Resort oasis welcomes seasoned InterContinental Hotels Group professional

The long-serving member of the team - who joined the company in 1985 and stayed for two years, before returning in 1995 - brings to the role a wealth of information about the brand.

Renowned as an operationally experienced general manager, Harouni has a reputation with colleagues for being customer-focussed, driven for achieving strong results and highly-skilled at aligning employees and resources to achieve challenging business goals.

Moving to the role at the stunning Al Ain resort from his previous posting as General Manager of InterContinental Muscat, Harouni has also been part of the senior management team at other group properties including: the Al Jubail InterContinental in Saudi Arabia; Hotel Ivoire InterContinental Abidjan, Cote D'Ivore and the InterContinental Abu Dhabi.

Speaking about his appointment to oversee the beautiful 5-star property surrounded by lush greenery in Al Ain, Harouni said: 'The beauty of the property is that it is a resort - so it has a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Most of the visitors are focused on taking time out from the stress of everyday life. The challenge is to provide the highest standards of service in the most subtle of ways.'

With 216 rooms, including 35 spacious suites with kitchens and living rooms and 22 luxury Mediterranean-style villas complete with private garden and separate reception area, the resort offers a multicultural welcome in the oasis town.

'The property already has a reputation for providing an array of world-class dining choices, which enhance the five-star health and recreational services on offer. My aim is to continue promoting the property as one of the premier holiday destinations in the Middle East,' said Harouni.

In addition to working in the industry for more than 20 years, the French/Lebanese hotel professional - who speaks French, English and Arabic - also has a Masters Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from the Institut de Management Hotelier International in Paris, France, along with a BTS Degree from the Hotel School of Strasbourg, France.

Married with two children, Harouni enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, jogging and swimming. Pleased to welcome the active hotelier to one of the UAE's hallmark properties, Chris Moloney, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa, said: 'Walid has been with InterContinental Hotels Group for many years and has excelled throughout his time with us. We are pleased to have someone with such a thorough understanding of the InterContinental brand at the helm of one of the UAE's most important properties.'