New resident manager for Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien

Most recently employed as general manager of Dubai Concorde Hotel & Residence in Dubai, overseeing its soft opening, Baban gained his hotel management diploma at a Paris hotel school following a university education in Baghdad.

Fluent in Arabic, English and French, he initially gained experience at the Movenpick Jolie Ville in Cairo before returning to Iraq to launch the exclusive Palm Beach Hotel, after which he joined Le Meridien's Baghdad property as director of sales & marketing.

After 13 years in the Iraqi capital and a period in Jordan, he came to Dubai as general manager of the Al Boom Tourist Village where he spent five years upgrading operations and marketing.

Familiar with Le Meridien's standards of excellence, Baban said he was dedicated to ensuring these were fully implemented and maintained at Dar Al Sondos: "Our customers are seeking value for money, but given the competition in the Dubai hospitality sector, they will not accept any lowering of services - but they know Le Meridien's name and reputation signals quality assurance."

Located in the central Bur Dubai area of the city, the 144-suite Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien provides a value-for-money alternative for executives and leisure travellers seeking accommodation at the heart of the action. The property was reflagged under the Le Meridien brand last year, following extensive refurbishment.