Raffles Dubai appoints new GM

Raffles Dubai has appointed Safwan Abu Risheh as General Manager.

 

Returning to the Middle East to take up this role, Abu Risheh will lead the operations of the property, which is known for its pyramid-shaped architecture, some of the largest rooms in Dubai and award-winning dining options. 

 

With more than 25 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Abu Risheh most recently served as Managing Director of Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, Canada, where he achieved record-breaking RevPAR and consistently elevated guest satisfaction scores.

 

His tenure also included overseeing award-winning dining concepts and securing the hotel’s reputation as one of North America’s leading luxury properties. 

 

Prior to this, he held senior leadership positions with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts across the Middle East, Europe, North America and Mexico. 

 

RELATED:
Dubai-based Jumeirah appoints GM of Hospitality for Thanda Safari
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi appoints new GM
Dubai’s Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel appoints new GM

 

His career highlights include five ultra-luxury hotel openings worldwide, successful large-scale renovations and creative asset repositioning strategies that delivered long-term commercial growth and brand strength.

 

Abu Risheh is recognised for his ability to build and mentor high-performing teams, conceptualise immersive dining and lifestyle experiences and drive profitability across complex hotel operations. 

 

He holds a degree in Business Administration and Economics and has completed executive programmes in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Executive Leadership at Cornell University. 

 

Beyond his operational roles, he has also contributed to the wider industry as a board member of Destination Vancouver, collaborating with key tourism and economic stakeholders.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Abu Risheh said: “I look forward to working alongside the talented team to build upon the hotel’s legacy, while embracing innovation and delivering memorable experiences that reflect the timeless elegance of the Raffles brand.” 

 

Opened in 2007, Raffles Dubai features 252 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and skyline views, as well as nine restaurants and bars, extensive wellness facilities and lush rooftop gardens. 

 

For more information, visit raffles.com/dubai