-friendly entertainment, rejuvenating spa experiences, and a tantalising array of culinary delights, creating a symphony of opulent living. The spacious rooms, adorned with breathtaking views of either the Burj Khalifa or the serene canal, redefine luxury living.
Whether you are lounging by rooftop pools overlooking the cityscape, indulging in a round of bowling on the world’s highest lane, or exploring the myriad of enticing experiences, the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City promises a getaway that transcends expectations. It is a redefined Dubai escape that invites you to immerse yourself in unparalleled luxury and sophistication.
Q. As the new General Manager of Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, what strategic measures do you plan to implement to enhance profitability and elevate the overall guest experience?
At the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, we dive deep into technology to understand our guests better. We are going green not just to save the planet but also to appeal to eco-conscious travellers, cut costs, and rely on energy-efficient systems and local sourcing. We provide advanced training and empower our staff to make guest-centric decisions, thus ensuring top-notch personal and efficient service. Our regular guest feedback is our goldmine for continuous improvement, ensuring we are always ahead of the curve in guest satisfaction. In short, we are blending top-notch technology, sustainability, and empowered service to redefine luxury hospitality for the new era. This is how we stay ahead, modern, and cool at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. My focus is very much on revolutionising our guest experience and boosting profitability with a modern, cool approach specially tailored for the new generation of travellers and workforce.
Q. What are Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City’s strong points in leisure and MICE?
When it comes to leisure, guests can embrace spacious suites, connecting rooms, a pirate pool, a kids’ club, and tailored family activities for unforgettable moments. There are three rooftop pools, jacuzzis, and stylish lounges offering panoramic city views. Our six restaurants cater to diverse palates, from wholesome Market fare to the comfort of American cuisine at Ribs & Brews. Guests can also engage in unique moments like bowling at The 44, chic poolside vibes at Firefly, and captivating sunset vistas at Babiole. Further, they can unwind in 20 treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and a yoga studio at Elixir Spa for ultimate wellness and rejuvenation.
Our MICE offerings can elevate your meetings with our inspiring spaces designed to ignite creativity and drive productivity. There are 13 meeting rooms, ranging from intimate boardrooms to the grand Al Joud Ballroom, capable of hosting 1,200 guests. A dedicated banquet team, high-tech equipment, and catering expertise ensure every event is seamless. There are theme-building options at Bowling at The 44, fitness classes at Chalk Training Ground, and poolside gatherings that foster collaboration and fun. Our Al Joud Ballroom, separate pre-function hall, and catering expertise make dream weddings a reality. We see great potential in positioning Habtoor Palace as the premier destination for Indian weddings.
Q. Please provide insights into the F&B offerings, particularly the aspects of fine dining at the hotel.
We are not just about five-star luxury but also dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences that tantalise your taste buds. Let me put it: picture yourself transitioning from the Parisian finesse of BQ French Kitchen to the sizzling American steakhouse glory of World Cut at Habtoor Palace—a culinary journey like no other. Whispering secrets over afternoon tea at Sidra or savouring bespoke cocktails under the city lights at The Polo Bar will make you feel like royalty. The Market’s global array will delight every palate, while Ribs & Brews guarantee smiles and contented bellies. Watch the city painted by the sunset from Babiole’s terrace, or unleash your inner champion at The 44, the world’s highest bowling alley. V Hotel Dubai, however, takes the party centre stage. Dance to global beats at V Lounge, relax with canal views at Level 7 or channel your inner Gatsby at V Deck’s private Jacuzzi haven.
Beyond the hotels, Al Habtoor City Boulevard is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. Take a nostalgic trip back to the 50s at Sauce Diner, fuel your day with gourmet caffeine at Fuze Café, or indulge in Sicilian paradise at Il Pastaio. And for an experience that will truly mesmerise you, La Perle’s aquatic artistry is an absolute must-see.
Q. Considering your experience and India’s affinity for Dubai, how do you strategise to increase Indian visitors to your hotel?
From my extensive experience in these markets, I acknowledge the robust connection between India and Dubai and the immense potential to boost Indian footfall in our hotels. Both cities share deep cultural and business links. Many Indians see Dubai as a go-to destination for both leisure and business. Dubai’s status as a commercial hub makes it an attractive destination for Indian business travellers, entrepreneurs, corporate events, and incentive travel. Dubai is also increasingly popular among Indians for entertainment and as a prime location for extravagant destination weddings. The city’s blend of modern luxury and traditional charm, coupled with its proximity to India, makes it an ideal choice for these high-profile events.
Dubai also serves as a strategic travel hub for Indians, particularly for those travelling to other global destinations. This positions our hotels as ideal stopover points, offering luxury and relaxation between flights. Leveraging these insights, we can surely develop targeted strategies by creating exclusive packages and services to attract more Indian guests to our hotels, enhance their travel experience, and foster deeper cultural connections.
