JA Resorts appoints Cluster GM for 3 UAE properties

Dubai-based JA Resorts & Hotels has appointed Chris Wayne-Wills to oversee a third property in the UAE, expanding his role as Cluster General Manager. First appointed in October 2025, he has led operations at JA Ocean View Hotel and JA The Manor Hotel, and will now take on JA Hatta Fort Hotel as part of his expanded portfolio. The move places half of the group’s Dubai properties under Wayne-Wills’ leadership.

A seasoned hospitality expert, Wayne-Wills brings more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles across the UK, including positions at QHotels and Marriott International. His most recent role was Chief Executive Officer at Crerar Hotels in Scotland.

Wayne-Wills’ appointment as Cluster GM at JA Resorts marked his entry into the UAE hospitality market. In his expanded role, he will focus on driving operational excellence, fostering team collaboration and enhancing guest experiences across the three properties. An internationally certified Executive Performance Coach, he is known for his people-first leadership style and emphasis on developing talent within his teams. 

Reflecting on his new responsibilities, Wayne-Wills said: “Each of these properties has its own story, character, and sense of place, and my focus is on honouring that individuality while creating a consistent culture of warmth, excellence, and teamwork.”  

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Now part of his portfolio, JA Hatta Fort Hotel in Hatta is one of Dubai’s longest-standing mountain resorts. Set against the Hajar mountains, the hotel features 79 rooms and offers outdoor excursions such as mountain biking and kayaking at Hatta Dam.

JA Ocean View Hotel, located along JBR’s beachfront, comprises 346 rooms with sweeping views of the Ain Dubai and direct access to the promenade’s entertainment and dining options.

The newest of the trio, JA The Manor Hotel, opened in 2020 with 228 rooms and three dining venues, conveniently located within a 25-minute drive of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). 

Founded in 1981, JA Resorts has grown to six UAE properties and has expanded internationally to destinations such as the Maldives and Seychelles. JA Resorts recently entered the UK market, taking over operations for two hotels in Scotland: Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Glasgow and The Bruntsfield in Edinburgh.  

For more information, visit jaresortshotels.com