30 years ago, the GCC’s world-class hotel sector and its unparalleled housekeeping standards as we know it today were nascent. “Communication channels in housekeeping were tedious, training was not given much importance, and staff were not able to communicate well with guests especially international guests”, reflects Nizar Ahamed Muthukuni, Assistant Executive Housekeeper at Le Royal Meridien who started his housekeeping career in the Middle East in 1984.
The 55-year-old housekeeping veteran emphasises that events like Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions, set to roll out its third edition during The Hotel Show taking place from 17th to 19th September at Dubai World Trade Centre, is a “morale booster” for housekeeping professionals in the UAE. The competition sponsored by Restonic is also supported by Diversey and Ideal Standard.
Housekeeping as a profession has grown in terms of technology, training, career growth, and recognition. Today, there are seminars, workshops, awards, competitions available for the housekeeping sector which never happened before”. He added that the League does not only motivate housekeepers but also helps spread a good word about the housekeeping fraternity in the UAE.
Flora Creek Deluxe Hotel Apartment bagged the ‘Best Housekeeping Team’ title last year and will be defending their title this year, giving tough competition to over 50 hotels from across the UAE that have registered for the most widely attended edition of the competition yet.
The competition, which will be one of the highlights at The Hotel Show taking place as a part of the inaugural Middle East Design and Hospitality Week, will see participating teams be judged on skill, speed, spirit, and teamwork while resetting a thoroughly trashed room.
Pamini Hemaprabha, Complex Executive Housekeeper at Mina Seyahi Complex and one of the judges of the competition says, “The Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions is a rewarding and motivating event for housekeeping staff, or should I say housekeeping heroes in the UAE. It gives them a platform to excel in terms of professionalism, creativity and in cultivating winning spirit amongst healthy competition”.
Lea Ruhimbaccus, Executive Housekeeper at Fairmont Dubai and a judge of the competition says, “Participating in the Housekeeping Challenge boosts the entire housekeeping team’s morale; the challenge will help housekeepers to step out of their comfort zone and to further develop a strong rapport with their peers across various properties. It’s a fantastic opportunity for housekeeping professionals to showcase their talent and expertise to a broader audience”.
Teams signed up to battle it out in the action-packed 3rd edition of the competition include Address Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Palm, The Fairmont Dubai (2017’s champions), Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Rove Downtown, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, Swissôtel Al Ghurair.
Yousif Kooheji, General Manager of Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions’ headline sponsor Restonic said, “Our decision to participate in the Hotel Show and to sponsor the Housekeepers League of Champions may be the ideal opportunity to test our theory. Having a face to face with customers and collectively experiencing the lively demonstrations, which includes the Restonic products, can be beneficial to all concerned.
Unlike the previous shows, this years’ event is a complete departure with some great new ideas. Hopefully the new format will cause a buzz and give us a greater feeling of involvement and hopefully elevate the Restonic brand even more”.
Nathan Waugh, Portfolio Director – Hospitality Division says, “Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions sponsored by Restonic has quickly become one of the main highlights at the Hotel Show, and for the hospitality industry in the UAE. A true testament to the competition’s success has to be that many housekeepers across hotels in the UAE now plan their vacation around the competition so that they can participate in it. We are delighted to have received the highest number of registrations for the competition this year. I would like to thank the housekeeping fraternity in the UAE for turning Housekeepers League of Champions into an annual celebration of talent and expertise. A special thank you should also go to the UAE Professional Housekeepers Group; whose consistent support is critical to the competition”.
Register for free today to attend The Hotel Show along with the Leisure Show, INDEX, INDEX Home, Workspace, FIM, and Surface Design Middle East comprising Middle East Design and Hospitality Week 2019.
For further information, visit: https://www.thehotelshow.com/
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dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.
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dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.
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About DMGT
DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1.4bn.
