Sofitel Dubai Downtown

Next in our “Heartist Highlights” series, we are excited to introduce our Financial Controller, Sasindu Don. Originally from the picturesque town of Kalutara, Sri Lanka, Sasindu has always had a natural affinity for numbers. This interest sparked in his early years when he discovered that math wasn’t just a subject – it was a language he intuitively understood. His ability to quickly comprehend and explain complex financial concepts has been a hallmark of his success, making him an invaluable asset to our team. Starting his career with Sofitel Dubai Downtown as an Income Auditor in May 2015, over the years he has steadily advanced through a range of roles, including General Ledger Accountant, Financial Accountant, and Finance Manager, ultimately reaching his current role as Financial Controller. Each step has not only sharpened his technical skills but also exposed him to diverse leadership styles and management philosophies. His time working with different leaders has provided invaluable lessons that have shaped his own approach to leadership, which is centered on listening to his team members, understanding their perspectives, and working collaboratively toward common goals. Along the way, he has also built lasting relationships and true friendships with colleagues, something he cherishes deeply. Outside of work, Sasindu enjoys a balanced lifestyle. His ideal day off starts with a relaxing cup of coffee, followed by exploring hidden gems of the city and getting lost in a good book. Sasindu frequently visits the public library because he believes in the value of borrowing books rather than purchasing them. This approach not only supports sustainability, but also allows him to explore a wide variety of topics without the need to store physical copies, keeping his space organized and his reading experience fresh. One of Sasindu’s favorite books is Straight Outta Crawley by Romesh Ranganathan. He appreciates the book's perfect blend of humor and honesty, which resonates with his own approach to navigating life’s ups and downs with a positive attitude. Sasindu believes that “hospitality is not a profession, it is a passion.” With this mindset, his advice to aspiring hoteliers is both simple and powerful: "In the beginning, the journey can be tough and challenging, but with commitment and passion, success will follow." #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Sofitel #Accor #Heartists #HeartistHighlights

Proudly raising the UAE flag at Sofitel Dubai Downtown, while we celebrate the unity, resilience, and achievements of this great nation 🇦🇪 #UAEFlagDay #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Sofitel #WhereLifeLives #FrenchZest

Happy Diwali from Sofitel Dubai Downtown ! May this Festival of Lights fill your life with light, love, and laughter. ✨ #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Sofitel #WhereLifeLives #FrenchZest #Diwali #LightUpTheFestivities

A New Chapter for the Heartist Café at Sofitel Dubai Downtown ✨ With a refined, vibrant, and inviting ambiance, our renovated Heartist Café has reopened its doors today! To celebrate this special moment, our General Manager Mohamed Hawwam and #ExecutiveCommittee embraced the Vis Ma Vie spirit stepping into chef hats to serve a lunch crafted with care for our #Heartists, and creating a space where stories and flavours are savoured in style. #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Sofitel #Accor #ALL_MEA #WhereLifeLives #FrenchZest #HeartfeltService #HeartistCafé #VieMaVie

In continuation of our “Heartist Highlights” series, we want to spotlight one of our Duty Managers, Stella Ogango, who hails from Nairobi, Kenya, and has truly exemplified growth and determination during her journey with us since February 2016. Starting as a waitress in Food & Beverage department, Stella embraced the luxury ambiance of Sofitel Dubai Downtown and quickly fell in love with the hospitality industry. While she was naturally shy, her passion for connecting with guests pushed her to enhance her communication skills, supported by an encouraging team around her. Benefiting from the cross-training opportunities offered at our hotel, Stella took the chance to train in the Front Office department. This was a significant milestone, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone. Her hard work paid off when she was promoted to Guest Service Officer, a position that helped her further develop her skills and confidence. With continued dedication, Stella earned a promotion to Front Office Supervisor, where she faced new responsibilities like effectively handling guest complaints and resolving complex issues. Thanks to the unwavering support from her leaders, she thrived in this role, honing her problem-solving abilities. Just a year later, Stella took on the role of Duty Manager, embracing even greater responsibilities and showcasing her leadership skills. What she cherishes most about her job? The wonderful connections with both guests and colleagues, the joy of welcoming back familiar faces, and the continuous opportunities for growth and recognition. Outside of work, Stella loves watching detective movies, cycling, and traveling. Her ideal day off is spent unwinding at home with a captivating film. Stella embodies the belief that "there is nothing that can't be done" and that any goal is achievable with determination. Her advice to aspiring hoteliers: "Focus on your goals and don't be scared of challenges." #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Sofitel #Accor #Heartists #HeartistHighlights

From I Love to I Live to I Lead My Brand trainings — our journey at Sofitel Dubai Downtown has reached a key milestone. With a focus on empowering mindsets, our Leadership #Heartists have embodied the I Lead My Brand program, inspired to lead with purpose and passion. Ready for the journey ahead as we continue to cultivate a culture of luxury and excellence. #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Sofitel #Accor #ALL_MEA #WhereLifeLives #FrenchZest #Leadership #Luxury #Quality #PeopleFocused #LuxuryHotels

We are overjoyed to announce that Sofitel SPA Dubai Downtown has won three prestigious awards at the 2024 World Luxury Spa Awards! With deep gratitude to our valued guests and the tireless commitment of our Heartists, we are proud to be recognized in the following categories:  🏆 Luxury City Hotel Spa – Middle East 🏆 Luxury City Spa – Middle East 🏆 Luxury Wellness Spa – UAE These honours reflect our dedication to creating unparalleled wellness experiences, where every treatment is crafted to rejuvenate and inspire. Thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you for a moment of pure indulgence and relaxation. #SofitelSpa #WorldLuxurySpaAwards #LuxurySpa #WellnessJourney #SofitelDubaiDowntown #WhereLifeLives #FrenchZest

As part of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, we hosted an empowering workshop at Sofitel Dubai Downtown, uniting Heartists and experts in an inspiring session filled with knowledge, support, and hope. This workshop is just one of the many ways we're coming together to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and show our commitment to the cause. Let’s continue to stand strong and make a difference—together. 🎗 #BreastCancerAwareness #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Empowerment #HeartfeltService #FrenchZest

Behind every exceptional guest experience is a dedicated concierge! 🌟 Meet Mr. William Joseph, the master in transforming ordinary guest stays to exceptional experiences! #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Sofitel #Accor #FrenchZest #ALL_MEA #HotelConcierge #GuestExperience #HospitalityExcellence

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in an award-winning luxury hotel known for its commitment to equality and inclusion? If so, we want to hear from you! Join Sofitel Dubai Downtown as Director of Talent & Culture, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of luxury #hospitality within a people-first, innovative environment. At #Sofitel, #Heartists are at the core of everything we do. We nurture talent, empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations and create their own success stories. 🌟 #SofitelDubaiDowntown #Hiring #Leadership #TalentAndCulture #HRJobs #DiversityAndInclusion #CareerOpportunity #EmployeeEngagement #GrowthMindset #Careers #WhereHeartistsThrive #WherePassionMeetsSuccess #WhereFreeMindsMeet #WhereLifeLives #FrenchZest