Emad Mahmoud has enjoyed a 25-year partnership with Hilton, starting from the front office to guest services, and managerial roles leading him to the position of General Manager at the upcoming Hilton Al Khobar King Fahd Causeway. The new addition to the Eastern Province’s growing leisure and hospitality market, Hilton Al Khobar is a key hospitality landmark for guests from Saudi Arabia and from across the causeway – Bahrain. We sat down with the General Manager to find out more about him and what’s in store for guests at the new hotel.
Read – Saudi: Hilton Opens New Hotel at King Fahd Causeway
What makes Hilton Al Khobar stand out, given the number of hotels opening in the Eastern Province?
The shift towards attracting leisure travellers is new to the Eastern Province. This is where Hilton Al Khobar stands out. We offer a diverse range of facilities and products to cater to all guest segments and needs.
We provide a great variety of rooms. Our apartments, in particular, meet the needs of corporate professionals, with 33 options ranging from one-bedroom to two-bedroom, each offering a marvellous view.
One of the key highlights of our hotel is its location. Over 60% of our guest rooms overlook the Arabian Gulf, which is a preferred view. Even the rooms on the other side offer beautiful water features, ensuring a pleasant experience regardless of the room. The rooms are among the largest in the Eastern province, averaging 40 square meters.
In three words, tell us what guests can expect at Hilton Al Khobar.
Luxury, comfort, and attentive service.
What features of the hotel would specifically appeal to travellers coming in from across the causeway?
The Eastern Province is experiencing more business coming from Bahrain and being located near the Causeway, Hilton Al Khobar’s presence is hard to miss. For business travellers, we offer tailored facilities and a seamless digital check-in process, allowing guests to select rooms and access them via a digital key, avoiding reception waits.
Our meeting facilities include 10 rooms with natural daylight, ideal for business meetings, training, workshops, and social gatherings. Families will appreciate that 45% of our rooms are connected. We also offer 33 serviced apartments for long stays and 25 suites in four categories.
The Hilton Euphoria concept provides relaxation with an indoor pool, two gyms (separate for men and women), a thermal area (steam room, sauna, jacuzzi), and four treatment rooms offering various massages and facials. Unique to our hotel is the Japanese sauna.
Our executive lounge caters to businessmen, offering a comfortable space for meetings, enjoying coffee and snacks, and handling business tasks like responding to emails and calls. This privilege is available to our elite customers, including Diamond and Gold Hilton Honors members, and guests staying in suites and on executive floors.
Dining at Hilton Al Khobar includes the Palm Restaurant, offering international cuisines, and the Palm Café, with cocktails, coffee, and entertainment. A third specialty restaurant is also in the works. Stay tuned to find out more about this.
What are your top 3 favourite aspects of the hotel?
My favourite features of Hilton Al Khobar are the view, the location, and the product itself. Our strategic location near the Causeway makes us an ideal choice for business travellers. The variety of our offerings ensures we meet diverse guest needs, enhancing the overall experience.
Our stunning views and beautiful design create a luxurious atmosphere, starting from the lobby with its grand marble atrium. High-tech facilities like Wi-Fi, e-check-in, and digital keys simplify the guest experience. Room service is easily accessible via QR code, allowing guests to order and pay with their mobile devices without any hassle.
What are some of the attractions you’ve planned at the hotel for the coming months?
We are planning a grand opening for the second half of September. It will be a big ceremony with many activities.
Additionally, we are committed to Hilton’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) program. We are planning community activities, including partnerships with local charity associations in the Eastern Province. In a few weeks, we will launch a blood donation campaign involving our team, guests, and sister hotels in the region.
We are also partnering with local institutions to develop Saudi talent, a top priority for us. Proudly, we are one of the top hotels in terms of localization, with 52% of our team being Saudi nationals, and 37% of our team members being female. This representation spans all levels, from directors to team members. Our team comprises 12 nationalities, and we have development programs for everyone.
What do you love most about your job?
The people.
What do you most dislike about your job or the industry that you work in?
It can be endless. It’s not that easy to switch off.
What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self or a budding young hotelier entering the industry?
Be committed to the work you’re doing. Set your target and work towards it.
