Abdo Kayali has joined Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah as the property’s new sales and marketing director.

Kayali joins Kempinski Palm Jumeirah from Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Al Rayyan Hospitality in Doha, where he held the position of group director of sales and marketing.

In this position he oversaw eight boutique hotels owned by the government of Qatar and an additional two under development.
Commenting on his appointment, Kayali said: “I’m delighted to be back in a city that feels like home.

“Having returned to Dubai after just two years, I’m always in awe of how fast the city grows with its new developments that seem to just sprout from the ground.”

He continued: “I’m looking forward to being an integral part of Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group; Kempinski, here on one of Dubai’s most internationally recognized symbols, Palm Jumeirah.”

With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Kayali’s regional experience includes successful stints as director of sales and marketing in Saudi at the Hilton Jeddah, in Algeria at Sheraton Club Des Pins Resort & Towers, and in Kuwait at Le Meridien, as well as local UAE experience at Al Manzil Hotel.

No stranger to Kempinski Hotels, Kayali also worked at Emirates Palace from 2004 to 2006 as director of business development.

“With his comprehensive knowledge of the Kempinski brand and his wealth of experience, we are pleased to have Abdo Kayali join our team,” said Alessandro Redaelli, general manager of Kempinski Palm Jumeirah.

He continued: “His expertise in the region, coupled with his untethering enthusiasm makes him ideally-suited for the endeavors ahead.”

Kayali’s impressive career also includes teaching experience at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, where he lectured on the University’s hotels and tourism programs.

Kayali spent his earlier years in the UK where he graduated from London’s Cavendish College with a diploma in hotel and catering management.

He then went on to receive his executive MBA from the Management Institute of Canada.

A Syrian national, Kayali speaks fluent English, Arabic and French.
Kayali lives in Dubai with his wife and two children, and when he’s not working, Kayali loves to travel and dive head-on into different cultures.

Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah is considered the UAE’s Leading Hotel Residences by World Travel Awards.