In today’s episode of One on One, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Naim Maadad, Chief Executive & Founder, Gates Hospitality, Dubai, UAE.

Having led a wide spectrum of both operational and senior positions throughout his career, Naim was Managing Director for both Six Senses and Minor Hotels prior to setting up Gates Hospitality in 2010; two roles (amongst many others) that allowed him to gain significant operational and commercial experience as a leader, as well as nurture significant owner and stakeholder relationships.

Naim has been based in the Middle East for more than twenty years, and so has witnessed tremendous industry growth and gained a deep cultural understanding of

the ways of the region, allowing him to support businesses and owners, and be a credible and respected voice of authority for the industry.

As well as his day-to-day role, Naim is on the boards of various hospitality

businesses such as The Middle East Food Forum, Dubai Restaurants Group, Almont Global, Australian Business Council and others.

A visionary and yet clear and direct leader, Naim is passionate about nurturing local and regional talent, and is known to have to supported and guided many hoteliers, chefs and restauranters as a mentor throughout his career.

Now, leading a team of 700 colleagues across Gates Hospitality, he is considered one of industry’s most respected spokespeople and a ‘Godfather’ figure, nurturing the careers of many new faces of the future.