Tristan de la Porte du Theil has been appointed general manager of the newly opened Dukes Dubai and residences on the Palm Jumeirah.

de la Porte du Theil joins the five-star hotel from Tonino Lamborghini Hotels & Resorts in China.

He boasts an extensive CV, with a considerable knowledge of the luxury market in China and South East Asia; two key feeder markets for the new Dukes Dubai.

de la Porte du Theil is no stranger to opening hotels, he has been involved in the launch of two hotels in China as well as opening and overseeing renovations to many more restaurants, bars, catering and food operations in Thailand, Cambodia and China.

Debrah Dhugga, managing director of Dukes Dubai, said: “Tristan is a really solid operator, with true international five-star hotel experience and brings exciting leadership to Dukes Dubai.

“First of all, he has a great deal of experience opening new hotels and independent food and beverage outlets, which is particularly important as Dukes Dubai is home to six restaurants and bars.

“In addition to that, after spending nine years working in South East Asia for a five-star brand, he not only understands the Asian markets, which we have identified as key source markets, he also understands luxury, especially when delivering five-star service as well as maintaining first class quality, consistently.

“Completing the ideal candidate profile, Tristan has had four years’ experience in the local and regional markets after managing five-star food and beverage operations in both Dubai and Jeddah.” 

de la Porte has said: “The five-star luxury market in Dubai is extremely competitive but we aim to carve out a niche with our warm, welcoming contemporary product, combined with classical British service standards, that the award-winning Dukes London has excelled at for many years.

“I am also impressed with Dukes’ food and beverage offering.”

Owned by luxury hospitality developer Seven Tides, Dukes Dubai is located on the west trunk of the stunning Palm Jumeirah, and combines five-star British charm with Arabian luxury to reimagine one of the most successful heritage brands to come out of the UK.

Dukes Dubai is the second property in the Dukes portfolio.

The first, Dukes London, is recognised as the World’s Leading Classic Hotel by the World Travel Awards.