Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah’s Post

Looking forward to meet business leaders and key stakeholders at IFS Connect Middle East 2024, taking place on Monday, the 6th of May at Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residences.📍 Wondering what’s in it for you? Here’s a short video to help you understand more about this event! 🎥 Registrations are closing soon, secure your spot right away! 🔖 https://ifs.link/pAiEqQ #UnlockBusinessValue #IFSConnect #SaudiArabia #KSA #Envecon #IFSCloud #ERP #AssetManagement

As a resident of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, I have the unique privilege of observing millions of pilgrims from around the world on a regular basis. Witnessing this convergence of diverse cultures and traditions is a beautiful experience, and it underscores the importance of exceptional service in the hospitality and tourism industries. I’d like to highlight from my perspective as an experienced vocational and soft skills trainer the importance of certain skills for those working in the hospitality and tourism industry, which are crucial for enhancing and creating memorable experiences for these esteemed guest of Allah. 1. Cultural Sensitivity and Communication: Understanding and respecting diverse cultures is essential. Effective communication ensures that all guests feel welcomed and valued, enhancing their overall experience. 2. 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥: From meticulous planning to personalized services, paying attention to the little things can significantly improve guest satisfaction. This is especially important in Makkah, where every pilgrim's journey is deeply personal and significant. 3. 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: The ability to calmly and efficiently handle unexpected situations is crucial. With such a large influx of visitors, being prepared for any scenario ensures safety and comfort for all. 4. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦-𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: The ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and solve problems efficiently is essential in this fast-paced environment. Whether it’s addressing a guest’s special request or handling an unexpected challenge, adaptability can make all the difference. 5. 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Providing outstanding service with a personal touch leaves a lasting impression. Going above and beyond to meet the needs of our guests ensures they have a memorable and fulfilling experience. As we continue to welcome pilgrims from around the world, I hope these skills will be embraced and honed to further enhance the unforgettable experiences of those who visit Makkah. Let’s continue to strive for excellence and make every visitor’s journey a remarkable one. #Hospitality #Tourism #Skills #Makkah #Pilgrimage #Hajj #Umrah #GuestofAllah #GuestRelatiions #EmployabilitySkills #Workforcedevelopment #SaudiVision2030

Even though throwing an event usually brings loads of stress, it's an inevitable part of a business. Marketing and promoting the event to attract attendees require meticulous planning and execution, while guest management and technical setups add additional layers of complexity. Effective on-the-day management, including coordination and problem-solving, is crucial to address any unexpected issues. According to a survey by Eventbrite, 47% of event planners report that staying within budget is their biggest challenge, highlighting the financial strain involved. Despite these challenges, successful event management can significantly boost a business's visibility and reputation. How do you handle your events?

Successful organizations and great cultures start and end with the people.

Helpful insight of my experience during a certain stage I visited this Souk in Marrakech🇲🇦 Would be beneficial to view, if your planning on visiting here as extra preparation of what certain areas can be like (not all)!!

An Unforgettable Journey: Behind the Scenes of Our Hajj Services The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most significant spiritual journeys in the world, and it’s an honor to be part of a business that plays a role in this sacred experience. As Saudi Arabia once eloquently put it, the Hajj business is about transforming an idea into a lasting memory. What sets the Hajj business apart is its unique scale and complexity. Unlike other businesses, it’s a once-a-year event that requires a minimum of two months of intense preparation. The challenge is even greater because most of our workforce comprises temporary or part-time employees, with many taking vacations from their regular jobs to serve the pilgrims. The logistical challenges in Arafa and Mina are immense. We are constrained by space, electricity, equipment, storage, transportation, and supply chain limitations—all within a very tight timeframe. The person leading a Hajj operation must be a jack of all trades, mastering disciplines from marketing, public relations, and negotiation to logistics, crowd management, and quality assurance. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in this business. It’s more than just work; it’s a mission to ensure that every pilgrim has a safe and meaningful journey. The intricacies of this business are beyond what I can describe in a single post, but I’m eager to share more insights as we continue this remarkable journey. #Hajj #Pilgrimage #SaudiArabia

Life can take you on incredible journeys as I stood alongside these two remarkable chefs from Yemen.  The photo was taken in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2017 during Ramadan, in the kitchen of a royal palace. I enjoyed the moment (next to the 16-hour days👨🍳) of the cultural journey food can lead us – journeys similar to those of Anthony Bourdain, who masterfully intertwined cuisine, culture, and storytelling. This moment was more than just a blend of ingredients and recipes; it was a fusion of stories, traditions, and passions, much like Bourdain's unforgettable explorations in No Reservations. Imagine if you had no limits in creative skills or budgets – the chance to create a masterpiece that reflects your soul. Whether it's a 📽A short film that captures the heart of your culture ▶YouTube series unveiling the secrets of your favourite hobby 🤳TikTok saga that brings your business story to life What would you create? This piece will warm your heart every time you watch it. Picture it, feel it, and share it in the comments. Your passions, your stories, your unbounded creations – let's hear them. What story are you aching to tell in a world of endless possibilities? You might feel it's personal for LinkedIn to share; let's eliminate that thought now; we make the rules.😉 I share my in the comments. #foodandbeverage #journey #traditions

The Future of Food Forum, now in its sixth year, continues to be the UAE’s leading platform for bringing together leaders from industry, government, and the private sector to drive sustainable growth. The Food and Beverage Group has facilitated valuable exchanges among stakeholders, fostering partnerships that support a more resilient food industry. We also acknowledge the Ministry of Economy for its role in establishing regulatory frameworks that advance national food security objectives. Participants depart the forum with concrete strategies, inspired by the guiding principle: Collaborate, Innovate, and Grow. Additionally, through the partnership with the Ishraq program, the food and beverage sector is being positioned as one of the most promising career pathways for Emiratis, emphasizing its strategic importance in Dubai and the Emirates. We extend our best wishes for the continued success of these initiatives. #FutureOfFood #Sustainability #UAEFoodIndustry #Innovation #PublicPrivatePartnerships

Alhamdulillah after finishing my Umra today, thought about the efforts that goes into facilitating all the pilgrims by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah - وزارة الحج والعمرة. Sharing few thoughts 💭 on how supply chain plays its role. Ensuring a Seamless Umrah Experience: The Power of Supply Chain & Logistics in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 As millions of pilgrims journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the logistics behind this spiritual journey are nothing short of remarkable. From managing food supplies and accommodations to ensuring efficient transportation and safety protocols, the Kingdom’s supply chain infrastructure plays a vital role in providing a seamless and memorable experience. Key Highlights: ✅ Transportation & Mobility: Coordinating thousands of daily movements between airports, holy sites, and accommodations with precision and efficiency. ✅ Accommodation & Hospitality: Managing hotel space and resources, ensuring every pilgrim finds a comfortable place to rest. ✅ Food & Water Supply: Ensuring millions of meals and water supplies are delivered timely to meet the needs of pilgrims during their stay. ✅ Health & Safety: Coordinating medical supplies and services, maintaining stringent safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all visitors. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continuously enhancing its logistics network ensures that every Umrah journey is met with peace, convenience, and devotion. #Umrah #SaudiArabia #Logistics #SupplyChain #Pilgrimage #HajjandUmrah #Transportation #Hospitality #Healthcare