United Hospitality Management appoints Cluster GM in Kuwait

United Hospitality Management (UHM) has appointed Shadi Refai as Cluster General Manager for Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection, alongside an upcoming second property in Kuwait City. 

With more than two decades of international hospitality experience, Refai has held roles across major brands including Shangri-La, Sofitel and Centara. His career spans the Middle East, Asia and the US, including positions at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston and Four Seasons Hotel Beirut. He most recently served as Hotel Manager at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah following six years with Hilton.

Refai brings experience in commercial performance, with a strong focus on hotel openings and operational leadership. His appointment at Arabella Beach Hotel comes as the property expands its culinary and leisure offerings to capture growing regional demand. In his new role, he will focus on accelerating revenue growth and market positioning.

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Klaus Assmann, CEO for Middle East, India and Southeast Asia at UHM, said Kuwait is a key market for the company, with Arabella Beach Hotel playing “a strategic role in our regional growth ambitions” as it seeks to establish the property as a major regional lifestyle destination.

“Shadi’s appointment brings the leadership required to unlock the asset’s full commercial potential and drive sustained performance,” he added. 

Opened in 2024, the property is UHM’s first in Kuwait and marked the country debut of IHG’s Vignette Collection. Managed by UHM, the 195-key property features a private beachfront, 15 dining venues and a rooftop pool. 

For more information, visit unitedhospitality.com