The Al Habtoor Group has appointed Kamal Naamani as Group Director of Operations for its expanding Hospitality and Leisure Projects. Naamani, who took up his post in early June, is responsible for overseeing the operations of the company’s portfolio of new developments, including the Group’s multi-use development Al Habtoor City, which will see its first hotel open to the public later this year. Al Habtoor City, a multi-billion dirham development, will incorporate three luxury five-star Starwood-branded hotels (St. Regis, W, Westin), alongside a purpose-built permanent Dragone theatrical production and multiple outlets.
Development is also underway for two further projects in Dubai, including the Metropolitan Sheikh Zayed Road, a four-star hotel, due for completion in 2016, as well as the St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, the Group’s first foray into the equestrian world. The luxury development will incorporate a St. Regis hotel alongside 162 stylish residential villas, 24 of which will be St. Regis-branded.
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group said, “I would like to welcome Kamal Naamani to the Group. He comes at a time of rapid growth within our hospitality portfolio. We have big plans for the future.”
Naamani was previously the Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Pragma Group and Pragma Lifestyle. He joins with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and has made significant contributions in the areas of business development, strategic planning, sales and marketing. He was responsible for the development and expansion of Cavalli-branded properties to establish and develop the Robert Cavalli lifestyle brands and Cavalli Square boutique hotels, and other F&B brands throughout Asia Pacific.