Ahmed Elnawawy appointed Area General Manager for Rixos Hotels in Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA – Ahmed Elnawawy has been appointed as the Area General Manager for Rixos Hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He will also serve as General Manager of the flagship Rixos property in King Abdullah Economic City, a key new development in the region.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Ahmed has established himself as a transformative leader known for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

His career with Rixos includes leading roles such as General Manager of Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah, where he significantly boosted the property’s performance and earned consecutive “Great Place to Work” certifications.

Earlier, he worked as Rooms Division Manager at Rixos The Palm Dubai, gaining a deep understanding of the brand’s guest-centric approach.

Ahmed’s background extends beyond Rixos, having held senior leadership roles with prominent UAE hospitality groups including Emaar Group, where he was Head of Customer Excellence, and key General Manager roles at Palace Downtown and Address Fountain Views.

He also has extensive resort operations experience from his time at Atlantis The Palm.

In his new role, Ahmed is tasked with driving Rixos’ expansion in Saudi Arabia, overseeing new hotel launches, financial strategy, and partnerships that strengthen the brand’s position in the luxury all-inclusive segment.

His leadership style combines operational precision with empathy, fostering team collaboration and guest satisfaction.

Chief Operating Officer of Rixos Hotels, Cenk Ünverdi, highlighted Ahmed’s proven track record and passion for excellence as perfect for leading the brand’s growth in Saudi Arabia.

Ahmed is also dedicated to sustainable practices, ensuring responsible growth aligned with the company’s values.

Recently, Rixos Hotels have intensified their commitment to the Saudi market with several strategic appointments and investments.

Alongside Ahmed Elnawawy’s leadership role, the brand has accelerated property development projects, including plans to open additional luxury resorts in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Investments focus on integrating cutting-edge technology and enhancing guest experiences with expanded wellness and culinary offerings.

These initiatives reflect Rixos’ ambition to elevate the Kingdom’s luxury hospitality landscape and meet growing demand from affluent domestic and international travelers.

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