Manzil Downtown’s General Manager Sharihan Al Mashary Wins First AHIC Arabian Young Leader Award 2019

Dubai, UAE; April 10, 2019: UAE National Sharihan Al Mashary, the General Manager of Manzil Downtown, a flagship hotel under Emaar Hospitality Group’s upscale lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand, Vida Hotels and Resorts, has won the first AHIC Arabian Young Leader 2019.

Al Mashary, the first female Emirati hotel general manager in Dubai, was honoured with the prestigious award at the 15^th edition of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) being held at AHIC Village in Ras Al Khaimah.

Created in collaboration with the AHIC Advisory Board and Partners, the first Arabian Young Leader Award was open to GCC Nationals aged 30 years and younger, who have been working in the Middle East hospitality sector for at least two years. Al Mashary was chosen by a panel of industry experts and was cited for her exceptional breadth of industry insights and her passion and commitment to her role.

Al Mashary, who took office as General Manager of Manzil Downtown in 2018, will receive full tuition for an EAHM Executive Certificate programme, facilitated in line with the MBA programme, for managers who work full-time but would like to gain valuable experience and knowledge within the hospitality industry.

Congratulating Al Mashary on the laurel, Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Sharihan paved the way for more Emirati talent to pursue careers in the hospitality industry as the first Emirati hotel general manager in Dubai. She has now achieved the first AHIC Young Leader Award, a true testament to her commitment to her profession and her competencies in hotel management. Within a short span of time, she has proved her mettle at Manzil Downtown, bringing innovative management approaches that not only enhance guest service standards but also contribute to operational efficiency and revenue.”

Al Mashary said: “It is my honour to be adjudged as the first AHIC Arabian Young Leader, more so because the evaluation was conducted by leading industry professionals. Emaar Hospitality Group and Manzil Downtown provide me the platform to pursue my dream career in an industry I am passionate about. Extending warm hospitality is part of the cultural ethos of the UAE, and as an Emirati, my focus is on highlighting our nation’s rich heritage to our guests, while also introducing novel initiatives that enhance the reputation of Manzil Downtown. I hope the award will inspire more young Emirati talents to follow their hearts and take up rewarding professions in the hospitality industry.”

Centrally located in Downtown Dubai, Manzil Downtown celebrates its Arabesque design, and is set apart by its traditional architectural style, regional motifs, and above all, a focus on celebrating Arabian hospitality. Al Mashary supports the management team in driving the hotel operations by drawing on her strong knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and tourism sector, especially in strategic business development and in steering corporate social responsibility initiatives.

With over 10 years of experience in hospitality, Al Mashary is also focused on building the skills of youth for the industry and has diligently supported the community and government initiatives to achieving the UN Sustainability Development Goals. She is also currently pursuing an MBA in International Management with specialisation in International Hospitality & Tourism and holds a BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management - both from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai.

About Vida Hotels and Resorts:

Vida Hotels and Resorts is a refreshingly different upscale lifestyle hotel and residences brand for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers.

Vida, meaning ‘life’ in Spanish, embraces warmth, simplicity and creativity in design-led spaces. Positioned as a lively and vibrant hub where inspiring minds can create, connect and come alive, Vida hotels are a stimulating environment where style meets convenience and interactivity. 

Vida Hotels and Resorts has two properties in Dubai – Vida Downtown and Manzil Downtown – and will extend its service competencies to Vida Residences. Vida Hotels and Resorts is set to operate hotels and serviced residences in Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other key markets in the region as well as in Dubai. www.vidahotels.com