Interview: Ròya International’s Ahmed Ramdan on the changing face of the region’s hospitality sector

Interview: Ròya International’s Ahmed Ramdan on the changing face of the region’s hospitality sector

Ahmed Ramdan values a strong work ethic, solution-oriented approach, and above all, discretion. It’s key to his business and success, he says.

Ramdan is, however, quite vocal and passionate about the stupendous growth of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as his dream to see more Emiratis pursue a career in hospitality.

Considered one of the early architects of Dubai’s hospitality industry, Ramdan has seen the Emirates transform and evolve at the helm of Ròya International Hospitality & Leisure Consultants, a company he founded in 1998.

More than 25 years later, the home-grown company has emerged as one of the region’s top hospitality firms.

Speaking to us at his office on Sheikh Zayed Road, the veteran hotelier engaged us with his anecdotes, analyses, and insights – weaving a compelling narrative of the company’s growth over two decades, hospitality trends that will impact both investors and consumers, and his vision for the future.

The following are excerpts from our discussion with Ahmed Ramdan.

The UAE’s, and particularly Dubai’s, hospitality landscape has totally transformed over the past 25 years. What has underscored this growth?

What has been done in hospitality in the UAE in over a quarter of a century is nothing short of impressive. Several factors