Hassan Ahdab
Mr. Ahdab is the Chief Hospitality Operations Officer for Taiba Investments company and the former President of Hotels Operations for Dur Hospitality, the leading hospitality company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Ahab oversees all hotel operations, aligning the company's vision to grow its portfolio across the Kingdom. Currently, he manages 15 Hotels with 5000+ hotel rooms in various cities with Makarem Hotels brand in Makkah and Madinah and international brands such as Marriott, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn in other cities.
With over 35 years of experience in hospitality, Mr. Ahdab has established himself as one of the industry's most progressive and energetic leaders. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to stringent quality standards and his groundbreaking financial innovations, he has consistently driven success in every market he has touched.
A champion for Saudi talent, Mr. Ahdab recognizes their potential to shape the Kingdom's hospitality future. He actively supports programs that unlock their skills and empower them for success.
Leveraging his experience and network, Mr. Ahdab unlocks new business opportunities in every market. Recent successes include opening China tourism channels for the Kingdom with Cvent and STA.
Mr. Ahdab navigated numerous mergers and acquisitions, ensuring stability and successful integrations by building teams focused on maximizing strengths and delivering value to stakeholders. He also acted as the Hospitality expert for many arbitrations between owners and operators.
Mr. Ahdab began his hospitality career in 1977 with Le Méridien (then an Air France subsidiary), holding senior finance and operations roles across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, GCC, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean. In 2017, he became CEO of Retaj Group (Qatar) before joining Dur Hospitality. His prior experience includes CEO at Retaj Hospitality Group (Doha), Vice President for Africa & Indian Ocean for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and various leadership positions and worldly GM roles.
French citizen, born in Syria, Mr. Ahdab holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Commerce with a major in Accounting from Damascus University. He furthered his education through various diplomas from INSEAD, Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and Essec – Leoron Development Institute, including Min- MBA, Advanced Finance, Resorts Marketing, and Human Resources. In 2000, he received the honorary title of Executive Doctor for International Relations from CEHMI (Geneva).
Mr. Ahdab’s achievements extend beyond his extensive experience. In 2023, he was awarded The World's Leading Travel Personality at the 2022 World Travel Awards event in Muscat, Oman. He was also ranked 16th and 21st, respectively, in the Hotelier Middle East Power 50 List in 2020 and 2019. Since 2020, he is serving on Future Hospitality Advisory Board- FHS.
Beyond his leadership role at Taiba Investments, Mr. Ahdab actively shapes the industry. In January 2024, he was elected Chairman of the IHG Owners Association for IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa). His dedication extends further back, having founded and led hospitality associations like the Seychelles Hotels Association (1986-1991) and St. Martin Hotels Association (1993-1995). He also co-founded the Association des Professionnels du Tourisme du Gabon – AHSM (1996-1998).
