MEA’S OLDEST HOMEGROWN HOSPITALITY CONSULTANCY GROUP TURNS 25

Ròya International is a luxury hospitality company specialising in creating unique guest experiences. The company was founded in 1998 and has quickly established itself as a leader in the luxury hospitality industry, dubbing itself "the original specialist hospitality consultancy firm in the MEA region." The face behind Ròya International is hospitality veteran Ahmed Ramdan.

Ahmed’s initial dream was to become a pilot, but while working at the airport during school he discovered that his passion for connecting with people was stronger than his affection for aviation. Seeing first-hand how the service and hospitality industry could make a difference in people's lives inspired him to pursue a career in hospitality, where he continues to create positive experiences and connections with guests he says.

“I strongly believe that I am a non-conformist – I always land up taking the path less travelled. I was drawn to the hospitality industry because I wanted to pursue a fulfilling passion and break away from traditional career paths. Hospitality allows me to express my creativity, connect with people, and make a posi- tive impact on their lives. Growing up in Arab culture, I learned from a young age about the importance of hospitality and welcoming guests. It's a tradition that has inspired me to pursue a career in this industry and continue the legacy of our values. By connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds, we can build bridges and preserve our traditions while creating a welcoming environment for all.”

Opening a hospitality consultancy in the UAE in 1998 was a thrilling and challenging experience for Ahmed. The UAE was a new market in terms of hospitality development, and he saw a lot of potential for growth and innovation. At the time, there were only a few international hotel chains in the market, and most hotels were locally owned and operated as a family business.

Back then, the hospitality industry in the UAE was quite different from what it is today. Dubai was just starting to establish itself as a global destination, and Abu Dhabi was primarily a government and business hub. There were only a limited number of high-end hotels and restaurants, and the market was nowhere near as developed as it is now.

“The biggest hurdle we faced when starting the consultancy was educating local businesses and investors on the importance of hospitality and service standards. It was challenging to introduce best practices and international standards to the market, and to persuade local entrepreneurs to invest in hospitality projects. Many of the owners and investors did not see the need for consultants like Roya, and it took a lot of persistence and hard work to convince them of the value we could add to their business.

Despite the obstacles, opening a hospitality consultancy in the UAE in 1998 was a gratifying experience. It allowed us to lead the way in shaping the industry and driving the growth and development of the market.

When I look back, I am proud of what we achieved and how far the UAE hospitality industry has come since then.”

When Ahmed reflects on his career in hospitality consultancy, one of the most memorable projects he recalls is the opportunity to introduce luxury hotel brands like Shangri-La and W to the region. At the time these projects set out to revolutionise the hospitality industry in the region and provide guests with unparalleled experiences.

In addition to that, he also worked on introducing hospitality concepts to quasi-government entities such as Internet City and Media City in Dubai. “It was crucial to understand their unique requirements and tailor our solutions to create a more guestcentric environment. By implementing industry best practices and developing customized training programs, we were able to enhance the guest experience and drive economic growth for these entities. It was a challenging but highly rewarding experience, and I'm proud to have been a part of it.”

“Another projects that left a lasting impression on me was the high-level master plan for the development of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. It was an enormous task that demanded a thorough understanding of local culture and a vision for how the island could become a world-class destination for arts, culture, and hospitality. Witnessing the positive impact, the plan had on the region was an incredibly fulfilling experience.

My work with the Internet City and Media City is another project that I take great pride in. Introducing a hospitality mindset into quasi-government entities was no easy feat, and it required a lot of collaboration and effort. However, by developing new training programs and implementing best practices from the hospitality industry, we were able to create a more guest-centric environment that helped drive economic growth through these entities.

Another project that stands out for me is the launch of Media One and Studio One hotels. As the first non-branded minimalist hotel in the UAE, Media One presented a unique challenge that I was excited to tackle. Developing these home-grown brands required a deep understanding of the local market and a vision for what would appeal to guests. It was a privilege to be part of these projects and to see them grow into successful and highly regarded hospitality brands in the region.”

After 25 years in business Ahmed is still on the go. He added, “As a consultant, my day is dynamic and full of visualising projects for my clients. My team and I analyse data, brainstorm new ideas, and align them with the client's aspirations and market research to achieve the best results for them. Staying up-to-date with industry news and trends is a top priority throughout my day. Whether it's attending conferences, networking with peers, or reading relevant publications, I ensure that my team and I are informed of any developments in the industry.”

And when he thinks about the next 25 years, excitement and hope fill his mind. “The future of hospitality positive and something to look forward to. One of the most thrilling aspects is the increasing adoption of innovative technology in the industry. From AI to big data, new technologies are being utilised to improve the guest experience, optimise operations, and drive revenue growth.

Another trend worth mentioning is the growing demand for sustainable and socially responsible hospitality practices. Nowadays, travellers are more conscious of environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community engagement, and they prefer businesses that prioritise such practices. This is a great opportunity for the industry to make a positive impact on the world while standing out from competitors.

I am also excited about the changing demographics of the global traveller. As more people from emerging markets like China and India travel abroad, they are seeking unique experiences that reflect their cultures and traditions. This creates a great opportunity for hospitality businesses to cater to new markets and develop personalised and culturally relevant experiences.

In general, I believe that the future of hospitality revolves around innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. By embracing these trends, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and continue to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. As the industry evolves, so do the needs of clients, and we are always excited to solve their problems by finding effective solutions.”

According to Ahmed, the hospitality industry is all about exceeding expectations and providing exceptional service, and he is committed to doing just that.