With nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Fayez Almufarrij has emerged as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential hotel leaders. As General Manager of Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha, his career is a testament to bold beginnings, strategic thinking, and a relentless commitment to people, performance, and purpose.
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Perspective
Fayez’s entrance into hospitality wasn’t the result of a long-held plan—it was a leap of faith that became a lifelong passion. “I joined the industry at a time when there were very few Saudi professionals in hospitality. It was challenging, but also deeply rewarding,” he recalls.
With a foundational background in finance, Fayez quickly understood the power of numbers—but more importantly, the interconnectedness of all aspects of hotel operations. From F&B and room operations to investor relations and guest services, he immersed himself in the ecosystem, gaining a 360-degree view of the business.
Over the years, Fayez led successful brand transformations, launched high-end properties, and nurtured teams to deliver excellence. His leadership style blends financial acuity with operational excellence, all rooted in a people-first philosophy.
Why Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha?
Taking the helm at Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha was more than a career move—it was a mission. “I saw the opportunity to lead a transformation, not just of the property, but of the guest experience and the team culture,” he shares.
The role aligned perfectly with Fayez’s strengths in strategic repositioning and performance management. “It wasn’t just about managing a brand—it was about inspiring a team and shaping the future.”
Visionary, Adaptive, and People-Centric Leadership
Fayez describes his leadership evolution as a shift from authority to inspiration. “I lead with empathy and vision. My role is to influence, not just instruct,” he says.
He champions a leadership style focused on long-term impact—developing talent, forecasting trends, and building systems that evolve with guest expectations and market demands. His approach positions him not just as a manager, but as a culture creator.
Where Guest Satisfaction and Profitability Meet
Fayez believes customer experience and financial performance are two sides of the same coin. With a strategic lens on cost management and guest impact, he prioritizes investments in training, technology, and service quality.
“Every decision we make is about creating value—for the guest and for the business,” he notes. Balanced KPIs and a clear alignment between operational goals and guest satisfaction have been key to the hotel’s success.
Driving Motivation in a High-Stakes Environment
In a fast-paced industry, Fayez keeps morale high through purpose, presence, and recognition. “I’m on the floor with my team. I celebrate small wins and foster open dialogue,” he explains.
He also focuses on proactive leadership—anticipating challenges, ensuring contingency plans, and continuously equipping his teams with the tools and confidence to succeed.
Creating a Culture of Innovation
Under Fayez’s leadership, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha has embraced a culture of continuous improvement. Regular feedback sessions, innovation workshops, and cross-department collaboration are the norm.
“Innovation isn’t always about technology. Sometimes it’s about refining a process or reimagining a guest interaction,” he shares. His team is encouraged to test, iterate, and learn—fueling a cycle of growth and creativity.
Preparing for the Future of Hospitality
Fayez is deeply attuned to the trends shaping the industry: AI-driven personalization, sustainability, blended travel, and the rise of wellness and cultural experiences.
He is focused on positioning his operations and teams to lead within Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality landscape—aligning innovation with service excellence, and adapting quickly to changing guest needs and market dynamics.
A Sustainable Future by Design
Sustainability is a core pillar of Fayez’s operational strategy. From eliminating single-use plastics to integrating energy-efficient systems in current renovations, he’s embedding eco-responsibility into every aspect of the property.
“We’re not just reducing our footprint—we’re creating a hotel experience that guests can feel good about,” he affirms.
Embracing Technology with a Human Touch
As digital transformation reshapes hospitality, Fayez is leveraging AI tools, centralized guest platforms, and predictive maintenance systems to enhance service delivery.
“Technology should enable—not replace—hospitality. The heart of this business is still human,” he says.
A Vision Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Transformation
Looking ahead, Fayez envisions a property that’s more than a hotel—it’s a destination rooted in Saudi heritage, driven by innovation, and aligned with national growth objectives.
“My focus is on empowering local talent, elevating service standards, and supporting Vision 2030 through hospitality excellence,” he explains. Strategic partnerships, digital upgrades, and authentic experiences are all part of this long-term blueprint.
Unlocking New Growth Opportunities
Fayez sees immense potential in the rise of domestic tourism, MICE travel, and the shift toward flexible, experience-driven stays. “We’re redesigning our offerings to meet the needs of modern travelers—from curated packages to dynamic meeting spaces,” he notes.
Redefining Leadership in a Digital World
Fayez believes the future of hospitality leadership is about being emotionally intelligent, digitally fluent, and purpose-driven. “Today’s leaders must be mentors, not just managers. The industry needs heart and agility in equal measure,” he says.
Investing in the Next Generation
He is committed to nurturing local talent through ongoing mentorship and professional development initiatives—a reflection of his belief that Saudi Arabia’s hospitality future lies in the hands of its emerging leaders.
With nearly three decades of shaping Saudi hospitality from the ground up, Fayez continues to inspire the next era of industry leaders—rooted in purpose, powered by innovation.
