Saudi Gazette

BANDAR Al Balawi is one of the young Saudi talents who have set out on career paths that are new and unprecedented among Saudi youth. Al Balawi is the Food and Beverage Manager at Assila Hotel ‘a Rocco Forte Hotel’ located on Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street (formerly Tahlia) where it spans over 10,000 square meters and comprises two separate towers - the north tower with 20 floors and the south tower with 13 floors.

We met with Al Balawi to learn about his opinions, ideas and vision for his work at Assila Hotel.

• You gained a lot of experience working in England. What is your vision for applying this expertise to the Kingdom and adding a Saudi flavor?

Yes, I worked for a long time in food and beverage management in England and it was a wonderful and very enriching experience. My goal is to offer services that satisfy the guests and make them happy. Throughout that period, I felt like I was offering something truly beneficial. I will work on utilizing this experience in my current role as the Food and Beverage Manager at Assila Hotel, and also I will work on enabling Saudi men and women to enter and lead the tourism field, as this sector is important to the Kingdom’s economy. I will also create a motivating environment for these cadres so we can rely on them in the future.

• Can you tell us about the opportunity offered to you by Assila Hotel to continue developing your skills?

I participated in the opening of Assila Hotel in Jeddah and the experience was unprecedented for me. The hotel has added a lot of expertise to my career path since its opening and the experience continues to this day. It has given me the motivation to become a role model to my fellow citizens in this industry.

• As the first Saudi food and beverage manager in Jeddah, do you feel that you have the standards required to get the job done?

The truth is, I’m proud to be the first Saudi food and beverage manager in the Kingdom. This has come after a lot of hard work to achieve my goal of being capable and trustworthy enough to take on this position. Thankfully, I’ve acquired the required experience due to my nine years stay in the United Kingdom.

• How did you and the Assila Hotel team prepare for the summer season and Eid Al Adha?

The team welcomed summer guests and Jeddah residents by utilizing all possible amenities to ensure their comfort and satisfaction. We also hosted a number of pilgrims during the Haj season, humble in our belief that serving the guests of the House of God is an honor.

This Eid Al Adha was the first since the hotel’s opening and we celebrated the first day of Eid by preparing a special breakfast in the international restaurant where the occasion created a beautiful spiritual atmosphere.

• What can Assila Hotel guests expect when dining at the hotel’s various restaurants?

We consider variety to be one of the most important elements in our menus, which enables us to satisfy all tastes. This is in addition to the warm reception that makes our guests feel at home, as well as the premium services delivered by our Saudi male and female staff members who have achieved the highest levels of professionalism.

• Rocco Forte is a European brand. How do you combine the traditions of the high-end Arab kitchen across Assila’s restaurants?

We worked and are still working on adding the spirit and flavor of Arab cooking with all its features and characteristics to our restaurants. We have 40 talented Saudi male and female chefs who are experienced in all the culinary traditions of the authentic Arab kitchen and skillfully blend them with international culinary methods to offer our guests a unique fine dining experience.

• What do think of the contributions that you and other Saudis working in this sector add to achieve the government’s vision where hospitality and tourism sector plays a part?

I am confident that the sons and daughters of this country will have the greatest role in realizing the vision. They welcome any challenges and work very hard to prove their competence, capabilities and ability to take on the leading roles expected of them. I see this in the eyes of the young Saudi men and women who work at Assila Hotel. They are determined to succeed and are very optimistic about the future.