RIYADH —This year’s Power 50 list of top influential hoteliers by “Hotelier Middle East” magazine encompassed several notable names from the region’s growing sector, with Hassan Ahdab, President of Hotel Operations at Dur Hospitality, coming in the 21st place.

This recognition honors Ahdab’s remarkable efforts and achievements realized on a regional level and during less than two years of serving at Dur, a leading Saudi hospitality brand.

Hassan Ahdab expressed his appreciation for this recognition and reiterated his commitment to Dur, promising to deliver further achievements and continuous growth in line with the remarkable transformation phase currently underway in Saudi Arabia.

Over the last two years, Ahdab pursued a vigorous expansion strategy for Dur through signing a number of new agreements and projects, especially under the company’s subsidiary Makarem hotels. Owing to his efforts, Makarem is currently operating 1,415 rooms, with a growth plan that comprises of 1,176 rooms in the pipeline, set to total up the brand’s portfolio to 2591 rooms and ultimately achieve its expansion strategy target of operating 5,000 rooms by 2023 through existing and upcoming properties in Makkah and Madinah.

Makarem, which is dedicated to serving pilgrims in Saudi Arabia’s holy cities, has grown under Ahdab’s leadership with newly signed projects to establish hotels including Makarem Jabal Kaaba Hotel and Makarem Sagryah Tower Maadeba in Makkah. Adhab also launched Karam Umrah Services company in Riyadh to offer improved and comprehensive pilgrimage services to the Kingdom’s religious visitors.

Moreover, Ahdab led Dur towards securing new partnerships with renowned international brands such as Marriott International and InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) to found and operate several new hotels throughout various strategic locations across the Kingdom. — SG