Tareq Derbas Appointed as New General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre
With three decades of experience, the new GM will lead the luxury hotel in Dubai’s financial district
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre has welcomed Tareq Derbas as the new General Manager of the iconic property located in the heart of Dubai’s financial hub. With experience spanning 26 years, US national Derbas brings a wealth of expertise in leading luxury resorts and residences across the US and the GCC.
A highly experienced luxury hospitality veteran, Derbas will direct all operations for the hotel, elevating the already exemplary guest experiences throughout the property and continuing to provide guests with memorable experiences. Derbas’ focus will be on upholding the traditions of which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned, whilst striving to further enhance service quality and brand value into the future.
Derbas’s career within the hospitality industry commenced in 1989, following his graduation from The University of Kuwait. He began his journey with the DoubleTree in San Diego and Chicago before returning to the GCC in 1995 as Deputy General Manager for Sheraton Oman. This was followed by senior roles with St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Jumeriah Group at Burj Al Arab, Four Seasons and Le Méridien within award-winning properties across Oman, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. During his time with St. Regis, he served as General Manager for St. Regis Doha and was recently engaged as Area General Manager for Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan and Iraq.
With an MBA from Phoenix University, US and a proven track record in achieving the highest levels of employee and guest engagement scores, Derbas brings a wealth of extensive knowledge and experience in effective, efficient management encompassing all aspects of hotel operations. Under his leadership the hotel will continue to provide the guests with memorable experiences and enliven the culture of which The Ritz-Carlton is so proud of, while channeling efforts to enhance service and brand value and appreciation.
Tareq Derbas, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre commented: “I am delighted to join the talented team of Ladies and Gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC. The property sits at the heart of Dubai’s bustling financial district and remains a firm favorite amongst business and leisure guests and residents. The hotel seamlessly blends a celebration of art and craftsmanship alongside a genuine passion for delivering exceptional hospitality with a personal touch.” Derbas continued: “The key to the finest hotel service is an obsessive concern for details, for those small indications of personal recognition and attention. A total commitment to guaranteeing the perfect guest experience that makes a fine hotel an extraordinary one”.
About The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC
Set in the bustling heart of Dubai’s dynamic downtown and located on Sheikh Zayed Road, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC offers elegant accommodation overlooking the downtown Dubai. With premium amenities and an international spa, this upscale haven is a luxury hotel that celebrates the emerging local arts scene and the craftsmanship of classic Art Deco design.
Located only 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the hotel offers seven hotel restaurants and lounges, a ballroom with more than 1,000 antique mirrors embedded with 10,000 crystals, a 24-hour fitness center with 2 swimming pools (indoor and rooftop) and a holistic spa.
The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC also offers 341 elegantly appointed accommodations and 124 5-star serviced apartments. The luxury hotel is full of visually intriguing space that brings together the classic craftsmanship of Art Deco design with the elegance of traditional Arabic elements.
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD, currently operates more than 90 hotels in over 30 countries and territories. More than 40 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is proud to offer The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and Starwood Preferred Guest® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE