Ahmed Elnawawy has been appointed area general manager for Rixos Hotels in Saudi Arabia, alongside his role as general manager of Rixos Murjana in KAEC.
With more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, his career spans senior roles across regional and international hotel operations. Having previously worked with Emaar Hospitality and Atlantis The Palm, and held leadership positions within the Rixos portfolio, Elnawawy now takes on responsibility for supporting the brand’s growth in the Kingdom.
He reflects on the early influences that shaped his interest in hospitality, the experiences that have informed his approach to leadership and the role of culture in long-term operational performance. He also shares his perspective on measuring success beyond financial results, developing teams and building hotels with lasting relevance in Saudi Arabia.
What follows is a closer look at how those ideas take shape in practice.
How did you first get into the hospitality industry?
My passion for hospitality began at the age of eight, while walking through Cairo’s iconic hotels with my father during festive seasons. Those early experiences shaped a deep connection to the world of hotels – the distinctive scent of each lobby, the artistry of the décor and the vibrant energy of guests moving through each space. Watching my father excel in the industry further fuelled my admiration. From that point on, hospitality became a legacy I felt inspired and compelled to uphold.
Can you tell us how your journey so far has prepared you for this new role?
Every step of my journey has shaped the way I understand and approach hospitality, teaching me how to build strong teams, navigate complex operations and create guest experiences that reflect the highest standards of luxury. Working with renowned global brands and leading several pre-opening projects pushed me to think creatively, remain adaptable and truly listen to what guests and colleagues need. These experiences have given me clarity and confidence, which I am excited to bring into this new role, ensuring I can make a meaningful impact from day one.
Have there been any mentors in your career so far?
From an early age, my father taught me the value of discipline and punctuality, while my mother encouraged resilience, consistency and the confidence to trust my own instincts. Their support has grounded me at every stage of my journey.
In my professional life, I have been fortunate to learn from some of the most exceptional leaders in the hospitality industry, including Stuart Bow, Mohamed Samir, Cenk Ünverdi, Mohamed Hadla, Chris Newman and Mark Kirby.
Each of these individuals has shaped me into the leader I am today, influencing how I mentor teams, approach operations and think about the future of our
My management style is a blend of hands-on leadership, a people-first approach and a focus on tangible results. I believe in being fully present with my teams, communicating clearly and setting high standards of service, while ensuring everyone has the resources and support they need to succeed.
I strive to lead with transparency, accountability and trust, creating an environment where individuals feel motivated, respected and confident to grow. Overall, my goal is to cultivate a culture where high performance and genuine care go hand in hand.
Any advice to your fellow hospitality professionals looking to advance in their career? More
by Safa Hassan
