With over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Rabih Melhem has earned his reputation as an innovative and multi-award-winning professional. Currently working as a General Manager with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC, based Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh, KSA. Rabih’s career is a testament to operational excellence, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.
Rabih’s journey spans prestigious hotel brands such as Rotana, Hyatt, Taj, and Marriott, both in the United States and the Middle East. His leadership has been instrumental in achieving remarkable results, from successful hotel pre-openings to extensive property renovations and operational enhancements. These accomplishments have garnered him recognition on local, regional, and international levels for consistently delivering outstanding outcomes.
Known for his enthusiastic and adaptable approach, Rabih thrives on embracing challenges and taking on senior management roles with a vision for long-term growth. His expertise extends beyond day-to-day operations, positioning him as a subject matter expert who drives innovation and operational upgrades across hospitality clusters.
Backed by a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and business accounting, Rabih has further enriched his skillset through specialized training in leadership, food and beverage, property management, and customer service. He remains committed to continuous professional development to stay at the forefront of the industry.
Melhem’s dedication to excellence and his ability to propel teams toward success make him a standout leader in the global hospitality landscape.
Early Beginnings
Starting in the early 1990s as an entry-level in the restaurant business in Monterey, California, Melhem’s journey in hospitality began with humble roots but quickly blossomed into a career defined by excellence and global impact. Even in those early days, his passion for hospitality was evident. He reveled in the opportunity to connect with people from around the world, an enthusiasm that set the tone for his future achievements.
Beginning at an entry-level position, Melhem’s dedication and natural leadership abilities propelled him into a supervisory role. His career gained significant momentum when he joined Hyatt Hotels in California, where he honed his expertise over nearly a decade. Working across various roles in the Food & Beverage department, he advanced to senior management, all while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from San Jose State University. This combination of hands-on experience and academic knowledge laid the groundwork for his remarkable career trajectory.
Rabih’s ambitions extended far beyond U.S. borders. His dream of working internationally led him to the Middle East at the turn of the millennium, a region ripe with opportunities and growth. In 2000, he joined Rotana Hotels, a nascent company with ambitious goals. Rabih became a key contributor to Rotana’s meteoric rise as the company grew and expanded from a handful of properties to an impressive 82 hotels, with dozens more in development. His influence extended across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the broader GCC, shaping the hospitality industry landscape in the region.
Throughout his career, Rabih has brought his expertise to globally renowned brands such as Hyatt Hotels, Marriott, Taj Hotels & Resorts, and Rotana Hotels. His efforts have earned him a litany of awards, including the coveted titles of Best General Manager in the Middle East and North Africa and Best General Manager at a Global Level. These accolades underscore his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to inspire teams to deliver world-class service.
Today, Melhem is celebrated as one of the leading figures in the hospitality industry. Where he managed some of the most prestigious hotels in the Middle East, his legacy is defined by a passion for industry, a commitment to continuous learning, and an unyielding dedication to exceptional leadership.
Redefining 5-Star Luxury in Riyadh
Nestled in the heart of Riyadh, Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana stands as a beacon of elegance, luxury, and exceptional hospitality. This prestigious 5-star hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication.
In 2024, Rosh Rayhaan was honoured with four prestigious awards, reflecting its unwavering commitment to excellence. The hotel’s dedication to delivering world-class service and memorable experiences has earned glowing reviews across major platforms for its excellent quality and service.
With 235 exquisitely designed rooms, Rosh Rayhaan offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every guest’s needs. These include:
- Guest Rooms
- Suites
- Royal Suites
- Presidential Suites
- Family Rooms
Many rooms are located on high floors, providing breathtaking views of Riyadh’s skyline. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with modern amenities to ensure the utmost comfort and convenience.
Guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey at the hotel’s three dining outlets, each offering exceptional service and a diverse array of culinary delights. Whether savouring international cuisine or exploring local Flavors, the dining experience at Rosh Rayhaan is unparalleled.
Situated just a minute’s walk from the Riyadh Metro, the hotel provides seamless connectivity to the city’s key attractions. Guests can easily access destinations like the King Abdullah Financial District, ensuring convenience for both business engagements and leisure activities.
Rosh Rayhaan takes pride in delivering personalized and attentive service, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met with care. From luxurious accommodations to state-of-the-art facilities, the hotel offers a comprehensive experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Rosh Rayhaan promises a stay defined by quality, elegance, and comfort. It’s perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and world-class service makes it a top choice for discerning travellers.
Sustainability and Wellness at Rotana
At Rotana, sustainability and wellness are at the heart of our operations as part of the Rotana Earth platform. This global initiative drives environmental, economic, and social responsibility, achieving milestones like reducing waste to landfill by 17% and cutting electricity consumption by 8%.
We’ve embraced eco-friendly practices, including bottling filtered water and eliminating single-use plastics, showcasing our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
Wellness is equally prioritized, with initiatives designed to offer holistic experiences for our guests. Through innovative solutions and sustainable practices, Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana continues to lead in creating a positive impact for our guests, communities, and the planet.
Analyzing and Addressing Guest Concerns
For Rabih, guest feedback is more than just a metric—it’s a cornerstone of continuous improvement and exceptional service. Positive feedback serves as a vital affirmation, highlighting the aspects of the guest experience that resonate most and reinforcing the practices that drive satisfaction. By celebrating these successes, Rabih ensures that his team remains motivated and focused on delivering excellence.
Equally important, Melhem approaches negative feedback with a problem-solving mindset. Rather than viewing criticism as a setback, he sees it as an opportunity to identify gaps and implement effective solutions. By analyzing each concern in detail, he and his team work to address the root causes and adapt strategies to meet and exceed guest expectations. This balanced approach has become a hallmark of Rabih’s leadership.
Setting the Standard for Dedication and Professionalism
Melhem’s leadership philosophy emphasizes inspiring his team through action and setting a standard of excellence. Leading by example, he demonstrates dedication, professionalism, and passion, fostering a culture where high performance is the norm.
Open communication is a key pillar of his approach. Melhem cultivates an environment where team members feel heard and valued, encouraging idea-sharing, collaboration, and addressing challenges openly. Celebrating achievements—big or small—boosts morale and appreciation. He also prioritizes continuous learning, offering training and skill-building opportunities to ensure his team adapts to the evolving hospitality landscape. A supportive work environment and emphasis on collaboration keep his team motivated and engaged.
Through this approach, Melhem builds a cohesive, energized team committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences and upholding the values of luxury hospitality.
Addressing Staffing Shortages
Rabih has successfully tackled some of the most pressing challenges in the hospitality industry, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation. Among the most significant hurdles was navigating staffing shortages, a widespread issue in the sector. Rabih addressed this challenge by investing in strong team training programs and emphasizing cross-skilling, enabling staff to take on multiple roles as needed. By fostering a positive and inclusive work culture, he boosted employee retention and created an environment where team members felt valued and motivated.
Another challenge Rabih faced was the need to adapt to rapid technological advancements in hospitality. Recognizing the importance of staying ahead, he embraced innovation by integrating cutting-edge tools and platforms into daily operations. To ensure a seamless transition, Rabih prioritized comprehensive training for his team, equipping them with the skills necessary to leverage new technologies effectively.
Through these strategies, Rabih not only overcame these challenges but also positioned his teams and property for long-term success, maintaining the high standards of service that define his leadership in the hospitality industry.
Investing in People
For Rabih, “responsible hospitality” is more than a buzzword, it’s a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of his leadership in the industry. To him, responsible hospitality means prioritizing sustainability, community engagement, and ethical practices to create meaningful, lasting value for all stakeholders.
Rabih puts this philosophy into action by championing eco-friendly initiatives, such as reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and incorporating sustainable materials into hotel operations. Supporting local businesses is another critical component, as Rabih actively seeks to collaborate with regional suppliers, ensuring that his property positively contributes to the local economy.
Equally important is fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity for both guests and staff. Rabih believes that ethical practices—whether in guest interactions, employee policies, or operational decisions—are essential for building trust and loyalty.
Melhem’s approach is about delivering memorable guest experiences while minimizing the environmental and societal impact of operations. By balancing luxury with responsibility, he sets a standard for hospitality that is both impactful and sustainable.
Investing in People
Melhem’s success in the hospitality industry stems from strategies that prioritize excellence and innovation. Central to his approach is delivering exceptional guest experiences by understanding and anticipating their needs to create lasting impressions.
A key pillar of his strategy is team development. Rabih invests in ongoing training and professional growth, equipping his team to provide top-tier service. This commitment enhances service quality while boosting morale and retention. He also leverages technology to personalize experiences, using advanced tools and data analytics to tailor services to individual preferences, setting his property apart in the competitive market.
Consistency in quality, alignment with strong brand values, and a commitment to sustainability further define Rabih’s approach. By maintaining high standards and implementing eco-conscious practices, he has cultivated guest loyalty and driven sustained growth.
Rabih’s ability to blend innovation with timeless hospitality principles cements his reputation as a leader in the industry.
Valuing Team Input in Hospitality Leadership
Throughout his illustrious career, Rabih has gleaned invaluable lessons that have shaped his approach to leadership and hospitality.
Equally important is the importance of listening and valuing team input. Rabih believes that fostering open communication and genuinely considering feedback from team members not only strengthens operations but also cultivates a sense of ownership and engagement within the team.
In a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry, Melhem has learned that adaptability is essential. Whether it’s navigating changing market trends, embracing new technologies, or responding to unforeseen challenges, his ability to remain flexible and forward-thinking has been a critical driver of success.
Above all, Rabih emphasizes that building trust and fostering a positive culture are foundational to achieving long-term success.
Shaping the Future of Guest Experiences
The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technology, sustainability, and shifting guest expectations. Rabih views these forces as catalysts for innovation and responsibility. Technology is leading the charge, with personalization at its core. Rabih envisions AI, data analytics, and smart systems creating customized guest experiences, from welcoming experience to tailored recommendations, redefining luxury and convenience.
Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of industry. Rabih predicts a future where energy-efficient operations, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing are integral to both business practices and guest expectations.
The wellness movement is also reshaping hospitality, as guests increasingly seek offerings that promote physical and mental well-being, including fitness programs, spa treatments, and spaces designed for relaxation.
Rabih believes success in this dynamic environment depends on adaptability and innovation. By embracing these trends and enhancing guest experiences, hospitality leaders can exceed modern travelers’ expectations and drive sustained growth in a competitive market.
