Elias Saad | Abu Dhabi | Reimagining Guest Experience
- EA
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
General Manager | Visionary | Mentor
Storyteller | Philanthropist - Giving Back
Elias Saad’s story isn’t just a tale of professional growth—it’s an electrifying journey of purpose, resilience, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. It all began in 1999 when a young dreamer from Lebanon stepped off a plane in Abu Dhabi with nothing more than determination in his heart and a waiter’s uniform in his suitcase. His first job at Hilton was humble, but Elias treated it like a calling. One day, a guest walked into the restaurant looking completely drained. The flight had been rough, the day even worse. Elias could’ve just taken the order—but instead, he leaned in, offered a kind word, and listened. That guest left not only fed but uplifted. That moment lit something inside Elias—a realization that hospitality wasn’t just about food or service; it was about transforming someone’s day, or even their life. That single interaction set Elias on fire. He wanted to do more, give more, and be more. So, he poured himself into the industry. He studied while working full-time, eventually earning a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK. Later, he took his education even further, earning a Master’s in Business Administration and certifications in Hotel Revenue Management and Digital Marketing. Learning wasn’t just a phase for Elias—it became a lifelong pursuit. His career blossomed, one leap at a time. He moved through the ranks with a combination of grit, heart, and a relentless desire to create excellence. From Hilton to Mövenpick, from Millennium Hotels to Rotana and finally to the Royal M Hotel by Gewan, Elias brought the same fire to every role. Whether he was managing food and beverage operations or leading entire teams, he never forgot his roots—the power of a personal touch. Along the way, Elias introduced bold, imaginative ideas that disrupted norms. He launched “Dine in the Dark,” a multisensory experience that became a sensation. He championed sustainable practices in hotel operations long before they were trending, cutting waste, conserving energy, and elevating eco-conscious hospitality. And when the world shifted to digital, Elias was already there—fusing tech and tradition to meet evolving guest expectations.
But like any great story, his path wasn’t without challenges. Early in his leadership journey, Elias rolled out a new guest engagement strategy that flopped. Feedback was harsh. Team morale dipped. It was a tough moment. But instead of retreating, Elias chose growth. He called meetings, listened without ego, adjusted the plan, and rebuilt trust. That turning point shaped his leadership philosophy forever—true leaders listen first, lead second.
By the time he stepped into his current role as General Manager at Royal M Hotel, Elias had already become a mentor to dozens, a visionary to many, and a trusted leader in the region’s hospitality space. Under his leadership, the hotel has become more than a destination—it’s a benchmark. His work blends operational brilliance with soul, where each guest interaction feels personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
His achievements speak volumes. In 2024, he was named Gold Winner in the F&B Director/Leader of the Year category at the prestigious Hozpitality F&B Excellence Awards—one of the industry’s highest honors. But ask Elias about it, and he’ll tell you his proudest moments aren’t the trophies. It’s watching his team rise. It’s seeing a young intern grow into a department head. It’s knowing that his journey has opened doors for others.
Abu Dhabi, the city that welcomed him, has become his true home. It’s where he’s raising his twin daughters, Thea and Leah, alongside his wife. It’s where he channels the legacy of Sheikh Zayed—vision, generosity, and unity—into everything he does. Through volunteerism, sustainability initiatives, and mentorship, Elias is giving back to the very community that shaped his future.
Today, Elias is laser-focused on defining what modern luxury truly means—elevated service, local authenticity, bold innovation, and a deep commitment to people and planet. He’s reimagining guest experiences, developing cutting-edge culinary concepts, and nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders who will carry the torch forward.
His message to those coming up in the industry is clear: stay hungry, stay humble, and lead with heart. Whether you're starting as a waiter or stepping into a C-suite, your impact is measured not just in KPIs, but in kindness, courage, and the willingness to serve something greater than yourself.
From the restaurant floor to the top floor, Elias Saad is living proof that with passion, vision, and the bravery to keep evolving, you can build more than a career—you can build a legacy. And for anyone daring to dream, his story is a beacon, lighting the path forward.
Social Media Handles: