Shaping Success Through Leadership, Innovation, and the Art of Crafting Extraordinary Hospitality Experiences in a Competitive Landscape
From orchestrating sovereign investments to spearheading economic development, Khalid Al Rumaihi has always thrived in the dynamic currents of business. Now, as Executive Chairman of Amriya Group, he’s set his sights on a different kind of venture – crafting empires of taste and unparalleled service in the realm of hospitality.
Amriya Group, under his guidance, has become synonymous with elegance and innovation in the Middle Eastern scene. Their restaurants are culinary playgrounds, their hotels sanctuaries of meticulously curated luxury. But behind the opulent facades and award-winning menus lies a strategic mind honed in boardrooms and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of F&B.
This is the story of how Khalid Al Rumaihi, armed with his seasoned leadership philosophies, plans to catapult Amriya Group to international acclaim. It’s a journey into the heart of a company redefining hospitality, one unforgettable experience at a time.
Here is the interview:
Q: You’ve held significant positions at Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Investcorp. How have these experiences shaped your approach as the Executive Chairman of Amriya Group?
My tenure at these institutions undoubtedly made me a better, more well-rounded leader. I have developed a straightforward strategy that, despite its apparent simplicity, is challenging to implement. It has served me well in all the organizations I have led, including Amriya Group.
First, establish a well-defined strategy and vision, accompanied by specific KPIs necessary for achieving that vision. People in the organization need to understand the definitive direction the institution aims to pursue. Additionally, it’s crucial to actively embody and reinforce this vision every day.
Second, develop an operational model or organizational structure capable of executing that strategy, ensuring roles are clearly defined and accountability is firmly established.
Third, populate the organization with the best people one can find. Great teams deliver great results. When one builds a strong team that is well organized and united by a strong team spirit—all working towards a clear goal—magic happens. I have found this to be true across various activities, from attracting FDI to finance and even managing a hospitality business.
Q: What leadership philosophies or strategies do you find most effective in driving innovation and growth in a diversified business entity like Amriya Group?
For me, effective leadership means leading by example. It’s about demonstrating the behaviors and culture you wish to foster within your organization. Actions often speak louder than words, and people are more influenced by what they observe in your conduct. So I find that being honest with my team, building trust, and committing to work shoulder-to-shoulder to achieve a shared vision inspires them to extend beyond what they initially believed possible.
I also believe in setting ambitious yet attainable goals and consistently striving to reach them each year, thereby creating positive momentum. When the team sees the fruits of their labor, their belief in the mission and vision strengthens. Driving innovation and growth requires continuous improvement and setting progressively higher objectives, but it’s crucial to keep the team motivated and energized rather than exhausted by the process.
Q: Given your extensive background in investment and economic development, what is your strategic vision for Amriya Group’s growth and expansion in the hospitality and dining sectors?
At Amriya Group, my ambition is to make a profound and enduring impact on the hospitality and dining sectors. I aim to steer the company towards becoming an international F&B player through sustainable and deliberate growth. This approach prioritizes long-term success and the maintenance of our high standards, favoring a steady rise to prominence.
In line with this vision, we are introducing innovative concepts that blend global flavors with local charm, expanding our portfolio, and reinforcing our leadership in the industry. Our expansion strategy is cautious yet ambitious, first targeting neighboring markets before venturing further, ensuring we establish a sustainable and recognizable presence in each new area.
I will also actively begin seeking strategic partnerships since I see them playing a crucial role in our growth plan, merging our expertise with new insights and skills from diverse sources. I believe that these collaborations are key to unlocking novel opportunities and pushing the boundaries of what we can offer.
Central to everything we do is our team. Investing in our people, nurturing their talent, and fostering a culture of excellence is vital. It’s through their creativity and dedication that Amriya Group will not only achieve global recognition but also continue the legacy of innovation and excellence that is at the heart of our identity.
Q: As a leader with deep insights into the Middle Eastern economic landscape, what unique challenges and opportunities do you perceive in the region’s hospitality industry?
The opportunities in this region are tremendous. The GCC is currently a hotspot for tourism and hospitality. It’s got this fantastic infrastructure, great global connectivity, and offers all the comforts that any visitor would require, including safety. This is attracting some of the wealthiest and most well-traveled individuals in the world.
Right now, the hospitality business is booming. There’s a huge demand for unique experiences, whether they are boutique hotels or new restaurant concepts. And what’s really exciting is the opening up of Saudi Arabia, along with the growth we are seeing in Bahrain and the UAE, as well as Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. For hospitality operators, there’s a chance to grow significantly in the region due to liberalized regulations and then step onto the international stage.
For us, the challenge is attracting the right talent, although it is becoming easier. We’re seeing professionals from Europe and Asia who are now more open to living and working in the Gulf than before. Previously, they would only consider it if the financial offer was really compelling. On the home front, local talent is developing rapidly, and they’re increasingly keen on careers in hospitality. So, all in all, it’s a very dynamic time for us in the industry.
Q: “Amriya Group is committed to crafting unforgettable experiences through beautiful design and unique atmospheres.” Can you elaborate on how this mission translates into your business operations and customer experiences?
This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of our service. We meticulously craft each property and space to combine aesthetic beauty with functionality, ensuring every interaction is not just a transaction but a memorable experience.
The atmosphere of our venues plays a pivotal role in defining the guest experience. Whether creating a serene, relaxing ambiance or a vibrant, energetic setting, our aim is to forge spaces that resonate emotionally with our guests and leave a lasting impression.
Service excellence is another critical component of our mission. Our staff is trained to provide personalized and attentive service, surpassing guest expectations to make each visitor feel uniquely valued. This approach enhances the overall guest experience, turning each visit into a special event.
In the dining sector, we bring innovation to the table with culinary offerings that meld local flavors with global trends. Our chefs are encouraged to experiment and push boundaries, turning each meal into a gastronomic journey.
Furthermore, we are committed to continuous improvement, actively seeking feedback from our guests to refine and elevate our offerings. By understanding and adapting to their preferences, we consistently deliver exceptional and evolving experiences.
In essence, our mission at Amriya Group transcends the conventional, weaving together design, atmosphere, service, and culinary artistry to create not just services but extraordinary experiences that stay with our guests long after they leave.
Q: What are the key factors behind Amriya Group’s success in creating award-winning hospitality experiences, as seen with Masso Restaurant’s recent accolade in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants?
Our journey toward creating exceptional hospitality experiences is defined by a thoughtful and innovative approach. At the foundation of our philosophy is the creation of unique, homegrown concepts. We take pride in designing dining experiences that not only reflect the elegance of international culinary scenes but also capture the heart of local hospitality. This blend of global sophistication and local charm is what makes our offerings so special and keeps our guests coming back for more.
Our creative process is very much a collaborative and passionate journey. Starting from scratch, our dedicated teams work tirelessly in design and culinary development. They ensure that each concept we introduce is not only fresh and exciting at its launch but also continues to evolve and improve over time. This constant evolution is key to keeping our experiences dynamic and engaging.
Authenticity is a vital ingredient in our recipe for success. We deeply respect the origins of our ingredients and place great value on offering our guests authentic, quality flavors and experiences. Our commitment to using only the finest ingredients and adhering to authentic culinary techniques significantly enhances the overall dining experience.
In terms of interior design, we go beyond mere aesthetics. Our philosophy is to create luxurious, sophisticated spaces that offer a holistic experience. Every detail, from the intricate designs on our upholstery to the carefully selected lighting and art pieces, is chosen to create a complete sensory experience that is both immersive and memorable.
Finally, the talent we bring into our fold plays a significant role in our success. Our chefs and staff are not just skilled in their craft; they bring fresh, innovative perspectives that contribute to the high quality of our dining experiences. Coupled with our meticulous attention to every aspect of the guest experience, from the ambiance to the service, we ensure that a visit to any Amriya Group restaurant is an extraordinary journey in itself.
Q: In light of evolving market trends and consumer preferences, how does Amriya Group plan to stay ahead in the competitive hospitality and restaurant industry?
Despite shifting trends and preferences, the demand for quality and extraordinary experiences remains constant. I believe that maintaining our edge in this industry requires a balance between constant innovation and commitment to quality.
We’re continuously refining our customer-centric approach, ensuring that we’re in tune with our clientele’s evolving tastes and expectations. It’s about more than just meeting their needs; it’s about anticipating them and crafting experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Investing in our people and our resources is also crucial. By nurturing a team of top culinary and hospitality professionals and ensuring access to the finest ingredients, we guarantee that our offerings remain exceptional, appealing to both local and global palates.
Innovation is a key driver for us. We’re committed to introducing fresh, exciting experiences to the market while also expanding our proven concepts to new territories. Each new venture is an opportunity to outdo ourselves and create something even more extraordinary than before. This involves keenly observing the preferences in our target markets, adapting, and evolving our offerings to align with these insights.
Strategic partnerships are another facet of our strategy. Collaborating with others will allow us to infuse our services with fresh perspectives and enhanced capabilities, keeping our offerings at the forefront of the industry.
Lastly, our dedication to creating unique, ground-up concepts is what truly sets us apart. We craft each new concept with a distinct vision, one that cannot be replicated. This approach not only keeps our offerings exciting and innovative but also helps us foster a loyal customer base that knows the best experiences are found with Amriya Group.
